Sensation Shayna Steele in the spotlight with MSO

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Sensation Shayna Steele in the spotlight with MSO
In-demand singer’s big voice breathes new life into blues classics

JACKSON, MISS., JAN 23, 2023 — The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s February 18 concert spotlights dynamic singer Shayna Steele as she channels blues greats with MSO for an electrifying evening that’s “Nothin’ But the Blues,” 7:30 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall.

The concert, second in MSO’s Pops series this season, celebrates the style at the heart of American popular music — a style with roots deep in Mississippi soil. The connections don’t stop there. Steele, born into an Air Force family, called Biloxi home in her pre-teen and teen years, honing musical chops in pageants, community theater and Ed McMahon’s Star Search, which she came close to winning at 15.

Since then, Steele’s soulful, jazz- and blues-infused sound has lit up stages, and audiences, far and wide. Her versatile voice swings from Broadway hits to background vocals for Rihanna, Bette Midler and Kelly Clarkson, and from jazz festival stages to guest vocalist gigs with symphonies across the country. For the screen, her singing propelled Moby’s theme song for the Bourne acton films, and has been featured in Cloverfield, The Backup Plan, Hairspray, Sex and the City 2, and more. In the studio, Steele’s expressive vocals and songwriting shine on her own acclaimed albums and then some, including her song Gone Under on Snarky Puppy’s Family Dinner, Volume 1 album. The song has more than 1.8 million-plus views on YouTube.

In Jackson, she’ll turn that big voice loose on such beloved blues standards as Bessie Smith’s Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out, W.C. Handy’s St. Louis Blues, Ma Rainey’s Bad Luck Blues, Jelly Roll Morton’s Jelly Roll Jive and more. “Nothin’ But the Blues” was created by Grammy Award-winning producer/composer/arranger/pops conductor Jeff Tyzik. In addition to Steele as guest vocalist, guest drummer Eric Metzgar will join MSO musicians for the concert.

Tickets for “Nothin’ But the Blues” are $29 and up for adults, and $5 or less for students with valid ID. Find tickets and more information online at www.msorchestra.com. The Thalia Mara Hall box office will open at 6:30 p.m. on the evening of the concert.

St. Dominic’s Hospital is the generous sponsor for this concert. MSO’s 78th season is supported in part by funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency.

What: Nothin’ But the Blues, MSO pops concert
Who: Mississippi Symphony Orchestra
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023
Where: Thalia Mara Hall, 255 E. Pascagoula Street, Jackson