Meet Maria Jacobs | National recording artist and educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Jacobs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
My faith is definitely the most important thing in my life. Living a life of Christian principles guides me on so many levels, most importantly, how to treat people. I try hard to “do unto others,” even if they let me down. It’s one of the many ways I try to serve God.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well, I think I have managed to become very multifaceted. I am a jazz vocalist, national recording, and voiceover artist, author and also an educator. I’m currently in my seventh year as the Vocal jazz professor Kent State University and I’m also a licensed music educator who teaches at St. Joseph School, and for Open Tone Music. Open Tone brings music programs to young people from inner Akron and Cleveland communities and it’s incredibly rewarding to work with them.
I’ve been blessed with the ability to cover a lot of bases and allow all aspects of my art and creative life to flourish. My music alone covers different genres, not just jazz singing, but also Pop, R&B and Christian music.

No, it was really not an easy road, which brings me to another thing that I’m grateful for.

I have lived my entire adult life, managing bipolar disorder, from which I today live a life in full remission. I’m so grateful for that because I never gave up. With every setback I had, and there were many, I emerged with a greater resolve to overcome and achieve. I focused so much more on my music because of the struggles that I have had and without them, I don’t feel I would’ve achieved half as much. I literally worked so much harder because of it. I wanted a way out of all the pain and music was my way to do it.

In addition, the disease I struggled with my whole life, brought a deeper introspection to the music I sang and wrote.

Besides my deep faith, this is what I want people to know about me. We don’t get the testimony without the test and today I have a beautiful testimony. It’s what my book is about. It is not yet published, but I have hope for that next year.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love this question. Cleveland has so many beautiful places to visit and dine.

For starters, we would go and catch a couple shows at some of my favorite jazz clubs in the area, the Bop Stop in Cleveland one night, then maybe the Treelawn Social Club. And we won’t leave out Akron, making sure to catch a show at Blu Jazz. I’m so proud of this area for being able to sustain them all.
But we would have to start the evenings off with dining out.

I live in Cuyahoga Falls, and it’s very close to Hudson Ohio. So we would have to swing by my favorite Italian watering hole, Zeppes Bistro, and enjoy some great wine and wonderful pasta! Since my best friend is going to be here all week, we would also dine a couple nights out at my other favorite restaurant in Hudson, the Rosewood Grill, and we would have some Great filet mignon and lobster. (I mean she’s not in town very often right? So why not splurge a little)?

Throughout the afternoons, we would probably spend some time at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and celebrate one of Cleveland’s greatest treasures, and of course, spend another day at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Finally, we would have to swing through Little Italy and get some great pastries at Presti’s bakery, and of course, find one of their many little Italian restaurants!
( Have you realized yet that I’m a real foodie?)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow, Great question. Well, first I always give all glory to God without whom I would not be here.

Secondly, my mother and father who are now deceased. They gave me everything. They gave me all of their love and all of their support. They never denied me a music lesson growing up. They supported everything I did and came out to nearly every performance from high school through college and into my professional life. Without them, I also would not be here. And most, especially, they raised me to live a life of faith in God above all else.

Finally, my Musicians.. They have been dedicated, fun to work with, and very giving of their own time, talents and expertise. I am always amazed and flattered when I call them to play for me in a live performance or a recording session, and they say yes.

I am nominated in the best jazz band category for the Cleveland music awards right now and I’m so grateful because it’s not just about me, it’s also about my Musicians.

Thank you so much for these wonderful questions and for taking the time to shine a spotlight on what I love to do.

Website: https://www.mariajacobs.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariaevajacobs

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/gratefulauthor

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mariaevajacobs

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariaevajacobsmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mariajacobs

Other: https://www.linktr.ee/mariaevajacobs

Image Credits
Back at the bop stop cover photo: Open Tone Music

Cole Porter tribute photo: Sylvan Lamar