JACQUELINE TABOR

The Artist, The Story

Jacqueline Tabor, affectionately known as The Seattle Chanteuse, is an award-winning vocalist, storyteller, producer, and arts advocate whose work celebrates the enduring power of jazz, blues, swing, and the American songbook. With a voice that is at once intimate and commanding, Tabor has become one of the Pacific Northwest's most compelling artists, captivating audiences through performances that blend musical excellence with authenticity, history, and heartfelt storytelling.

Her artistic journey began long before she stepped onto a stage. As a young girl, she became enchanted by classic black-and-white films, mesmerized by elegant women whose voices filled smoky jazz clubs with sophistication and soul. Those early cinematic moments sparked a lifelong dream—not simply to sing, but to create experiences that transport audiences in the same unforgettable way.

Today, that dream has evolved into a career defined by artistic curiosity and fearless exploration. Drawing inspiration from legendary interpreters including Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan, and the great architects of jazz and blues, Tabor has developed a voice that is unmistakably her own—warm, expressive, emotionally honest, and deeply connected to the stories behind every lyric.

In 2026, Tabor was inducted into the Earshot Jazz Hall of Fame, recognizing her lasting contributions to the Northwest music community. A four-time recipient of the Earshot Jazz Vocalist of the Year award, she has also received the Seattle–Kobe Sister City Association Award for her work fostering cultural exchange through music. Since 2019, she has appeared regularly as a featured guest vocalist with the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, collaborating with some of the region's finest musicians while continuing to expand her artistic reach through symphony performances, festivals, concert halls, and intimate listening rooms.

Collaboration sits at the heart of Tabor's work. Her acclaimed partnership with internationally celebrated pianist Marina Albero has become one of Seattle's most compelling musical collaborations. Together they created Don't Explain, an immersive concert experience inspired by the lives, artistry, and enduring legacies of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. Honored as Earshot Jazz's Concert of the Year, the project culminated in a sold-out album release concert at Seattle's historic Triple Door before embarking on a Midwest tour, introducing new audiences to a deeply personal exploration of resilience, artistry, and hope. Building on the success of the project, Tabor and Albero will return to The Triple Door in 2027, continuing to celebrate the timeless music and enduring influence of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone while sharing the next chapter of their artistic journey together.

Whether leading her own blues ensemble, performing alongside a symphony orchestra, interpreting beloved standards, or introducing audiences to overlooked stories from America's musical heritage, Tabor approaches every performance with the belief that music is more than entertainment—it is conversation, remembrance, celebration, and community.

That same philosophy extends beyond the stage. Tabor serves on the boards of KNKX Public Radio and the North City Jazz Walk, where she advocates for equity, accessibility, and meaningful opportunities for artists. She believes the arts should build bridges between generations, invite new audiences into the conversation, and preserve the cultural legacies that continue to shape American music.

One of the newest chapters of Tabor's artistic life has emerged through dance. Inspired by Robin Harrison, the work of LaTasha Barnes, and years of study with Swing It Seattle, she continues to explore the roots of Lindy Hop and vernacular jazz dance as a devoted student. What began as curiosity has become an essential part of her creative voice. Performing in She's Got Rhythm marked the realization of a childhood dream, allowing her to unite voice and movement into a single expression of joy, rhythm, and storytelling.

While touring and creating new collaborative projects, Tabor also delights audiences at private celebrations, corporate events, and intimate gatherings, creating memorable musical experiences tailored to each occasion. As a certified wedding officiant, she is honored to help couples begin one of life's most meaningful chapters, bringing the same warmth, authenticity, and spirit of connection that define her performances. Whether through song or ceremony, Tabor believes the most meaningful moments are those that bring people together.

Today, Jacqueline Tabor continues to create performances that honor tradition while embracing innovation—bringing together music, movement, history, and community in ways that are uniquely her own. Whether performing on the stage of an intimate jazz club, with a symphony orchestra, at a private celebration, or officiating a wedding ceremony, she believes the arts have the extraordinary ability to connect us to one another. Every performance, every collaboration, and every ceremony is offered with the hope that audiences leave feeling inspired, seen, and a little more connected than when they arrived.