Rosemary In Thyme Jazz Series: In Conversation With Kaleen Barton

Rosemary in Thyme the series moves forward with its programing. Next up on the stage, Kaleen Barton! A student of Frost School of Music shares with us a few factoids about her studies and time spent at the school. Get to know Kaleen before her performance on May 4, 2023 from 6-9PM at the lawn.

Introduce yourself and tell us where you are from?

Hi! My name is Kaleen Barton, I’m a senior at the University of Miami studying jazz vocal performance with a minor in music business. I will be graduating May 12 with plans to stay in Miami for the foreseeable future, teaching and gigging! I was born in Pennsylvania but spent most of my childhood in Maryland, and middle school on in Clearwater, Fl.

How long have you been in college and what is special about South Florida and Frost School of Music?

I played oboe for 9 years, and I never took a voice lesson prior to college, so Frost has been essential to my career and growth! My favorite thing about Frost is the people - I am so grateful that my senior class has been so close and also such great musicians. I will miss how easy it is to make high quality music when everyone separates next month.

What instrument(s) do you play and how long have you been playing for? 

My main instrument is voice and I’ve only been focusing on jazz for 6 years. Most of my vocal education has been in college. My first experience with jazz was singing with my high school big band, Tarpon Springs High School, at the Savannah Swing festival my sophomore year, and everything has taken off from there.

What can we expect from your performance?

My set will be standards with a twist. I love taking a jazz standard and arranging it in a surprising manner. Also, the set will be more intimate with piano being the only rhythm section instrument. Come ready to listen and be moved!

 Top 3 musical influences?

• Billie Holiday

• Cecile McLorin Salvant

• Erroll Garner

If you could play with any one musician (living or dead) who would that be and why?

If I could play with one person, it would be for sure Billie Holiday. She was my first jazz love and her storytelling is unmatched. To duet with her, feel the emotion she sings with, watch her stage presence, it'd be a whole masterclass with one song.