Biography
​
From school choirs to singing professionally as a lead vocalist, Judy has had a lifelong involvement with music… it started with choirs in her youth and continued with an early career of performing in several bands across Canada. First as an acoustic trio, then a full fledged rock band in Ontario, to a bilingual artist in Saskatchewan and finally as a blues and jazz act in British Columbia.
Judy has sung everything from folk, rock, jazz and blues to original French compositions that received airplay on CBC Radio Canada. Judy has also produced numerous theatrical shows in Fort Steele and Vernon as well as acted in a variety of productions including Cabaret and The Vagina Monologues. Most recently she performed songs of Edith Piaf with the Okanagan Symphony, realizing a lifetime dream come true.
She has performed on stages in New York, Chicago, Austin, Memphis, Paris and London in her travels and her jazz and blues ensemble "Judy Rose and the Pretty Boys" performed regularily to sold out shows at the Vernon Jazz Society as well as an exclusive performance at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.
As on going project, Judy performs with the remarkable trio "The Dharma Dolls" with the very talented Tanya Lipscomb and Melina Schein as well as duets with Lipscomb as "Lili & Rose" and Schein as "Rose & Schein".
Always captivating and deeply entertaining, Judy shares her unique interpretation on jazz, pop and French songs that speak to her heart, bringing you on a journey that is not soon forgotten.
​
Judy's journey so far
2023 Did a wonderful show "E to the power of 3 - Edith, Ella and Etta" at the Vernon Jazz Club in February to a sold out crowd. Enjoyed a Lili & Rose show in Cherryville for the Sippy Time Concert series (and voted in the top 5 favorite for the overall series over the summer!). The Dharma Dolls reunited at Headbones Gallery for two sold out shows in November.
​
2022 A DREAM COME TRUE.... performed 3 Edith Piaf songs with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra in their "The Sacred and the Profane" program in Kelowna, Penticton and Vernon March 2022. Did a Vernon Jazz Club show in October and a solo show at Headbones Gallery in November. Feels so good to be performing again!
​
2021 Opened the Vernon Jazz Club back up after the pandemic to a sold out crowd, with a hot band and some R'nB to celebrate the joy of live performance again in October and then a joyous house concert at the one and only Headbones Gallery.... only to experience lock down of performances again until spring 2022.
​
2020 Performed with renown trio Wood, Wire and Fire at a sold out show at The Vibrant Vine in February.
Blessed to be able to do two summer shows at the BX Press Cidery in the summer of the Pandemic.
​
2019 Had a SOLD OUT show - An Evening in Paris - at the Vernon Jazz Club in Feb 2019 with 'les Vagabonds'. Performed at the Caetani Cultural Centre Inaugural Summer Music Fest with The Dharma Dolls in July 2019 as well as show a the lovely Mackie House with the Dolls.
Closed off 2019 with "A Dharma Dolls Christmas" at the Powerhouse Theatre.
​2018 Performed at St. James Elementary for their annual fundraiser and presented 'An Evening in Paris' in Feb 2018 to a very appreciate audience, and performed the same show in honour of Paddy Mackenzie's birthday at the lovely historic site 'The Mackie House' in Sept. Also reprised my role as Judas in Big Apple's Production of Jesus Christ Superstar in May 2018 at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre for a 3 night sold out run - so very thrilled and happy to have played this dream role. The Dharma Dolls had a sold out Christmas Concert in December at the Caetani Cultural Centre.
​
​See a video of the JCS finale here:
https://www.facebook.com/judyrose.performer/videos/1792837527444325/
​and a review of JCS here:
​
2017 BIG PROJECTS! First singing the role of Judas in Big Apple's Production of 'the music of Jesus Christ Superstar' in March was a dream come true and a huge success. April brought several solo jazz shows one in Kelowna at The Forum, another at the Vernon Jazz Club with a 6 pc band and a final show with The Killer B's for the Salmon Arm Jazz Society in June. The Dharma Dolls wrapped up summer with a very special show at the wonderful heritage site, The Mackie House on Kal Lake. In the fall, performed with Melina Schein and the Valley Vocal Arts ensemble at the Italian Kitchen's "Viva Italia!" evening. The Dharma Dolls were part of a lovely intimate Christmas show at All Saints Anglican Church with the Valley Vocal Arts Ensemble.
​
2016 The Dharma Dolls had two summer shows in July - at BX Press Cidery in Vernon and at Haney Heritage Village in Salmon Arm. Lovin' the outdoor shows in the Okanagan! In September The Dolls did an unforgettable show at Studio "E" on Pottery Road to a sold out enraptured audience.
​
2015 The Dharma Dolls in performed to a packed house at The Salmon Arm Jazz Club in February.
Was a special guest with Sherman "Tank" Doucette at the Vernon Winter Carnival "Blues Fest". Reprised my role as usherette in the one and only Rocky Horror Show for Halloween and did the 5th annual "Glitter & Glam" show Dec 27th at Headbones Gallery!
​
2014 The Dharma Dolls performed for their first time at "The Orchard" in Lake Country in July to a packed and enthusiastic crowd.
There were several house concerts and their 4th annual Glitter & Glam show at Headbones Gallery in December.
There were several Lili & Rose shows at various excellent fundraisers (Community Dental Clinic with Lent Fraser Wall and Cod Gone Wild as well at the Caetani Cultural Centre).
