MySpace a place for friends

Like many great musicians, Vali Porter was born and raised in New York City. Her father, one of New York City’s top African American conductors in the 70s, and her mother, a professional clarinetist, introduced her to the likes of Mozart, Beethoven, Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington at a very early age.

Having to adjust to a single parent home, she began to take trips to Yonkers for dance lessons with her Grandfather, learning everything from ballet and tap to flamenco. These early years of dance would soon help Porter take her performance skills to the highest levels.

Junior high school was when Vali discovered her love for singing. Vali began to infuse singing and piano into her already polished repertoire. She traveled with her junior high school choir and competed all over the United States. Vali later went on to study at the famous LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts in Manhattan. She starred in musicals such as “Guys and Dolls,” “A Chorus Line,” and “Into The Woods.” Thus, confirming her love of the stage.

Vali continued to study musical theater at the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Connecticut. She became the first freshman to gain starring roles in the school’s shows, such as “Rag Time” and “Wild party.” She also joined KR3TS, an elite dance group out of New York City where she trained as a hip hop dancer and went on to dance for Rostrum/Universal Records recording artist, Nitty.

During her travels with Nitty, she caught the attention of Rostrum President, Benjy Grinberg. Soon enough, Benjy was bringing Vali into the Rostrum studios in New York City to write and record her music.

After her stint with KR3TS, Vali decided that it was best to finish school and headed back to Hartford, Connecticut. She went on to graduate in the spring of 2007, all the while still writing and recording her music. Never one to stop rising, Porter immediately landed roles in “Hairspray” and the “50th Anniversary World Tour of Westside Story.” She traveled overseas to Vienna, Switzerland, Germany, and Paris performing in front of tens of thousands.

Vali Porter is back in New York City with a lot of experience under her belt. Focused solely on writing and singing, Porter is ready to bring all of her past achievements together with her Rostrum team to craft her debut album.