Hailing from Chilliwack, British Columbia, and now living in New York City, award-winning trumpeter/vocalist/ composer Bria Skonberg has earned a 2013 Jazz Journalists’ Association nomination for Up-and-Coming Jazz Artist of The Year. Bria got her start as a professional big band singer at age 16, doubling on trumpet, and has since performed as a bandleader and guest artist all over North America, Europe, China, and Japan. Since arriving in New York three years ago she has appeared in concert halls and clubs such as Symphony Space, Birdland, The Iridium, and Dizzy's among the likes of Nicholas Payton, Anat Cohen, Wycliffe Gordon, Bucky Pizzarelli and Scott Robinson. Bria focuses on innovating while honoring tradition. Best known for her knowledge of classic jazz and pursuit of worldwide adventure, she is creating a style all her own rooted in swampy New Orleans grooves, and featuring world percussion and contemporary soul-influenced vocals. Says jazz axeman extraordinaire Bucky Pizzarelli: "Bria radiates an energy that is so refreshing to see, and her compositional chops are on par with her ability to swing!"