About Me
Biography:
The granddaughter of jazz saxophonist Milt Yaner (lead saxophone for Jimmy Dorsey and his famed Orchestra), Megan Maureen Yaner is a singer/songwriter based in New York City. Entertaining is in Megan’s blood. She was involved with music from a very young age, having belted “Tomorrow†from Annie for family and friends at only 4 years old. At age 10 she was studying flute, and soon after, soloing in bands and orchestras. Throughout high school and college she performed in dance and musical theater, appearing in such productions as Fiddler On the Roof and Pippin.
Megan received her BA from UNC-Chapel Hill, where she served as musical director of the University’s oldest co-ed a cappella group, Tar Heel Voices. She also participated in two choirs and even co-produced an 18-song recording with Tar Heel Voices. It was at UNC that she perfected the mechanics and composition of music, and as enjoyment and technique merged, her voice matured.
To see Megan on stage is to know that the stage is where she belongs. Her ease at performing is only paralleled by her excitement and electrifying presence. Having moved around as a child -- from her birthplace of Indianapolis, to Minnesota, to as far as Belgium -- Megan developed a taste for a wide variety of musical styles. She draws upon Blues, Jazz, Country, Hip Hop, and R&B influences, adding her own unique approach. In Megan’s music you will hear echoes of soul singers Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight, blues artists Bonnie Raitt and Dinah Washington, country performers Martina McBride and Patty Griffin, and power belters Whitney Houston and Deborah Cox -- but always with a fresh, felt sound that can only be described as Megan Maureen.
Her credits include backup vocals for R&B singer/songwriter Johanna (www.johannalive.com), Nora (www.noramusic.com), Jiant (www.myspace.com/jiantmusic) and the funk/soul band EKB. With them, she has had the enjoyment and honor of
performing at popular New York venues such as The Bitter End, Joe's
Pub, Groove, Cafe Wha and The Blue Note. Most recently, she has had the privilege of working with the popular New York soul act Carlton J. Smith, "Soul Brother Number New," ( www.trubeatpro.com) who is known for his high energy live shows at B.B. King Blues Club and Grill on 42nd Street.
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