Wende Harston

Biographical Information (compiled from the Madison Jazz Society & Pan Jumbies websites):

"A Chicago native, Wende studied music at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, and emulates pioneer Bessie Smith with a passion. Her many acting credits include stage, movies, TV, and commercials. Bringing her jazz and calypso roots to Pan Jumbies, she has also been a long time member of the Queen City Jazz Band. An avid collector, one of her latest hobbies is dabbling in string instruments."

A Sampling Of Press Coverage:

From the Hannibal Courier-Post:

"In recent years, the (QCJB) has shared the stage with, and now headlines, professional actress and one-of-a-kind singer Wende Harston. Full-throated Ms. Harston is equally at home on such diverse songs as the lusty 'Wild Women Don't Worry' or the plaintive prayer 'While I Have the Time.'"

From the Rapid City Journal, April 2004:

"The (QCJB) recreates the sounds of the 1920s, bringing to life the music of Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver. Vocalist for the band is Wende Harston, a full-throated Bessie Smith-style blues and gospel singer who can get "down and dirty" or sing sweet and pretty."