HOLLYWOOD —It’s difficult to put Nita into one category. Graced by gospel, trained in opera, honed in pop, Nita’s voice is a remarkable instrument that’s difficult to define. But when you hear her power chops and sweet bell tones, you know you are in the presence of greatness. Having recorded three independent CD’s Nita continues to pull all the elements of her training together into a fusion of pop, soul/ R&B, with a dash of gospel. Nita has found a beautiful blend of music that soothes the soul, enhances the senses and elevates the spirit. A former Miss Louisiana, Nita took her southern roots, charm and talent to Los Angeles where her incredible voice carried her to Female Grand Champion on Star Search.
With a vibrant and dynamic stage presence, Nita is comfortable singing in any setting, from an intimate club to the arena stages, as well as stage, television and movies. She has been the guest performer at The Freedom Awards honoring Oprah Winfrey, Ruby Dee and Paul Rusesabagnia, sang duets with Andrea Bocelli during his 2006 Winter Tour, and also has sung with Josh Groban. Having David Foster as one of her early mentors, she has performed and shared the stage with countless celebrities including Barbara Streisand, Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Richard Marx, Stevie Wonder and Yolanda Adams. A work still unwritten, Nita continues to hone her song writing skills and continues to record and perform. Recently she performed highlights from “Porgy and Bess” with the Chorale Bel Canto Symphony as well as toured with jazz trumpeter Chris Botti. The best is yet to come.
WHAT: In the tradition of bringing the best performers to Cabaret at the Castle, Nita Whitaker’s talent and energy in songs like “Change the World” takes the audience on a journey through her musical influences, the show moves from gospel to Doris Day to an opera aria to Broadway to pop. It also includes a couple of self-penned songs, “Just Around the Corner” and “How Could a Love,” that both packed an emotional wallop. She takes a light-hearted approach to her “White Girls Broadway” medley by offering impressions of the original performances by Julie Andrews, Streisand and others. Recounting the experience of seeing her first Broadway show serves to introduce her stirring rendition of “When I First Saw You” from Dreamgirls. Musical director Nelson Kole, who performs provides strong support.
WHEN: Sunday, May 16 – Doors 6:30 p.m. – Show 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Inner Circle at the Magic Castle, 7001 Franklin Ave. in Hollywood
TICKETS: $25 non-members, Call 323-851-3313 x434 by e-mail atbroman@magiccastle.com
The Magic Castle is the world’s most famous club for magicians and magic enthusiasts and home to The Academy of Magical Arts, Inc. The Magic Castle is the showplace for some of the greatest magicians from around the globe.
