She Sings: Celebrating Women In Jazz

Rachel Azbell, Meg Paulsen, Sydney McSweeney, and Jasmine Spitzer come together to celebrate women in jazz. They will present compositions written by women: some you may know, and others that may be new to you! 

They will be hosting a raffle that highlights various women-owned businesses from the Columbus community. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit Femergy, a non-profit supporting young women and girls in the Columbus community. 

Mark your calendars for an evening of women coming together to support, uplift, and celebrate one another!

Jazz vocalist and educator Rachel Azbell infuses her unique style into standards, paying homage to inspirations like Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Wilson. Based in Columbus, Ohio, she regularly performs with groups such as the Columbus Jazz Orchestra and her own Rachel Azbell Quintet, performing at notable venues including Natalie’s – Grandview, the Ginger Rabbit, Caffè Vivace and more. Beyond her musical pursuits, Rachel is deeply engaged in nonprofit work, currently serving as the Education Program Manager at the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus and teaching jazz and commercial voice at Otterbein University and the University of Cincinnati-Conservatory of Music. In 2021, Rachel earned her Master’s of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas. During her time there, she served as a teaching fellow, where she led the distinguished West End vocal jazz ensemble, and earned consecutive Downbeat Student Jazz Awards in 2021 and 2022. 

Meg Paulsen is a Columbus, Ohio-based singer-songwriter with a penchant for percussive sensuality. Deeply influenced by Brazilian music of the 1960s, she feels most at home singing jazz, bossa nova, and related genres. In addition to performing and collaborating with other local artists and musicians, she is currently working on her debut EP, Garage Meats. 

Sydney McSweeney is a powerhouse vocalist and recording artist, native to Columbus, Ohio. Her enchanting fusion of jazz, gospel, and pop vocal stylings are undeniably one of a kind. 

Having earned her stripes as one of the country’s emerging artists, Sydney’s dynamic performances with countless symphonies across America, The Columbus Jazz Orchestra, and Maestro Byron Stripling have left audiences speechless-described as “stunningly beautiful” and drawing standing ovations across the country. 

Whether on stage or in the studio, Sydney infuses each performance with a unique and soulful energy. Her “one of a kind” approach and thoughtful treatment of song create an experience you won’t soon forget.

Jasmine Spitzer, a vocalist and 3rd generation educator hailing from Minot, North Dakota, found her musical passion in the diverse genres of jazz, blues, pop, funk, and soul. She crafts original compositions that blend these influences and pay homage to all who have inspired her. In 2017, she embarked on a journey to Central Ohio to pursue music education at Ohio Wesleyan University. Enchanted by the vibrant music scene in Columbus, she made the city her home.

Jasmine is a regular performer at venues like The Ginger Rabbit, Adelaide’s Gin Joint, Natalie’s Grandview, Dick’s Den, the Columbus Metropolitan Libraries, and various other hotspots around town, captivating audiences with her versatile and soulful voice. She is a middle school teacher in Columbus City Schools and a teaching artist for Jazz Arts Group. She is currently working on her first EP entitled “Here”. 

Food & Bar: Our full food and drink menu will be available before and during the show.