Project Created: “Estuary: An Artist/Mother Story”
"Estuary: An Artist/Mother Story" was produced by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
World Premiere: February 4 – 6, 2016
Quote: “Jamie Leonhart sings her way through the failures, joys and all the in-betweens of being equal parts mom and artist.” -Brandon Baker, Philly Voice
Bio: New York City resident Jamie Leonhart is an introspective and risk-taking singer/songwriter whose dusky, melancholy and introspective yet ethereal work essentially falls into the adult alternative pop-rock category but has definitely been influenced by jazz, cabaret (including German cabaret), torch singing and traditional pre-rock pop. After graduating with a degree in English Literature from Barnard College, Jamie continued her musical journey: through leading a 'pop' band, to singing as a soloist in the New York Metro Mass Gospel Choir to performing as a solo artist at prominent New York venues such as Rockwood Music Hall, the Living Room, and Joe's Pub. Jamie will be collaborating with Joanna Settle, director of the Ira Brind School of Theater Arts at University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. She is a graduate of Juilliard School’s directing program.
Project Description: Jamie Leonhart’s Estuary: An Artist/Mother Story, was a musical exploration of the challenges and unanticipated realities of being an artist and a new parent. The nascence of this piece began soon after the birth of Leonhart’s son, with the realization that the lens through which she had previously seen her life as an artist had changed. Leonhart navigated the changes in her artistic work, her relationship with her husband, and this new insane world of everything “baby” with equal parts humor and heartache.
Leonhart was unflinching in her candor when she sang about the conflict, the loneliness, and the anger that accompany the mother/artist collision.
Residency Public Sharing: 7/2/15