Wanda Houston — Holiday Walk weekend
Date/Time
Location
Clark Art Institute (225 South Street, Williamstown, MA 01267, Williamstown MA)
Globally acclaimed Berkshire vocalist Wanda Houston brings her band, The Wanda Houston Project, to the Clark to kick off Williamstown’s Holiday Walk Weekend in a Berkshire holiday celebration.
Born in Chicago, Wanda Houston started singing in gospel choirs at an early age. Following an impressive journey of performing around the world, she settled in the Berkshires full-time in 2006, bringing with her a mesmerizing mix of mid-20th-century jazz and R&B.
Houston has won international recognition, performing on stages with the likes of Barbara Streisand, Patti Austin, Joe Cocker, Celine Dion, Rick Astley and Sam Harris. She has toured with Motown legends Mary Wells, Martha and the Vandellas and The Platters and performed in New York City from Broadway to film to RCA’s recording of William Finn’s Infinite Joy.
For many years, Houston sustained a bi-coastal career performing on stages with the likes of Barbara Streisand, Patti Austin, Joe Cocker, Celine Dion, Rick Astley and Sam Harris. A private scholarship in opera temporarily took her to USC where she prepared for the Met auditions. It was at this juncture she realized musical theater was her future.
Meanwhile, she toured with Motown legends Mary Wells, Martha and the Vandellas, and The Platters while performing with tribute band, The Marvelous Marvelettes. Later, she joined the cast of Michael Jackson’s production of Larry Harts “Sisterella!” and toured through Germany, Austria and Australia.
Today, as the lead vocalist for Heth, Bradley and Houston, the Wanda Houston Band and Big and Bigger, she also lends her talent to regional projects including the Convergence Progect, Mothership Trio, The Vermont Jazz Center Big Band and the NOLA inspired Rejuvenators.