Sarah Quintana

Sarah Quintana is a charming performer, a dedicated instrumentalist and composer, and her voice is instantly recognizable.She has a background rich in roots music- New Orleans jazz, blues, folk and Cajun-- and playfully incorporates these styles in her songwriting and interpretations of classics.In March, Quintntana will release her first studio album of Jazz-folk originals. Quintana splits her time between New Orleans and France and is currently on the artist roster for the 2012-14 Les Jeunesse Musicales de France, France’s largest touring agency.This summer, Quintana will tour with the the project Omax to Lomax and La Companie Nine Spirit led by saxophonist Raphael Imbert from Marseille.Quintana can also be found at the Festival Juares and Jazz a Porquerolles with her Trio and is writing her next album to be recorded in October 2012. Quintana grew up in New Orleans where live music is ingrained many aspects of daily life.She started guitar at age 12 and attended NOCCA as a jazz student under Kent Jordan in 2000.She is a Franklin grad, holds bachelor’s degree in English Literature & French from Loyola University of New Orleans and received a CODOFIL scholarship to study in France. Her studies were interrupted in 2005, by Katrina.Quintana was directly affected, loosing friends and family members, her home and material possessions. She traveled all over the world and moved to France as a result of the storm. Quintana attributes her singing career to mal du pays, a longing to reconnect with her home, Louisiana. In 2009, Quintana went from singing on the streets of Provence in the South of France to the Lagniappe stage at The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival Festival. With no experience leading a band or performing on big stages, Quintana also fronts a quintet at Voodoo Fest later that year.In June 2010, Quintana sang at the Lincoln Center with the New Orleans Moonshiners for the Mid-Summer Night Swing Series.Performing comes naturally to Quintana who has found a new home on stage and in the studio. Quintana has recorded three albums with The Moonshiners and a seven track demo of her original folk/jazz songs. Also in New Orleans, Quintana sings on Craig Paddock's 2010 release, Merci and recorded with the Generationals.An upcomming PBS documentary by Monique Verdin called “My Louisiana Love” features Quintana’s voice for the rolling credits.Quintana is a certified Hatha Yoga instructor, a kayak tour guide on Bayou St. John, a daughter of New Orleans and a believer in life.She is forever thankful to her teachers, patrons, friends, family, freedom fighters, muses, mistakes and music.