Melissa Ellis

Melissa Ellis provides the highest quality entertainment for intimate venues/gatherings up to snazzy, classy events. Predominantly a solo artist, Melissa accompanies herself on piano/keys. She can easily provide a drummer on request and can build up to a four-piece band if necessary.
Her set consists of classic jazz standards, familiar bluesy tunes, and blue-eyed soul.
Melissa Ellis is best fit for an event requiring an energetic vocal artist that encompasses a chill and smooth stage presence.

Sound equipment is available.

Melissa Ellis possesses an unmatched vocal style and power that packs one serious punch. Coinced The Southern Spitfire because of her versatile maneuverings between a warm opulent tone and texture, reminiscent of classic jazz sirens, to her soulful delivery and distinctive growl of the blues, Melissa has concocted an unforgettable signature blend of jazz and blues coupled with her charming, southern accent.

Garnering her professional start on stage at the age of 15 in regional/touring theater, Melissa went on to study voice (jazz & classical) at Tennessee Technological University while moonlighting in the country music venues of downtown Nashville (because if you're a musician in Tennessee you're required to try country at least once or they'll kick you out of the state). From there, she dabbled with a little bit of bluegrass in the Knoxville area releasing her debut album "Crossville". By 2010, she was unable to deny the tenacious return to her heart in jazz and blues, so she jumped in with both feet scrapping her country and bluegrass experiences, maintained her natural southern accent and grabbed hold of the opportunities that lay before her--from Nashville's infamous Ryman Auditorium, Beale Street in Memphis... to the venues of Paris, France.

A 2022 Josie Award Jazz/Blues Vocalist Nominee, her most recent EP "Live: In the House" is a live concert album that includes familiar jazz/blues melodies, but also features her song "Dirty Little Secret" that has been receiving play on jazz airwaves.

Melissa is currently collaborating on a jazz project with jazz piano virtuoso, John Colianni.

Artist can provide sound equipment: sound board, 2 speakers, 2 speaker stands, and two monitors.
Artist can bring her own instruments: Yamaha CP300 88-key keyboard, Epiphone Jumbo (EJ-200) Acoustic/Electric, and 1-2 Blue Encore 300 condenser microphone(s).
Artist REQUIRES 2 power outlets for 3-pronged power sources within a 15 foot distance. Artist can supply extension cords as well as power strips/surge protectors.
Artist (as a soloist) REQUIRES AT MINIMUM 8’ deep x 10’ wide space /stage for performance. Full Band REQUIRES AT MINIMUM 16’ deep x 20’ wide stage.
If sound equipment is provided by the venue Artist REQUIRES two 1/4” cords, up to two 15’ mic cords (dependent on client’s needs), up to two boom mic stands, condenser vocal microphone—Shure SM58 or Blue Encore 300 is preferred but not required.
In case of outdoor performance/venue, Artist REQUIRES a contingency plan to move indoors in case of inclement weather or predicted inclement weather due to safety and protection of equipment. Inclement weather can be defined as rain (within 24 hours prior, and forecasted within an hour before, after, or during performance set), winds reaching 25mph or more, and temperatures reaching 90º and higher as well as dropping to 60º and lower.

A contract to protect both client and artist will be made available in all booking situations.