Insight: Lolita Jackson

Working with New York's Mayor Bloomberg by day and gracing jazz club stages by night, Lolita Jackson is a blend of the right and left brain. On her fourth visit to Shanghai, Lolita chats with us about music, problem-solving and the "pulse" of this city.

What is your day job?

I am Manhattan Director of Community Affairs for the NYC Mayor's Office, Community Affairs Unit.

How did you start singing jazz?

I played instruments (clarinet, bass clarinet and tenor saxophone) from ages 9-18 and didn't really sing at that time - it is very hard to sing when there is a mouthpiece in your mouth. :)

When I got to college, I joined the gospel choir because it was a very social way to meet other black students at my school (there were no tryouts). I have a powerful voice and ended up being one of the lead alto singers in the choir as a freshman. I was 'discovered' by a classmate who was a member of a campus a cappella jazz group - he encouraged me to try out for his group and I was accepted my sophomore year. I learned to sing jazz during the three years I was in that group.

 

How do you contribute to the "good city" in what you do (both in your job and gifting as a musician)?

In my job I am able to help people get their problems solved - from the seemingly mundane to large scale borough wide issues. I can make a difference at times in a matter of one telephone call. Through my involvement in the arts I have been able to assist art institutions in navigating city red tape - I can often see the issue from both sides and come to resolution faster than someone else who doesn't know the artist mind. I feel that I am able to blend both artistry and science in both my job and jazz singing - I am always the organizer in a band as far as getting gigs and making sure we get paid, etc., and at my job I always try to see the problem and potential solutions from multiple angles, which comes from my creative side. I went to school for engineering which is why I have that blended personality.

 

If you could describe Shanghai in one word, what would it be? Why?

Shanghai is pulsating.  It is a throbbing, vibrant place, in a way New York used to be when it was full of future promise, in the 50s after the war.  The amount of people, the bustling streets - it is mesmerizing.

Come hear Lolita belt out some tunes at a special concert at twocities this Wednesday evening. Joining her on stage will be some of the finest jazz musicians based in Shanghai.