Nikki Walsh

Nikki Walsh was introduced to the world of jazz at a young age. With her first mentor, she began studying the vocal stylings of Sarah Vaughan, Annie Ross, Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and even a little blues from Bonnie Raitt; they remain some of her main influences to this day. Nikki’s clear tone and bluesy influence make her a unique voice in the Minneapolis/St. Paul jazz scene.Nikki has performed at various local venues including The Times Café, Café Luxx, Jitters, The Downtowner Woodfire Grille, Basil’s, The Melting Pot, CJ’s Coffee and Wine Bar, The Dakota County Steakhouse, The Tavern in Northfield, the Northfield Golf Club and Border’s Bookstores in Richfield and St Paul. Nikki has toured most of the US as a solo and ensemble performer including performances in the Kennedy center and Carnegie Hall. She has been the Nation Anthem Soloist for a MN Twins game and performed with her jazz duo at private parties. In addition Nikki was the guest soloist with Jazzopolis for TV and spent a season at Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier National Park as the Bar and Dining Room entertainment.Nikki has performed with local musicians Ben Siems and Jeremy Hauer from the Willie August Project, Bob Damon, the late Mike Elliot and New Orleans pianist and composer Mike Rihner.