Jazz singer/songwriter Katrina Van Humbeck was in our studios to perform a couple songs, before her afternoon concert at Music N' Mavens.

Katrina Van Humbeck is a Winnipeg, based Classical Jazz Singer/ Songwriter/ Pianist, Music & Theatre Performance Educator, an Actor, and she enjoys fitness and modeling. She was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, although she was born in Czechoslovakia, now known as Slovakia, and immigrated to Canada as an infant. Katrina’s debut album, Blue & Beyond, was released in February 2017. This album is thematically Jazz, with elements of Broadway, Latin, and Soul. This soprano songstress may be viewed as a ‘Crossover Artist,’ as her music embodies her full classical voice, unmistakable flare for Jazz, Musical Theatre, Latin, R&B, and Soul. Working along side her to record and produce this album are some of Winnipeg’s best-known Jazz artists, including Dr. Richard Gillis (Trumpet/Head of Brass at the U of M, Founder of the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra), Jonathan Alexiuk (World Class Jazz Pianist/Arranger/Producer), and Helen White (Jazz Performer/Stylistic Coach/Producer).

Katrina is no stranger to the stage. She has been performing most of her life, as a singer and actor. Many have made comment, “She was born for the stage.” Katrina performs around Winnipeg in coffee shops, theatres, homes, and ‘live music welcoming’ venues. Her music and performance style have been described as heartfelt, beautiful, genuine, contemplative, emotional, sultry, sexy, and fun. A favorite comment by a younger listener is, “Katrina sounds like a Disney Princess.” As a musician, she is inspired to have listeners relate to her music personally and be moved by the stories in her songs. Her music is inspired by the themes of Courage, Love, and Change.

As an educator, Katrina has taught Music, Choir, and Drama at all levels, from Pre-School up to Grade 12, in both public and private schools. Katrina possesses a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Theatre and Music Performance from the University of Winnipeg, and a Bachelor of Education in Theatre and Music from the University of Manitoba. Her classically trained voice has lead to numerous years of performing success as a church soloist and chorister, dramatist, a participant in the Winnipeg Music Festival, The Little Opera Company, Opera Manitoba, and various University and community choirs.

She is performing Wednesday 1:00pm as part of the Rady JCC Music N' Mavens series.

 

Here is the performance and interview: