Lisa Smith

President of Donovan & Smith Marketing and Media Inc. by day—smooth, sultry jazz singer by night—Lisa Smith has crooned her way into the hearts of Lansing residents. Over the past decade, Smith has been thrice-voted by LSJ readers as “Favorite Jazz Act in Lansing.”

Known for her atypical interpretation of smooth, cool jazz, Smith transforms recognizable tunes into notable jazzy arrangements that draw in crowds year after year. Smith’s laid-back persona renovates into an alluring stage presence, endearing the audience to her uncharacteristic delivery of familiar, pop jazz.

“I’m on the absolute pop side of jazz,” says Smith. “Sometimes, jazz can be inaccessible. For me, I do my best to bring an emotional engagement that’s not so ‘insider’ jazz playing.”

Smith’s present-who-you-are and play-how-you-feel attitude makes for an approachable performance that endears pop jazz lovers to her time and again.

Smith is supported by well-versed, solid musicians:

• Kelly Gilmore – Electric bass and vocals
• Doug Brown – Keyboard (toured with Motown greats like the Four Tops and Martha Reeves)
• Ed Smith – Electric guitar (classically trained with a multi-genre and heavy cool jazz influence)