Award-winning jazz-pop saxophonist Grace Kelly takes the stage Nov. 18 at Irvine Barclay Theatre. We talked to her about her career and the upcoming concert.
How did you discover your love for jazz?
My parents played lots of jazz around the house. Stan Getz’s ‘Girl from Ipanema’ was on repeat on Sunday mornings. I fell in love with the sound of the saxophone by the time I was 7.
Your most memorable moment as a musician?
I performed for Barack Obama’s first inauguration, at the Kennedy Center. It was just an incredible musical experience. I got to play with stars like Dave Brubeck and Wynton Marsalis.
Tell us about your upcoming show at Irvine Barclay Theatre.
It’s the worldwide debut of a project with a 15-piece ensemble, called ‘At the Movies with Grace Kelly.’ As a kid, I loved Grace Kelly’s movies so much that I would tell my kindergarten teachers, ‘I’m Princess Grace Kelly!’ And they’d be like, ‘That’s not your name.’ And then as fate would have it, it became my name. When I was 8, I was adopted by my stepfather, whose last name is Kelly.
Have you ever been to Irvine?
I performed at Barclay Theatre in 2018 and had an amazing time. I’m very excited to return. I have only sweet memories of being in Irvine.
For tickets, visit thebarclay.org.
