BioBio: About Maureen
“Maureen Christine is a celebrated concert vocalist and national recording artist, delighting audiences throughout the country with her natural, melodious, expressive voice.” (David Nathan - All Music Guide)
The demand for Maureen’s “captivating stage presence” and “crystal clear voice” has produced invitations to perform with numerous symphony orchestras, including the award-winning Knox-Galesburg Symphony and the Northwest Indiana Symphony. She has also appeared with notable concert bands and 16 piece big bands, including a guest performance with the musicians of the Count Basie Orchestra.
Maureen is a national recording artist, having recorded with Pete Christlieb of the Johnny Carson Tonight Show Orchestra, shared the stage with pop star Barry Manilow, and was awarded first place in the U.S. for an original song she wrote for United Way.
In Chicago, Maureen has headlined at such renowned venues as The Palmer House, The Royal George Cabaret Theater, the historic Woodstock and Oshkosh Opera Houses, and The Merrillville Star Plaza Theater. Maureen’s television appearances include her performance on WGN as her frequent singer of The National Anthem for the Chicago Cubs, and various public television programs. Her theater credits consist of leading roles in such musicals as “My Fair Lady,””The Sound Of Music,” “The Music Man” and “Lil Abner.”
Maureen’s nationally released CD titled “My Romance,” was included on the 2002 GRAMMY ballot in the Traditional Pop Vocal category. Her second CD “The Very Thought Of You,” has also been released nationally, and is a collection of warm jazz ballads, and swing standards.
“Maureen matches a clear and beautiful voice with a genuine, vivacious personality.” (Dr. Bruce Polay - Galesburg Symphony)
Home Town Girl
Maureen knew she was "meant to be a singer" at the tender age of six, when her choir teacher gave her a solo, and a "big, clear voice" resonated from within her. A few year later, Maureen really started developing her musical skills by performing regularly at her church where she sang, wrote songs, and learned to play guitar. Maureen's love of jazz and traditional standards - music by such composers as George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, - began young.
Sitting on the piano bench listening to her Grandfather play "the classics," Maureen began a connection with this music. As a teenager, Maureen was encouraged by her her high school music teacher, John Leighty, who invited her to sing with a local 16 piece "big band." It was there that Maureen really began her understand and appreciate the music of jazz, swing and "the Great American Songbook."
Although Maureen tours with her pianist/musical director and various ensembles and orchestras, appearing at nearly 200 performances a year, she still considers herself a "home town" girl. She and her husband, saxophonist/woodwind performer Michael Bazan, enjoy running in the 100 acre park near their home, and taking walks with their 75-pound doberman, Wendy. Maureen and Michael also enjoy their role as "favorite Aunt and Uncle" to their numerous nieces and nephews.
“Maureen's voice is crystal clear, not a note or
syllable wasted.” (Nostalgia Radio)