News Summary
Celebrated vocalist Catherine Russell will grace the stage at St. Cecilia Music Center’s Royce Auditorium in Grand Rapids. Scheduled for October 9, this performance is expected to highlight Russell’s unique vocal talent and musical background, making it a must-see event for jazz enthusiasts. Tickets are priced between $30 and $60, with subscription options available for the entire jazz series.
Grand Rapids will welcome celebrated vocalist Catherine Russell for a live performance on Thursday, October 9, at the St. Cecilia Music Center’s Royce Auditorium. The performance promises to showcase Russell’s distinctive vocal style and rich musical heritage.
Tickets for the concert are still available, with prices ranging from $30 to $60. For those interested in attending the entire jazz series, which includes four concerts, a subscription ticket is available for $215. Tickets can be obtained online at www.scmcgr.org or by calling 616-459-2224.
Catherine Russell is a New York native born into a prominent musical family. Her father, Luis Russell, was a legendary pianist and bandleader known for his collaborations with jazz great Louis Armstrong, while her mother, Carline Ray, was a pioneering vocalist and guitarist who performed with many notable artists. This rich musical upbringing has significantly shaped Russell’s career.
Russell’s professional journey began early, following her graduation with honors from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Over the years, she has toured and recorded with numerous famous artists, including David Bowie, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, and Rosanne Cash. The talented vocalist has showcased her skills on over 200 albums throughout her illustrious career.
In 2006, Russell made her solo debut with the album “Cat”, which garnered positive reviews and set the stage for her subsequent works. She followed this success with the album “Sentimental Streak” in 2008. Her third album, “Inside This Heart of Mine,” achieved significant recognition, reaching No. 1 on JazzWeek and Roots Music Report charts, and also ranking on Billboard’s jazz charts while topping iTunes jazz charts.
Russell’s discography includes numerous critically acclaimed projects, such as “Strictly Romancin’” (2012), which won several awards, including the Prix du Jazz Vocal from the French Jazz Academy, and her Grammy-nominated album, “Harlem on My Mind” (2016). Her seventh album, “Alone Together” (2019), further solidified her place in the jazz world, reaching the top of the JazzWeek Year-End chart and earning her a second Grammy nomination.
The artist’s performances have taken her across four continents and major jazz festivals worldwide, including sold-out shows at prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Her vocal style has been described as “a retro old-school vocalist for the ages,” showcasing a repertoire rich with music ranging from the 1920s to the present, marked by soulful interpretations and an engaging sense of humor.
In addition to her music career, Russell has made appearances on popular television shows such as “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”, PBS’s “Tavis Smiley Show”, and NPR’s “Fresh Air”. She also contributed three songs to the film “Kill Your Darlings” in 2013 and played a role in the film “Bolden” in 2019, which added to her varied artistic repertoire.
Catherine Russell’s performance at St. Cecilia Music Center is set to be a memorable night filled with impressive music and artistry. As a beloved figure in the jazz scene, her concert represents a unique opportunity for music lovers in Grand Rapids.
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Additional Resources
- Grand Rapids Magazine: Catherine Russell Is Jazz Royalty
- Wikipedia: Catherine Russell (Singer)
- Revue: October 2025 Arts Calendar
- Google Search: Catherine Russell concert
- MLive: Catherine Helms Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jazz Music
- MLive: Elizabeth Russell Obituary
- Google News: Catherine Russell jazz
- MLive: Catherine Phillips Obituary
- Google Scholar: Jazz Performance
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
