YouTube Sensation Natalie Weiss Brings 'Riffs' Series to Oakland University Tonight

Singer Natalie Weiss, who will appear in concert at Oakland University at 8 p.m. tonight, Oct. 30, has a huge YouTube following for her Breaking Down the Riffs (BDTR) series.

The videos feature singers at all levels, from professionals she is on tour with, to kids at musical theatre camps. In each one, Natalie breaks down a pop riff according to her own system and takes it from intimidating to accessible. Viewers can learn right along with her students, rewinding the videos as many times as it takes to get the notes just right.

Even the best keep on learning. In the YouTube video, Weiss teaches two-time Tony Award-nominated star Laura Osnes ("Grease", "Anything Goes," "Bonnie and Clyde," "Cinderella") to break down a complicated riff from the Leona Lewis song "Bleeding Love."

Weiss travels internationally and around the country performing and giving masterclasses. In mid-October she gave a concert in Los Angeles, and she will return to New York City immediately after her OU appearance to sing at the Highline Ballroom. She has appeared on Broadway and in national tours of "Everyday Rapture," "Wicked" and "Les Miserables." Her regional theatre credits include "Saturday Night Fever" and "42nd Street."

Weiss will share the stage of Varner Recital Hall with some of OU's musical theatre students. Varner Recital Hall is located on the Oakland University campus. Maps of the campus are available at oakland.edu/map or by searching for "Varner Hall" on a smartphone. Ample free parking will be available.

Tickets are $14 for general admission and $8 for students. They may be purchased online without service fees at startickets.com or by phone at (800) 585-3737. They can also be purchased at the Varner Box Office on OU's campus. Tickets ordered online or by phone can be picked up at the box office one hour before the performance begins. Complete ticket information is available at oakland.edu/mtd/tickets.

For more information on Music, Theatre and Dance programs and performances, call (248) 370-2030 or visit oakland.edu/mtd.

Weiss' website has links to her recordings and her BDTR episodes. She also has her own YouTube channel.

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