Press release:

The Rotary Club of Des Moines is pleased to have acclaimed jazz singer, Stephanie Porter, perform at the 8th Annual Poverty Bay Wine Festival.

Porter, a Seattle native, is a naturally-gifted vocalist, who has had a passion for music her whole life.

“It’s in my inner fabric,” said Porter. “Most of my childhood memories are associated with music in some way.”

When she was a baby, Porter’s father made her a reel-to-reel tape of “The Wizard of Oz,” which she listened to almost every night for years. Her mother, who has always loved Ella Fitzgerald, would pick Porter up and dance with her on her hip to Ella records.

“I think listening to the freedom of Ella’s voice soaring over melodies inspired me and helped open my mind at a young age,” said Porter. “We had stacks of records too. I would listen to album after album and heard so many renditions of songs. I didn’t have a favorite. I loved hearing all the expressions each artist had. I listened to them all.”

Porter was brought up in a house rich with music. Her family is filled with musicians – from vocalists to pianists to horn players.
Her grandfather, Pietro Carrabba, performed in bands at the first-ever world’s fair. He played in theaters and was a well-respected teacher. He passed his gift on to three of his children.

Over the years, she has performed at numerous festivals and special events. She has also headlined at high-profile galas for such organizations as the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. In addition to the Northwest, she has performed in venues across the country, as well as Canada, France and England.

Porter will perform on Sunday, March 4th from 3-5 p.m. at the Landmark Event Center in Des Moines.

The complete entertainment line up can be found on http://www.dmrotary.org/winefestival.php

Tickets for the Poverty Bay Wine Festival are on sale now - $25.00 in advance and $30.00 at the door. To purchase tickets please visit www.dmrotary.org