In the Round: Lady Blackbird with special guest Girl Blue

In the Round Series in partnership with WEXT is back at UPH. Our mission for this series is to uplift and highlight the work of various singer/songwriting artists on the rise to stardom! Local opener to be announced. 

Lady Blackbird is a powerful jazz and soul vocalist known for her deep, expressive voice and emotive storytelling. Born Marley Munroe, she initially explored pop and rock before finding her true artistic home in jazz. Her sound draws from legends like Nina Simone and Billie Holiday while infusing a modern, raw intensity that sets her apart in the contemporary music scene.

She made a striking debut in 2020 with the single Blackbird, a haunting reinterpretation of Nina Simone’s civil rights anthem. This was followed by her critically acclaimed album Black Acid Soul (2021), which showcased her ability to blend jazz, blues, and soul with cinematic elegance. The album’s stripped-down production emphasized her raw vocal power, earning her comparisons to some of the greatest voices in music. 

With her signature look, evocative performances, and fearless artistry, Lady Blackbird has quickly risen as a standout figure in modern jazz. Whether performing live or in the studio, she captivates audiences with her passionate delivery and timeless presence, bridging the past and present in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Girl Blue 

If you like Alanis Morissette, Brandi Carlisle, and crying in public, you’re going to love Girl Blue. Writing deeply emotional songs with strong singable hooks, singer-songwriter Arielle O’Keefe is absolutely one to watch.

She’s been featured on top Spotify playlists (New Music Friday) and charts (#2 on US Viral Charts), in national commercials, and on top blogs like the Huffington Post. She has received 7 Thomas Edison Music Awards, twice receiving Songwriter of the Year and Solo Act of the Year. It’s been said “she…has the kind of spark that makes stars” and, most especially as a live performer, she has an authenticity that regularly moves audience members to tears.

She is based outside of Saratoga Springs, NY. She records all her own music at home with her partner/producer Jimi W. and is funded entirely by her community of fans on Patreon and across social media.