Was also the lead in a remarkable Norm Foster musical called “A Snow White Christmas” which was Powerhouse Theatre’s Christmas show – it was a super show with a fantastic cast.
http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/entertainment/284090851.html
http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/entertainment/284810361.html?mobile=true
And to close the year off, was part of a remarkable "Cinderella Ball" New Year's Eve celebration at Sparkling Hill resort with Melina Moore and her Valley Vocal Art singers and the symphony.
​
2013 "The Dharma Dolls" are on a roll ... The Salmon Arm Jazz Society in Feb, Lorenzo's Cafe in March and The Kelowna Community Theatre in April.
The Dharma Dolls are asked back to the legendary Dream Cafe in Penticton in June.
Had a solo jazz performance in June sold out show at Headbones Gallery with a stellar band - several videos on YouTube (luvinthetoons) of the show.
Also had the wonderful opportunity to sing in Paris, Edinburgh and Cork while on my travels - so so FUN!!
​
​2012 "The Dharma Dolls" continue to have sold out Venus Headlights shows @ Headbones Gallery to much acclaim, including a performance at the renowned DREAM CAFE in Penticton in May and the Vernon Jazz Club in December.
​
2011 Put a new band together "The Killer B's". Performed to a sold out crowd at the Vernon Jazz Society in April.
Formed a house concert series (4 SOLD OUT shows throughout the year) concept show "Venus Headlights" with Tanya Lipscomb and Melina Moore, aka "The Dharma Dolls". Performed it in March, June, September and December at Headbones Gallery to rave reviews.
Performed with Melina Moore at an Opera Evening at Sparkling Hills Resort in August and at her Christmas Show at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.
​
2010 Performed in a 105 member chorus in the Okanagan Symphony's 50th anniversary presentation of Beethoven's 9th Symphony - Ode To Joy as well at the world premiere of Imant Raminish's Quaternity.
Founded duet LiLi & Rose with Tanya Lipscomb and performed at Komasket Festival with a Piaf Tribute.
Performed with Melina Moore at the first Melina and Company Christmas Show - included Cohen's Hallelujah.
​
2009 Performed with the Pretty Boys at the Rare Earth Roots and Blues Festival in Vernon with Buddy Guy on the bill.
​
2008 Performed with the Pretty Boys at the first Rare Earth Roots and Blues Festival in Vernon with Rita Chiarelli and Jack Semple on the billing. Had two sold out shows in Nov at the Vernon Jazz Society.
​
2007 Did first solo show at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre in Nov 2007 – Judy Rose “…songs from the heart” to rave reviews and near capacity crowd.
​
2006 slept?
​
2005 Formed jazz quintet – Judy Rose and the Pretty Boys. Performed at the Vernon Jazz Society in 2005 and 2006 – breaking all sorts of attendance (and bar!) records. Appeared in Vernon Performing Art Centre’s production of the Vagina Monologues for the Transition House in March 2005.
​
2004 Perform at Vernon Jazz Society in April with The Ugly Step Sisters.
​
2003 Major supporting role in Viva Musica’s Cabaret in August in Kelowna. Also perform at Vernon Jazz Society in April with The Ugly Step Sisters.
​
2002 Formed jazz quartet – The Ugly Step Sisters. Performed in Feb at the Vernon Jazz Society.
​
2000 - 2002 Staged three original productions for Vernon’s Winter Carnival: Starlet: The Next Coronation and Melvis And The Magic Mine. Role included producer (putting cash on the line), promo (making posters), costumes (experience VV shopper), stage manager (bossy), as well as performing (roles included space borg, Klondike dance girl and old ornery bag lady).
​
2000 Release independent recording under the name of “Punch’n Judy” entitled FINE. Selected "Best Female Vocalist" in the Okanagan Valley by eVent! magazine.
​
1999 - Very honored to be presented with the "Best Blues Vocalist" title in Kelowna's valley-wide contest,
​
1996 - 97 Dabbled in musical theatre with the role of Tzeitel in the Powerhouse Theatre’s Production of Fiddler on the Roof; ‘Dem Crazy Blues - A Historical Review of the Women of the Blues and the Canadian Stage Premier of Tapestry - the Music of Carole King.
​
1994 Moved to Vernon, BC. Formed Punch’n Judy, an R’n B band as well as a jazz duo (piano and voice). Performed in the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival and opened for April Wine, the Powder Blues Band and Rogers Hodgkins.
​
1992 - 1993 Created "That's That. Productions" and was responsible for the all original productions in Cranbrook's Fort Steele Heritage Town in BC.
​
1991 - 1993 Moved to Regina, SK. Worked at the University of Regina’s French department and re-discovered the importance of her French heritage. Became involved with the French music scene and won the “Gala de la Chanson” in Regina in 1993. She then represented Saskatchewan in the Western Finals “Chants de l’Ouest” in Vancouver where she was awarded the “Prix de la Presse” – the Press’ award. Also got the opportunity to have two original French songs recorded in the Regina CBC studio and aired throughout the French Canadian air waves on CBC Radio Canada.
​
1983 - 1991 Moved to Niagara Peninsula, ON. Performed in Whitewater which had many permutations… starting with an acoustic trio “a la Crosby Stills and Nash” to a full-fledged “classic-rock-White-Rabbit” band to finally a fine mix of progressive rock -Boston-blow-the-speakers-out ! Fronted bands who opened for Colin James, The Tragically Hip and Burton Cummings in Molson Canadian Rocks outdoor concerts and performed a special show to a full house at Toronto's one and only - The El Mocambo.
​
1982 Attended Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA