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France Jean-Baptiste |
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Electronic Press Kit
fjbaptiste2002@yahoo.com Hm
773-508-9664 773 972-8170 wwwfrancejeanbaptiste.com For
over ten years this multi-talented native Chicagoan has been involved in the entertainment industry. France Jean-Baptiste
is an accomplished singer and actress. Her Haitian French heritage and life experiences infuse her music and stage presence
with unparalleled feeling, body and soul. Her voice has been described as a diamond in the rough. She brings a
big, rich energetic sound that audiences really respond to. Delivering every song with passion, you feel the emotion in every
song. Starting
her career with musical theatre, she was told by a stage manager that she sounded very much like Etta James. Shortly after,
she took a break from theatre and began working with a pianist and working the local piano bars for several years. She performed
covers from every genre, covering especially 70's pop/rock and, of course, blues. She eventually ended up working with
the Screaming Bluedogs and touring regionally for a short while covering the blues and original tunes. After getting booked
to play Etta James at the Black Ensemble Theater, the show ran for nine months and was featured on several Chicago TV and
radio stations. She had to leave her band behind only to come back with new musicians for the 2 nd year at a Chicago
festival. Knowing she had the voice for it, they asked her to belt out the blues all evening long to an overwhelming response
from the crowd who had never had a blues only show there before. The promoters were very excited to bring her back in the
next coming years. As a seasoned performer
with ten years experience in Chicago arts, France Jean-Baptiste is ready for exposure to a wider audience. She wants
to share her life with her audience through her music. Wants you to feel things you never felt before. Feel alive. Feel a
change. And want to come back for more. France Jean-Baptiste
although a great balladeer and stylist with smooth, jazzy soulful vocals as careesing as silk. She is also a powerhouse
combination of Etta James, Koko Taylor & Big Time Sarah and you can feel the pain and energy in her voice
For over 15 years France Jean-Baptiste has been entertaining audiences in Illinois.
VENUE (Bookings as of 2/02)
Antrim Dells Golf Resort Traverse City, Mi
Skips, Angolo, IN
Charlies Fox Batavia, Il
West Loop Market Chicago, Il
Blues Station, Columbus, Oh
Fat Fish Blue, Cleveland, Oh
Pioneer Lanes Plainfield, Il
Venice Tavern BAtavia, Il
The Big Easy Traverse CIty, Mi
Orazio Naperville, Illinois Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce outdoor fest
Click here for At Last: A Tribute to Etta James WTTW Channel 11 Black Ensemble Theatre
October 22, 2009 ‘The Message is in the
Music (God is a Black Man Named Ricky)’ Oh, Lord! It turns out that even
a hardcore agnostic can find plenty to enjoy in “The Message is in the Music (God is a Black Man Named Ricky)”—a
true testament to the exuberant power of the performers in Black Ensemble Theater’s latest show. Fortunately for Taylor ( and more importantly, for the audience ) , we have five absolutely amazing
voices to thrill and touch us. When this show rocks, it’s hard to sit still. In fact, if you can sit still, you better
check your pulse. France Jean-Baptiste, Desla Epison, Dawn Mitchell, Carrie, and Melanie McCullough are not only gifted actresses;
they are dynamite in interpretation and vocal pyrotechnics ( James knew how to belt out a song ) . We’re treated to
about two dozen songs over the course of the show, and every one of them is a slam dunk.
Dear Sister Baptiste: I saw the production of "At Last" a few weeks ago, and I have a newfound appreciation for Etta James.
I see why the play has been extended numerous times. I might even check it out again. All of the actors did a superb portrayal
of Ms. Etta's life, but I thought you were absolutely astounding. Your voice is wonderful, and I would love to continue to
support your performances - just let me know when and where. Peace, Adrian Sky
LINCOLN SQUARE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE September
1, 2006 France, I am writing
to thank you for another wonderful performance. It was a real pleasure to have you back at the Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce
Summer Concert Series. We always try to recruit the best local talent for our annual concert series and for the last 2 years
you have not disappointed. You bring a big, rich, energetic sound that our really audience responds to. I have heard many
positive remarks about your show. I also appreciate
your professionalism – I can tell that you are very committed to your work and to your audience. I look forward
to seeing you perform again. We will definitely keep you in mind for future events. Thanks again and please stay in touch!
Sincerely, Christie
Hahn Great grooves, soulful vocals, smokin' guitar. Hope to hear more.Maybe we can gig together. Raven Desmond
I
knew from past experience of Ms. Jean-Baptiste's incomparable acting abilities, given her stellar performance in my last show,
"Lingis in Love." However, I was in for a whole new side of her...Singing Diva. France, elegantly dressed in a maroon sequined
gown, entered the room, and the drama commenced! Her hair and make-up were perfected as if there had been a team of queens
primping and prepping her. However, she is beyond the beautiful songstress/ muse stereotype one may perceive her to be upon
first glance, and given her musical selections, you know there's much more to this talent. What left a lasting impression
was that I didn't hear the same ol' tired blues and piano-bar songs. Instead, I was taken on a journey of my youth, and the
trip was one that left me feeling elated. I know my fans think that since I'm so young, my childhood reflects songs by Britney
Spears...thanks for the flattery, but I don't think so. Selections
such as Journey's "Open Arms" left me reminiscent of carefree afternoons spent while riding my BMX with my boys. I truly melted
with "Sarah Smile" as I reflected upon my first love, Sarah. Why were these emotions so overwhelming? I'll tell you, the reason
is that France Jean-Baptiste is an "Eccentric Martini." Ever had one?
It's part Jimmy Scott, part Marianne Faithfull with a dash of Etta James and finished off with a sweet cherry. I looked
away and blushed as she captivated me with her spellbinding glances and smooth and sultry stylized vocals. Vocals that lifted
me and said, "I've seen many things. I've loved and I've hated. I'm at a good point now." That's
what her presence and amazing voice, unknowingly, share with you. The audience was in outer space with France, and everyone
was orbiting with one final destination...Planet Happiness. France Jean-Baptiste epitomizes avant-garde; eclectic R&B
meets altered state of consciousness. Do
me a favor, check out France and request "Love Don't Live Here Anymore." By the end of the song, you'll appreciate the very
moment you're living in. When the last note is sung, she'll leave you feeling the essence of joie de vivre as well as a permanent
engagement on Saturday evenings...The Raw Bar & Grill, featuring Ms. France Jean-Baptiste ...
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Sing those blues sista ,,,,, you have such a beautiful instrument and can feel the emotion behind it all ! Excellent , I'm happy I came across you today !