OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS

We’re half way through our summer concert series, Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing – and we have no plans for slowing down. Soak up some serious soul tonight when rising star Shayna Steele takes the stage.

Here’s a few fun facts about the singer, so you can get to know her better before tonight’s concert. Park opens at 5 PM, preshow with the Brandon Armstrong Quartet starts at 6:30 and Shayna takes the stage at 7:30.

1. She’s a self-proclaimed Air Force brat

   Shayna was born in Sacramento, California, to a black father and white mother. This shaped her musical career. Growing up on an Air Force base in Germany, she was comfortably surrounded by many other children from bi-racial families. When she later moved to Mississippi – faced with a sense of being suddenly out of place – she dove head first into music. She entered and won several pageants and talent shows.

2. She shined on Star Search

   At just 15, Shayna appeared on Ed McMahon’s Star Search. This was her first time performing in front of a nationally televised audiences. After losing by ½ a star, she decided to finish high school and pursue a music degree before launching a career in the cutthroat music business. 

3. Girl can sing

This one should be obvious – and is why we’re thrilled to bring her to Omaha. Shayna has been praised by the New York Times for her “prodigious pipes” and her dynamite vocals have backed up greats such as Bette Midler, John Legend, Rihanna, Dolly Parton and more. She’s not only a successful recording artist, but has also performed live on Broadway in RENT, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and in the original cast of HAIRSPRAY.

You can learn more about Shayna Steele and our upcoming Jazz on the Green performers on the website!