3/16/2022
Performances and Artists
Vocalist Sara Niemietz to Perform All-New Tunes and Jazz and Pop Favorites
Acclaimed vocalist Sara Niemietz doesn’t fear new opportunities.
When she costarred as a child with Carol Burnett in Broadway show “Hollywood Arms,” she fiercely held her own under the direction of theater legend Hal Prince.
“They didn’t care that you were a kid, you were treated as an adult,” she remembers. “It was a surreal introduction to start on such a high level. I learned a lot about being prepared and covering your end of things.”
Years later, Niemietz boldly reached out to composer Scott Bradlee about participating in his music sensation Postmodern Jukebox. Her gumption — and her rich, sultry vocals — resulted in her joining the group on tour across 30 countries.
“I loved what they were doing, and I put my little sleuth hat on to find Scott Bradlee’s email,” she says. “He said, ‘Let’s get together and do a video.’ And then I went on tour with them.”
Niemietz even found an unexpected opportunity in the midst of the pandemic.
During the lockdown, she began a virtual musical collaboration with guitar virtuoso Linda Taylor, who has performed on numerous hit TV shows like “The Tonight Show.”
“We hit it off and worked together so easily, we decided ‘hey, let’s make an album,’” Niemietz says of the new album that will release this year. “It’s something good that came out of the pandemic.”
The show will feature her new, upbeat originals, alongside beloved jazz and pop staples.
“(Audiences) can expect a high-energy show,” Niemietz promises. “I’m going to be sharing some new music that I’ll have never played anywhere else, and at the same time, we’ll do some of our favorites.”
Lightening Hearts with a New Sound
The new songs Niemietz will perform at The Smith Center aim to lighten people’s spirits.
“I could make an album of me whining, but I don’t think anybody wants that,” Niemietz says with a laugh.
While much of her career has focused on jazz and blues, her new album marks her first time penning rock-driven melodies.
“I grew up loving Janis Joplin and the Beatles and Led Zeppelin,” she says. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
Performing with an Epic Guitarist
Some audience members might come simply to witness Taylor’s guitar prowess.
She performed as the guitarist in the band for hit TV show "Whose Line is it Anyway," and has also featured on shows like "The Roseanne Show," "The Late Show with David Letterman," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien.”
“She’s an awesome guitar player,” Niemietz says. “I’m really excited to share our music.”
Their new songs carry a strong theme that Niemietz believes many need to hear.
“The thrust of the whole album is just empowerment and just taking up your space, shining your light, being who you are,” she says. “It’s a very positive album.”