Events

The Sunshine Jazz presents the award-winning, multi-faceted Artist Ms. Nicole Yarling! Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Nicole was inspired early by her father who played jazz organ and piano, and by his records. Nicole's education is extensive, ranging from a BA in Music from Baruch College, to a Masters in Music Education at Columbia University, as well as private training in composition, arranging, voice and violin. Nicole's notable talent includes the late great vocal legend Joe Williams, who discovered Nicole and adopted her as his very own project. "Joe Williams Presents Nicole Yarling at the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild" was born as a result. It also captures a moment in history which can never de duplicated: "Joe Williams Presents..." was to be Joe's final recording.

Ms. Yarling knows that the best way to keep her given gifts is to share them with others. She applies her knowledge today at Florida Memorial University as an Assistant Professor, and Director of Popular Music where she recently received the honor of "Teacher of the Year" and "Scholar of the Year" in her division. She is also currently full-time faculty at the Frost School of Music. As a mentor, she established a concert series seven years ago called Jazz Encounters, at radio station WDNA, and runs the four year old Jazz Education Community Coalition in Miami, hosts the eight year old First Friday Jam for the Gold Coast Jazz Society, and worked with Phil Collins Little Dreamers organization. As an adjudicator/mentor for Young Arts, she aids in establishing strong artistic community ties. In 2015 Nicole was presented the Jazz Hero Award by the Jazz Journalists of America and she was recently inducted into the South Florida Jazz Hall of Fame in 2016. In 2018, Nicole received a $10,000 Knights Arts Champion award for her work with the Jazz Education Community Coalition.