NEDRA WHEELER | wattstowers

NEDRA WHEELER

Bassist, composer and bandleader, has been performing in Southern California and touring internationally for more than 25 years.

Nedra is a recipient of the 2006 Jazz Legend of Los Angeles Awards from the Dunbar Economic Development Corporation and The City of Los Angeles, State of California. She has a Master of Fine Arts degree from the California Institute of the Arts. She is a performer and teacher with the Jazz Mentorship Program at the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs-Watts Towers Arts Center & Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center, Developer of the U.S./Japan Gospel Workshop and Inter-Cultural exchange for the CAT Music College of Osaka, Japan/Lighthouse Career Encouragement USA Corporation and Adjunct Assistant Professor in music the Los Angeles Community College School District.

Wheeler's artistic versatility (bass, composition, vocals, and experience with diverse musical genres) includes Jazz (straight ahead and contemporary), Pop, R&B, World Music and interpretation of original compositions for modern dance. She has performed and recorded with such luminaries as Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Pat Benatar, Linda Hopkins, Kenny Kirkland, Jedd "Tain"Watts, Bob Dylan, Billy Higgins , The Harper Brothers, Branford Marsalis, Tracy Chapman, Kenny Barron, Al Tootie Heath, Cedar Walton, Elvin Jones, Alice Coltrane to name a few. Her recordings include film soundtracks for "Malcom X" "Chick Peas" "Clockers", "Menace to Society", King of California" as well as a self-produced debut CD entitled Gifts: Live at Birdland West.

Locally, Wheeler has appeared at Disney Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, Ford Amphitheater, Central Avenue Jazz Festival, Bones and Blues, Citadel, Catalina's Bar and Grill. Lunaria. Spaghettini, Maggiano, Hollywood Park Casino, The Red Cat Theatre at Disney Hall and Jazz at Drew. A charismatic bassist, Wheeler is a favorite with the Al Williams Jazz Society and has appeared numerous times at the Long Beach Jazz Festival and the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival.

Her international appearances include festivals in South America, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, and other European countries.

Nedra Wheeler brings high energy and showmanship, sensitivity and musical expertise to every performance