Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon series, also known as JOSA, begins its 21st season Sunday, December 9 with international vocalist Shawnn Monteiro.

“Exciting, captivating and completely distinctive” is how most jazz cognoscenti describe Shawnn’s pulsating lyric style. Whether in the intimacy of a club date or the glitter of a Las Vegas showroom, Shawnn has delighted audiences from the USA to Europe with her highly popular jazz repertoire laced with blues-oriented improvisations.

Evident in Shawnn’s liveliness of lyrical phrasing and intermittent scat variations is the influences of Carmen McRae and Sarah Vaughan, from whom she draws her inner core of creative energy. But good genes help, too. Shawnn’s father was the late renowned bassist Jimmy Woode, veteran of the Duke Ellington band. Throw into the mix a lot of musical inspiration and guidance from her Godfather, Clark Terry, and you come up with a combination that can’t miss.

Come see for yourself the talent and energy that this dynamic and powerful vocalist brings to the exciting but intimate cabaret-style setting that JOSA is well known for in the Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee area and beyond. To learn more about Shawnn Monteiro and listen to her work, visit shawnnmonteiro.com.

For more information about JOSA, the accompanying JOSA ensemble, show archives, and the current series visit: josajazz.com. The shows are held at the Center at Eastman in Grantham from 4 to 7 PM with doors opening at 3. A bistro menu and full beverage selection is offered during all performances by the award winning in-house restaurant, Bistro Nouveau.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for seniors (62+)/Students (-17). Reservations are recommended and available by calling the Wightsteeple Box Office at 763-8732 or emailing: bill.wightman@nullcomcast.net or visiting the Web site. For reservations after 2 PM on the day of the show, call the venue at 863-8000.