Michelle Hawkins is a highly sought after jazz vocalist in the San Francisco Bay Area. She performs an eclectic mix of "straight ahead" and Brazilian jazz at clubs and restaurants with some of the top jazz musicians in the area including Rick Vandivier, Jeff Buenz, Jeff Massanari, Marc Van Wageningen, and Scott Sorkin. Her personal style grew out a love for a wide variety of music from artists like Kurt Elling, Chet Baker, Luciana Souza, Wayne Shorter, and Ivan Lins, Michael Jackson and Sting. Originally trained as a classical flutest and conductor, Michelle brings a wide breadth of experience and musicianship to her singing.
As a Professor of Music, Michelle is a passionate, award-winning jazz choir director. Her groups have won 4 Downbeat Magazine awards for Best Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and they have consistently placed 1st or 2nd at the Reno Jazz Festival and Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival.