Michelle Jacques

Michelle Jacques is an American singer/music educator, and Jenpet Records recording artist, who began studying acting, modern dance, tap, ballet and violin, beginning at age seven. Michelle is currently the Artistic Director of Chelle! and Friends. As one of the original members of Street Sounds, Michelle has toured throughout the United States and Europe. She was also an original member of Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir.
Michelle Jacques was born in New Orleans. She began her journey to find out what it means to be Creole, to understand her culture, her language and her history and after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, her mission has evolved into her determination to keep the history and the music of New Orleans alive.
Her group Chelle! and Friends commemorates the music of Mardi Gras, New Orleans, and celebrates its Creole people and their music, and is made up of Michelle Jacques, Rhonda Crane, Jay Lamont and Bryan Dyer, with Donna Viscuso on woodwinds, and Sam Bevan on bass.
Michelle is the recipient of the 2008 City of Oakland, Individual Artist grant, and was awarded the 1995 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARA) for writer of the Best Folk/Progressive Song "Home Africa".