Join us on March 16 at 4 PM for Jazz Vespers featuring the talented Emmett Hatlelid, a jazz vocalist, crooner, and songwriter whose voice brings the rich warmth of classic jazz legends.
Emmett’s unique style is influenced by icons like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Al Bowlly, and Fred Astaire. His sound, deeply rooted in traditional jazz, brings a sense of nostalgia to every note. His journey as a performer has been shaped by his training under jazz greats like Eric Severinson, Paula Kremer, Kate Hammet-Vaughan, and his current lessons with Brad Shigeta—former member of the Mercer Ellington band.
But there’s more to Emmett’s artistry than just classic jazz. In his third year of school in early 2020, he discovered the poetry of Emily Dickinson. This chance encounter sparked his songwriting journey. “I started writing songs before I even knew her full story, but after reading Lives Like Loaded Guns by Lyndall Gordon, I realized how much my music fit the intent of her work. My appreciation for her poems has grown with time—analyzing the micro themes, rhymes, and even the punctuation between her drafts—it’s both a fun and rewarding process,” Emmett shares.
His work on these songs has not only deepened his understanding of Dickinson’s art, but has also expanded his arranging techniques and performance skills. “It’s like a gate has been unlocked,” Emmett says.
This performance promises to be an intimate exploration of both jazz and poetry, where past meets present in a beautiful blend of musical and historical discovery.
Come for the music, stay for the journey into the heart of jazz and poetry.
Emmett Hatlelid – Vocals
Jillian Ledecky – Piano
