Michaela Nelson

a bit of Swedish/Norwegian (ala "Farmer's Daughter" & "I Remember Mama")and Yiddish as in "Funny Girl."

It all started with Alvin & the Chipmunks and Wizard of Oz... loved character voices. As a pre-teen, I began, like SNL Judy Miller, standing on my bed stage with my Hairbrush microphone - singing all my teenage songs from the radio - earnestly trying to sound just like the vocalist on the record. Barbra Streisand came on the scene and I perfected her so well that in college, students would gather in dorm rooms to hear me do Barbra, Doris Day, Leslie Gore, Vicki Carr, Marilyn McCoo, Connie Francis, Patsy Cline or Diana Ross. I even sang arias. From chipmunks to opera divas! I recorded, with the Dick Kress Orchestra, 4 Christmas Songs for a Pampers Diapers' POP store promotion. For over 25 years I produced and performed in my own show dance band as one of three lady vocalists with full horn band - Mickey & The Memories' Ultimate Rock'n Soul Reunion. A Tribute show of the girl group music of the 50-60-70s performing on a real stage with costumes, wigs and choreography. It wsa a female version of Sha-Na-Na. Our biggest compliment was when audiences thought we were lip syncing to the original records. With over 40 years of training, my voice lessons started at 9 years old. As an adult, my two key vocal coaches were Elizabeth Show (Wendy's "Where's the Beef" commercials fame) to the top jingle singer coach, Douglas SuSu-Mago. I worked at WLS AM Radio for nearly a decade in many positions - from Executive Assistant to Music Librarian & Record Turner. I used my voice in some promo sport while singing as a lounger singer between Chicago to Milwaukee WI. During the WLS years I studied with Jo Forsberg and graduated from The Players' Workshop of Second City. I was prepared to return to the musical stage with the invaluable acting & performance tools of improvisation. Ten years ago I joined AFTRA in Chicago's AFTRA-SAG Senior Radio Players, to perform in the only non-paying show these actors do. Thru the years I have had the opportunity to use all these vocal friends in my 'being' while we recreated old classic radio theater. Today, I am focusing my energies on using all these voices in seeking professional opportunities. I am just converting my home office to an office studio. 1.5 T Hard Drive HP tower I have two computers equipped for audio, video and graphic arts. My professional mentors are advising me on the best equipment and software. I already have used Sony Forge and other audio editing tools, which I have a knack for since my days at WLS Radio. I am actively increasing my knowledge in more professional recording and editing. Our SAG-AFTRA office studio has been my source for gear, software of "Audacity" and a sound proof recording booth. I have access to this as well as Chicago area studios. My goal is to be self-contained: to be the voice, the editor, the designer & marketing director. I have other creative skills in designing the art (MS Publisher & Adobe Suite) and printing on CD/DVD discs - using Bravo SE Audio Printer. I have been blessed to have and utilize all these skills & talents - a one woman artist. For over 30 years I have had my own business. Freelancing as a temp or performing as a vocalist. I have kept up with software and business equipment. This was valuable to having a one-woman business. From typing, to photo editing and creating promotional material, I have learned much. In becoming a band leader of a 10-performer show band, my clients and talents will tell you that my professional manner and marketing presentation was beyond their expectations. I have a dream of creating Photo-Biographies. It started with my mother-in-law 4 years ago. We organized her old photos chronologically and used each one to tell her life story. Each photo was pivotal in giving her flowing verbal recollections of that was going on in her and her family's lives at the time of the photo. She would identify all the people in the photos and of course, a story would unfold, naturally. I am combining the audio with the photos as a keepsake for her children and grandchildren. All my temp jobs and especially my years at WLS AM Radio have given me the tools and marketing skills that have made me a "One-Source" person for professional and creative projects. A bonus in the last few years has been my honored experience to care give loved ones in their final days. I have always been blessed with the gift of empathy and kindness. In caregiving, I realize how short life is long to utilize my talents in both honoring others lives as well as my own.