Monica Dillon is a New Orleans native singer, pianist, songwriter, and producer. Her smooth sultry sounds have captivated those around the globe. Monica's debut CD, All I Have is a Moment has gotten worldwide attention reaching those in the USA, Germany, London, Japan, Spain, Greece, France and Croatia.
In spite of the painful reality that she lost everything during Hurricane Katrina, Monica is one of the very fortunate ones who was able to stay in New Orleans and rebuild everything that was lost. With determination, zest and hope, she has still been performing post Katrina. In February 2006, she completed a German tour with a sold out concert in Potsdam as an invited guest at the Nikolaisaal The Voice Concert Series. Additionally, in the spring of 2006, she toured up the East Coast of the United States with performances in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington, DC and New York.
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A graduate of Vanderbilt University, with a degree in electrical engineering Monica calls herself the product of the many teachers and mentors who have shared wisdom with her throughout her travels. She credits her first piano teacher, Rose Marchand for having instilled in her a driving spirit and a dreaming heart. You can do whatever you want to do is her mantra and message every time she takes the stage.
Although her love affair with music started at an early age with several different instruments, Monica eventually found a home in front of 88 keys, a microphone, and the stage. It started with her ear. Her heart soon followed, with her intellect close behind. Today, she continually works at fusing the three while studying the masters. Many of the timeless greats as well as contemporaries such Mulgrew Miller, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Joe Sample, Cassandra Wilson, & Rachelle Ferrell influenced Monicas ear and spoke to her heart.
Monica merges various genres of music in her repertoire including jazz, gospel, R & B, and adult contemporary. She holds firm to the belief that versatility and a desire to be a better musician will continue to motivate her to study other genres such as African and Latin Jazz. Among her list of accomplishments include the pleasure and privilege of opening for vocalist Lalah Hathaway, Irma Thomas, Betty Shirley, Sharon Martin, violinist Michael Ward, and saxophonist Gregory Dawson, and performing with Paul Batiste of the Batiste Brothers, guitarist Marc Stone, June Victory, saxophonist Rebecca Barry, bassist Brian Quezerque , Charles Johnson, percussionist Harold Brown (original member of War), vocalist Sunpie, Harry Big Daddy Hypolite, and Mathilda Jones.
Monica has also ventured into the world of collaborating with filmmakers. Her song No, which is featured on her debut CD All I Have Is A Moment
is featured in Aishah Shahidah Simmons' ground-breaking documentary NO!, which unveils the reality of rape, other forms of sexual violence and healing in African-American communities. Presently, she is composing the score for the forthcoming documentary Belly of the Basin by Roxana Walker Canton and Tina Morton, which deals with the retention of New Orleans culture in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Additionally, she is currently working on her next CD project entitled A Beautiful Life.
Monicas versatility has afforded her the opportunity to share special moments with fellow musicians, friends and fans at events including festivals, concerts, weddings, conferences, campaign parties, & poetry venues. No matter where she plays, from Germany to the Big Easy, Monica adds her secret ingredients to a soulful recipe that keeps getting better.
AnOmali & Band Performing LIVE @ Chris' Jazz Cafe 4 Sunset Sessions EVERY Friday @ 5:00-7:00 PM! Hear HOT ORIGINAL Music And A Fresh Take On Some Stuff You Might’ve Heard Before! ;) Guaranteed To NEVER Be Boring + Great Food, Drinks & Energy!
This is a WONDERFUL way to begin your weekend and wind down from a long day at work!!! ;)
Hey Monica, I met you when I was filming the conference at Temple last year! I saw you perform at the Philly Car Share gathering in the park a few weeks ago and it was wonderful! I have a new dance night starting on Friday, hope you don't mind a post! Take care. emily
Much love and prayers to you and wherever you are riding out the upcoming storm, please, please, be very careful! New Orleans has suffered enough! Please drop a line when things somewhat return to normal!
Praying For Ya Up In Chicago... William/NSAX2C! :)
Aug 5 2008 6:03 PM
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I grooved with you.
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