After charming audiences worldwide as the female vocalist touring 2 years with The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, Maria Schafer returns to Southern California to her small group roots to debut her first quartet album, "To Know Love".
With a voice "full of nuance, strong in character and soaked in emotion", Maria shares her intimate and masterful vocal interpretations of a modern jazz songbook containing standards, pop tunes, and folk-tinged originals. An active collaborator with songwriters and composers, Maria is a featured vocalist on 7 full-length albums spanning the pop, country, musical theater, R&B, and world music genres.
Our residents loved Maria, cant wait to have her back!
I booked Maria Schafer's group to provide after-dinner music for the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association's 37th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser and Installation Dinner. Her band was great and Maria has an amazing voice. I have hired bands at four or five times Maria Schafer's price who didn't come close to her band's performance level.
Maria was also very flexible. Originally, we scheduled her to perform at 5pm and she agreed to switch to 9pm on relatively short notice.
I would gladly book her band again and I highly recommend her!
I worked with Maria for a wedding this past December and she was a fantastic person to work with. She was professional, on time, and not to mention, remarkably talented! Her voice is beautiful, and she was a sweetheart to boot. I would work with her again anytime, and will absolutely be recommending her to clients that are looking for an amazing singer!
Maria was wonderful to work with, and so accommodating to my special requests. I listened to several vocal artists on line and chose Maria for her beautiful voice. Maria sang jazz at my husband's 70th birthday luncheon in a private room at a restaurant. Everyone loved her! She sang a couple of songs acapela......outstanding. I have already recommended her to a friend.
Price Range: $400 and up
Gig Length: 45 - 300 minutes
Languages: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish
An endearing vocalist and a swingin' rhythm section; this is the baseline for a performance with Maria Schafer. Whether as a duo or a full quintet with horns, the band plays their own jazz arrangements of standards, pop, Brazilian, and funk tunes, all for a personalized and very groovy experience for the audience. The soaring vocals of Ms. Schafer, the entrancing bass ostinatos, the funky poly-rhythms of the drum, and the simultaneously plaintive and ever-advancing guitar and piano lines all combine to provide a lasting and inspiring performance. Heavy swing tunes, intimate ballads, jumpin' New Orleans numbers, or burning blues laments; they're all part of the book. They take requests too!
Maria Schafer is a jazz vocalist who performs regularly in the LA area as a bandleader and studio singer. In settings ranging from intimate duos to full big bands, she presents her arrangements with deep lyrical interpretation, passionate phrasing, consummate swing style, and an ever-growing penchant for Brazilian music. Ms. Schafer has received Outstanding soloist awards from the Reno and Next Generation Monterey Jazz Festivals, in addition to numerous talent scholarships for her work. A key member of Downbeat award-winning vocal groups for the past 4 years, she is featured as a spotlight vocalist on two vocal jazz ensemble CDs and is currently working on material for her own debut solo album.
The band can be hired as a whole, or pieced out as well for any combination of players (ex. from just Maria to a guitar and vocal duo to a full quintet with horns). All sound equipment is provided by the band, including instruments, amplification systems and microphones. Quotes provided include travel time and costs (within 30 miles), equipment fees, preparation time, and the actual performance time. If gigs are more than 30 miles from the band's base in Long Beach, a small travel stipend will be requested. Deposits requested in advance are non-refundable.
| December 22, 2023 • 3:00pm - 4:30pm | Cocktail Party |
| June 28, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Corporate Event |
| July 22, 2018 • 4:30pm - 7:30pm | Baci's Italian Restaurant |
| July 22, 2018 • 12:00pm - 3:00pm | Federal Bar Duo |
| July 22, 2018 • 9:30am - 11:30am | Solo Gig |
| July 16, 2018 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | The Emerald Kitchen |
| April 25, 2015 • 5:00pm - 9:00pm | Wedding Reception |
Any song from the American Songbook - over 60 songs are already arranged for the band, and more are continuously added. Any advance requests for specific songs will be honoured.
Modern jazz songs, some folk songs, some pop songs.
Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald songs are very common.
Oscar Peterson Trio, Jeff Hamilton Trio, Anita O'Day, Luciana Souza, Kurt Elling, Dianne Reeves, Meredith D'Ambrosio, Joni Mitchell, Nancy King, Voce e Basso
Advance notice of any specifically-arranged song requests
West Hollywood, CA 
Jazz Band
23 Verified Bookings Kari H. said “I just love this band! We hired them for our Open House Holiday Party and they set the tone for the entire event! They communicated excellent prior to…”
Newport Beach, CA
Jazz Band
4 Verified Bookings Joshua P. said “The music was extremely professional and high class. All of our guests were raving about it. Can’t wait until next time.”
West Hollywood, CA
Jazz Band
9 Verified Bookings Dave H. said “Boy, where do i start. I went a little long but urge you to read the whole story. My grandma had recently passed away. She left quite the legacy and was…”
Anaheim, CA
Jazz Band
10 Verified Bookings Kelsey H. said “Mark's talent was incredible, he absolutely charmed the crowd and brought a cool experience to my event. 10/10 would love to work with him again…”
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