Melani Skybell is a vocalist and classically trained pianist, who began her musical journey at age 5. Her formal education includes classical piano and vocal performance at Boston University, and a jazz studies degree from University of Texas/Arlington. Her on stage experience blossomed when she joined an alternative pop/rock group, Innocent Bystander, who frequently backed up headliners, and became a regular act in Austin’s Sixth Street Clubs. Either solo or with an ensemble, Melani has performed at all of the top venues in Dallas, and has a performance almost every night of the week. Some evenings there is a line to get into clubs to hear her play – not an easy task in a city dominated by country and pop.

In order to refine her jazz style, Melani’s piano studies led her to the University of North Texas, UTA and prominent North Texas piano professors. She quickly built a reputation with her voice and style. Her solid performances and warm, inviting vocal delivery set her apart immediately. Melani rapidly became a first call vocalist amongst many of the area’s jazz orchestras.

Melani’s repertoire includes traditional jazz standards, sultry ballads, Latin rhythms, and her original jazz-pop compositions. She regularly entertained at Dallas’ most popular nightspots, including years at the Four Seasons Resort, the Warwick-Melrose, The Mansion, the Dallas Petroleum Club and Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille. In her early jazz years, Melani was the featured artist at a sold out performance at the Sammons Center program “Women in Jazz,” and also appeared on several local television spots. Melani Skybell is in demand outside of Dallas, and has performed at events in Atlanta, Georgia, Kingston, Jamaica, and the Chautauqua Institute of New York, to name a few.