The 2025 Shepherd Express Best of Milwaukee awards finalists have been announced and I am both humbled and honored to have been nominated in 2 categories in 2025: Milwaukee Music: Best Jazz Combo (Ellen Winters Group) and Arts & Entertainment: Best Music Education.  Wow.  While awards are not necessarily a measure of success, it always makes me smile when people remember me for my music and my teaching.    

I am SO fortunate to share the stage with such amazing musicians in both Milwaukee and Chicago.  To my Chicago Cabaret Professionals colleagues, thank you all for always raising the bar and elevating music every time you hit the stage.  You make me a better musician.  To all of my amazing students at Columbia College Chicago, you make me WANT to go to work every day.  🎶

It's always a lovely surprise to be a finalist.  If you haven't been to Milwaukee in a while, come visit us (just 90 minutes north) and spend time exploring what our great city has to offer for dining, boutique hotels and great entertainment.   Voting goes until Oct 30th. All you need is a valid email address to vote and you can vote for as many categories as you wish - or as few.   #BOM2025 #BestOfMilwaukee2025  https://BOM25.shepherdexpress.com