Kiku Collins (Gloria Gaynor // