Meet Mike and Ella
Ella Wolfe
Ella's dreams of becoming a chanteuse began at the age of eight when she would stand in front of her bedroom mirror singing Disney songs. Her first actual singing performance was in her elementary school talent show. When she found out the boy she secretly had a crush on had raced to be in the front row, she took it as a sign that singing was her destiny. As soon as she was old enough to perform in nightclubs, she began fulfilling her dream and has been a professional vocalist ever since.
Ella's career has covered performing in cabaret rooms, nightclubs and concert venues throughout the U.S.; recording commercial jingles and backup vocals for Bay Area artists; and acting in theater and musical theater. She’s been nominated for five regional theater Shellie Awards for best actress in plays and musicals. Her varied career has given Ella the opportunity to sing a mix of musical styles that include rock, blues, jazz, R&B, country, folk and Broadway. She credits her diverse experience for giving her a love and appreciation of each musical genre. Combining this eclectic range of music and artists with her own vocal nuances has culminated in her own unique, warm and melodic vocal style. She’s been described as “…a thoroughly engaging performer both in story and song.” Ella feels privileged to have studied voice with legendary vocal coach Judy Davis, whose students included Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Grace Slick, Janis Joplin, Steve Perry and others. She later studied the Garcia-Marchesi vocal technique with San Francisco-based vocal instructor Ava Victoria (NATS). She has studied acting and musical theater with various instructors and schools including San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater. Born in San Francisco and raised in California’s Napa Valley, Ella continues to live and perform in the San Francisco Bay Area where her singular style and diverse repertoire have made her a favorite with audiences. Vocal warmups are still sung in front of her bedroom mirror. “I had the pleasure of watching Ella perform in a show last May and found her performance to be spellbinding.” |
Michael Spellman
As a boy living in his hometown Fremont, CA, Michael's mom would ask him to identify the singer on the radio. That was the genesis of an elegant, yet casual vocal style that has proven a favorite with audiences. He is an engaging and dynamic entertainer with a rare, personable quality. Whether singing a 50's jazz standard or a Beatles rocker, it’s his special ability to captivate and connect with the audience that has underscored Michael’s music career.
Michael began his music career as a drummer in a dance band traveling to various U.S. locals. However, with a growing family to support, music needed to take a back seat. With his resonant announcer’s voice, he found a comfortable fit as a radio/TV news reporter, taking him to Illinois, Florida and then home to his native California. His career later evolved into a 38-year run as an independent sales representative in the golf industry. But music never left his thoughts, and when the opportunity arose to play drums for a country band, and then the Brentwood Big Band, Michael grabbed it. The Big Band offered Michael the chance to be the band’s featured singer, specializing in the music of Frank Sinatra. He later formed a 7-piece ensemble with a 3-piece horn section, where he performed a tribute to the music of “Ol’ Blue Eyes.” Michael has performed at over 100 venues around the country, including Society Cabaret in San Francisco and the Lesher Center for the Arts. He occasionally acts in local stage productions and was nominated for a Shellie award for best actor in a regional theater production. Michael remains the featured singer with the Brentwood Big Band and is co-owner of Boomer Music Events. He and his music partner Ella Wolfe have been together performing supper club shows for over 5 years. Their newest show, “Singin’ and Swingin’,” is a cool collection of jazzy, bluesy R&B songs. "Since that auspicious beginning, he has performed six shows, wowing audiences every time." – The Brentwood Press |