17-year-old Anissa Lee to perform at Detroit Jazz Festival
She will perform at the iconic Detroit Jazz Festival. For over 40 years, the Detroit Jazz Festival has been known as the world’s largest free jazz festival, featuring world-class talent.
Ferndale, Michigan (FOX 2) – Anissa Lea is in the studio rehearsing for a big show. She’s the biggest show ever for a 17-year-old. She will perform at the iconic Detroit Jazz Festival. For over 40 years, the Detroit Jazz Festival has been known as the world’s largest free-her jazz festival featuring world-class talent.
“I can’t even express how excited I am – it’s overwhelming,” she said.
Originally from Metro Detroit, Anissa Lee started singing when she was five years old.
“When I was five years old, I started listening to all sorts of genres, but jazz stood out to me,” she said.
“I fell in love with jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and Peggy Lee.
Her mother, piano player Emily, became her vocal coach.
“Since I was five years old, she has always supported me,” said Anissa. “She went with me to the basement and studied for a few hours every night.
“She said to me, she said, ‘Anissa, you have to believe in yourself, keep going the way you want to go, follow your dreams, and that’s what I do.
Her dad, John, has been documenting her travels throughout.
“I can’t put into words how much they impacted me,” Anissa said.
They, along with talented musicians by her side.
“There’s Keith Kaminski on saxophone who played for[Bob]Seeger. Everyone in that room has played for great musicians,” said Alex Green.
Greene is Anissa Lea’s producer and manager. All of the talent and hard work has paid off, he says.
She’s already recorded one album, has two more in the works and will of course be attending Jazzfest this weekend.
“She’s the youngest person to appear at a jazz festival, which is amazing for all of us,” said Green.
“I can’t stop smiling – it’s like – someone is pinching me,” she quipped. It’s an honor to entertain an audience and play with such great musicians.”
Anissa Lea can be seen on Saturday, September 3rd at 4:30pm at the AbsoPure Waterfront Stage at Hart Plaza. Jazz Fest is free and open to the public.
For more information, You can find the website here.
