Jantre Haskin Lives up to Stage Star Title

REVIEW CONTRIBUTED BY:  Caroline Cobrin

Jantre Haskin, winner of LA's Next Great Stage Star for 2007-2008, delighted a packed house of fans, family, and friends alike this past Saturday at the charming Sterlings Upstairs at Vitellos in Studio City.  

The dim-lit club was  overtaken with the sunshine that is Haskin.  Her charm and poise,  mixed in with her undeniable personality, made for a wonderful evening.  Her one hour cabaret show brought us from her youth through to her life as of now. Incorporating childhood memories, stories and blown up photographs Haskin opened her life up to all of those in the room. 

Haskin's voice flowed through the audience, its silky strength displayed in her wonderful choice of songs, ranging from the "Jazzy Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" to the touching "House of Love" and the saucy and spicy "Push Da Button" which was the song that "clinched" her the title of LA's Next Great Stage Star. 

Haskin enhanced her show with two additional performers, DeReau K. Farrar and Nikkema Taylor.  Farrar's voice, though not as powerful as Haskin's, added a playful feeling to Haskin's tale of the arrival of boys in her life.  The two sang "Honeysuckle Rose" to a delighted crowd.  The powerful Taylor was a firecracker of a singer with amazing range and control.  The vocal highlight of the show was the sensational duet "What About Love" featuring Haskin and Taylor.

With talent such as Haskin out there to be discovered Sterlings Upstairs at Vitello's will no doubt continue to grow and be known as a great environment and theatric experience.  As for Haskin, she will be spending the summer performing in the distinguished Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts Theatrefest in Santa Maria, CA.

Vitello's is located at 4349 Tujunga Ave. Studio City, CA 91604.  Valet Parking is available.  For additional information on Sterling's Upstairs, please visit the club's web site at: www.myspace.com/sterlingsupstairs.  

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