Jane Monheit

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2024 Jane Monheit is a vocalist with a deep passion for the Great American Songbook. She is a successful bandleader, and has made music with some of the greatest figures in jazz. After more than 20 years, 12 albums and countless guest appearances, she continues to tour the world playing major halls, clubs and festivals. Monheit studied woodwinds and piano during her childhood, and spent a decade performing in award-winning choirs, while also participating in community theater. At age 20, during her senior year at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, she placed second in the Thelonious Monk Competition (now known as the Hancock Competition), which instantly elevated her visibility within the jazz community. She uses the knowledge and experience she has gained to educate and uplift students worldwide. Early in her career, Monheit worked with legends such as Tommy Flanagan, Ron Carter and Kenny Barron, while releasing her first albums and touring. She has since collaborated with such jazz luminaries as Terence Blanchard, Ivan Lins, Tom Harrell, John Pizzarelli, Christian McBride, Vince Mendoza, Jorge Calandrelli and many more. Her focus throughout the years has remained steadfastly on jazz, especially the interpretation of the Songbook.