Waltz for Debbie: A Juneteenth Tribute to Debbie Duncan

“gentle, mellifluous voice” – New York Times Debbie

Debbie Duncan was one of the greatest jazz vocalists in the Twin Cities. She performed with many local and national acts. The Wolverines Jazz Quartet, featuring Rick Carlson, Jendeen Forberg, and Steve Pikal, leads this tribute to the legendary Ms. Duncan. Also, featured vocalists Judi Vinar and Dennis Spears will share songs and stories.

Dennis Spears was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2013. As a jazz vocalist, Spears has performed nationally and internationally. The Minnesota Music Awards awarded him Best Male Jazz Vocalist, and he has many recordings to his credit.

Spears is a proud Penumbra Theatre company member and has also performed roles with the Guthrie Theater and Illusion Theater. Also, Mixed Blood, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Hartford Stage, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, and The Kennedy Center. For his portrayal of one of his music idols, Nat King Cole, Spears was awarded an Ivey Award for Excellence in Acting. Moreover, he is a proud North Minneapolis homeowner and recently became ordained deacon at Kingdom Life Church in North Minneapolis.

Judi Vinar has been singing since the age of four and began her professional career in 1983. Then, she started in folk/country, musical theater, and opera, further exploring jazz, pop, R&B, rock, and Gospel. Now, she tackles any style – “good songs are just that – no need to choose one style over the other.”

Judi moved to the Twin Cities in 1987 and developed musical relationships with many of the Twin Cities finest. Here, she appears with Lori Dokken, The Wolverines, St. Croix Jazz Orchestra, JazzMN Orchestra, and her own Judi, Cliff ‘n’ Daves.

Recommended for fans of Nat King Cole, Johnny Hartman, Roberta Flack and Dinah Washington.

LEARN MORE:
https://www.facebook.com/dennis.spears1
https://www.judivinar.com/

📸: Andrea Canter