Thursday, April 21, 2016
Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
Chicago-based singer-songwriter Natalie Sprouse will be the next entertainer in Easy Street Productions’ cabaret series.
The Youngstown native will present an evening of traditional jazz and blues Saturday night at Overture Restaurant and the adjacent Ford Recital Hall lobby, at the DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W. Federal St., downtown. Table seating is $25. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. For reservations, call 330-744-0264 or go to youngstownsymphony.com. Beer, wine and cocktails will be paired with an a la carte menu prepared by chef Jeff Chrystal.
Sprouse will perform songs by artists such as Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday, as well as her own material from her album “Queen Bee.”
The singer garnered praise as a performer in the Mahoning Valley, often with Easy Street Productions, before she moved to Chicago two years ago. She discussed her music in this exchange:
Q. How did you get your start in music?
A. It was at the age of 3. My father worked at a nursing home, and he would have me and my sisters sing to the residents. I would belt my little heart out singing “Tomorrow” from “Annie.” I knew then that I wanted to be a singer. Also, I grew up singing in a gospel church, joined the choir when I was 8, and led praise and worship from then on. I believe that is where I get that soulful feel to my voice.
Q. What do you enjoy more, singing or song writing?
A. I would have to say song writing. In my music, I am a storyteller. It lets me express so much of myself, my different styles, feelings and emotions.
Q. What’s next in your music career?
A. I am currently working on writing 1920s-inspired blues and jazz. I’m also broadening my writing skills with poems and memoirs of my city life. I have a few jazz club performances in Chicago lined up that I am really looking forward to. Also, I will be performing with Easy Street in Youngstown this summer.