History by Angela Ai

In an era of cloned commercialism, it takes guts for an artist to cultivate a distinct identity and Angela has definitely created some of the most powerful, original, inspired music you will hear in a long time.

Angela Ai was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. Her passion for the performing arts began at the age of 5 when she began studying ballet. She studied classical piano at the age of 7 following with brief studies on the violin and flute. While in high school, she began auditioning for and was chosen to be the lead in many of the school musicals and plays.

After graduating from The University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) with a degree in Finance, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in investment banking always with music in the background. "The problem is when I began calling in sick to work, I actually started getting sick!" Angela laughs. She then decided to apply to The Manhattan School of Music where she was accepted and began studying Jazz Vocal Performance with teachers including Peter Eldridge from New York Voices and Chris Rosenberg who has played regularly with Ornette Coleman.

Since then, Angela has performed in some of New York's most renowned musical proving grounds including The Bottom Line, Mercury Lounge, The Cutting Room, The Bitter End, CB's Gallery and Makor.

Most recently, Angela's second CD, "History", was chosen as a Performing Songwriter Magazine's DIY (Do-it-Yourself) Top-12-Pick. In February of 2001, Angela was selected as The Songwriters' Hall of Fame Abe Olman Scholarship recipient for "Excellence in Songwriting" which was featured in Billboard Magazine. In July of 2001, she was chosen as the Featured Artist for the SHOF and again, in March of 2001, Angela was selected to perform in the 37th Songwriter Showcase which she had previously participated in June of 1999.

Angela has also performed twice in the BMI Songwriters' Circle, has had feature vocals in films and TV and was a featured guest on WBAI 99.5FM. She has worked with several successful writers/producers including Jeff Franzel (Shawn Colvin, "N Sync, Taylor Dayne, Robyn); Lorraine Ferro (Dove Award); Michael Colina (David Sanborn, George Benson, Patty Austin); and Mark Godwin (Janice Robinson).

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