"Our breathing, our sense of well-being, our sense of self worth and the like are all enhanced through singing. Even if we don't sing particularly well or have an especially beautiful voice, we are still receiving the wonderful benefits singing offers us." Richard Gill
Khristina's vibrant singing style and interpretation has made her popular with both audiences and peers alike. She has been influenced by all genres of popular music from Janis Ian and Carole King to Barbara Morrison, from Ella Fitzgerald to Blossom Dearie, from George Benson to Fats Waller.
Uke-ing Around ...
Her current passion is singing and playing the ukulele with the Blue Mountains Ukulele Group, or Blue MUGS, and the Balmian Ukulele Klub, or BUK. She is thrilled to be performing in the Third Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival in Janis Ian TribUKE. Here are the highlights on YouTube:
Fly Too High | Watch on YouTube |
At Seventeen | Watch on YouTube |
Jesse | Watch on YouTube |
Society's Child | Watch on YouTube |
Other Side of The Sun | Watch on YouTube |
The Journey ...
Khristina has been privileged to perform with the finest of Australia's musical talent, including Ray Alldridge, Julian Lee, Kevin Hunt, Matt McMahon, Michael Pensini, Bob Barnard, Dave Colton, George Golla, Mark Isaacs, Ron Falson, Michael Hope, Craig Scott, Chuck Morgan, Jim Pennell, Kenny Powell, Norm Erskine, Ed Gaston, Ed Wilson Big Band. Indeed, Khristina is just pleased to be singing and performing - not because she wants to but because she needs to! (To quote Tony Bennett)
As a bandleader, she performs with her own bands GROOVE MERCHANTS and AD LIB SWING QUARTET featuring both swing and popular music. She is also a freelance vocalist and recently performed with the BASIN STREET JAZZ QUARTET, wowing the audience at The Westport Cub Port Macquarie.
In collaboration with Pete Di Losa, a CD This Time was released that receives airplay on both local and national jazz programs.
Featured Performances
The John Mangos Show; Clive Robertson's "Nightline"; ABC TV's "Jazz As Now"; Manly Jazz Festival; Thredbo Jazz Festival; The Port Macquarie Jazz Festival, The Bacardi Club – Sydney Festival; The Don Burrows Supper Club; ABC Radio Play "Sally Rivers' All Girl Band"; live and studio recordings with Mark Isaacs, Dave Colton and her big band SHEER JOY for ABC FM Radio.
Residencies & Regular Appearances
Penrith Panthers; City Tattersall Club; Easter Suburbs Leagues Club; Manly Pacific Hotel; Mortdale RSL Club; Bourbon and Beefsteak Restaurant, Kings Cross; Bull and Bush Hotel; Kirribilli Hotel; Buena Vista Hotel, Mosman; Jordon's Restaurant; Kirribilli Ex-Services Club.
Studies
Sydney Conservatorium of Music - Fundamentals of Music & Jazz Vocal Improvisation
John (Ants) Neeme - Jazz Improvisation & Music Copying
Julie Spithill-Evans – Keyboard Technique & Music Theory
NIDA – Vocal Intensive Workshops and Performance
Mentors & Private Vocal Tuition
Pat Wilson, Andrew Ross, Kerrie Biddell, Patricia Oertel, Stephen Yalouris, Barbara Leslie and all the talented musicians with whom music has been shared . Also many workshops with visiting International Artists.
Teaching
Brent Street (Balmain, Camperdown and Parramatta); Plie Groove 'n' Shuffle (Dee Why); Sydney TAFE; Johnny Young Talent Schools; K Kids Dance Studio LA Talent Schools; St George Community College; Jane Scali Talent Schools and All Stars Performing Arts (North Sydney).