Originally from Indianapolis, Parker arrived in the Washington DC area in 2017 (by way of Seattle, San Francisco, Atlanta, Montreal, Nashville, Saint Louis, and Dallas). He is a classically-trained singer and for the last 40 years has performed with orchestras and chorales in concert halls across North America - notably Carnegie Hall (Mozart Requiem) and Davies Symphony Hall (Britten's War Requiem). Parker started solo jazz performances in 2010 and has been performing to steady acclaim on the cabaret and jazz scene since his debut at the Something COOL Cabaret Festival in San Francisco.
Turning from classical to jazz, however, required some work but he has been fortunate to study with distinguished artists such as Linda Kosut, Melinda Doolittle, Lua Hadar, Karen Mason, Lina Koutrakos, and Alan Paul. He has performed in many of the San Francisco Bay Area iconic jazz and cabaret venues, including the Savannah Jazz Club, the Octavia Lounge, and Martuni’s. He has also performed at celebrated venues within the National Capital Region. At Germano’s, known for its intimate ambiance and appreciation for the arts, he debuted “Not Exactly Paris” (a poignant memoir about love and loss). The internationally-renowned Busboys and Poets, a literary and artistic hub, bore witness to Parker's soulful renditions of Michael Bublé, intertwining his passion for music with the intellectual spirit of the venue.
Parker effortlessly connects with an audience and takes them on a journey to discover our shared experiences. He is just as comfortable in a concert hall as he is in a listening room. With honest storytelling and compelling vocal interpretations, Parker's performances have been described as "funny and touching," praised by critics for their delightful blend of humor and poignancy.
In addition to his career as a performer, Parker is the founder of Capital Cabaret, a new contribution to the cultural fabric of Washington DC. Capital Cabaret serves as a nurturing space and incubator for cabaret/jazz artists and enthusiasts alike, fostering the growth and appreciation of the cabaret art form in the nation's capital.
For more information, please visit https://parkernolen.com
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