...Title:
Certificate of Recognition awarded to singer Ms. Michele Bensen for her contributions to Pittsburgh's legendary community of jazz artists.
...Body:
Allegheny County Council is proud to present this Certificate of Recognition to Ms. Michele Bensen for her contributions to Pittsburgh's legendary community of jazz artists. Ms. Bensen was born in Chicago and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She began singing professionally at age 16, performing in various Pittsburgh jazz nightclubs, theaters, hotels and restaurants. She studied trumpet for eight years in addition to taking lessons in dance, piano and musical comedy at the renowned Pittsburgh Playhouse. Michele has sung to audiences on the East coast including being the headline act on the Queen Elizabeth II and M/S Westward Cruise Liners. She has been the opening act for Tony Bennett, the Four Freshmen, Lionel Hampton, Diane Schurr and Herbie Mann, as well as being the headline act with her own band, "The Bensen Burners." More than 30 million children hear her as the voice of "Sara Bear" on the children's "Sticky Bear" software. Her radio voiceover work includes a national commercial for "A Drug Free America." Her recording of "At Last" featuring the Bensen Burner Band was recorded in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Allegheny County Council commends her talent and thanks her for enriching countless lives with jazz music.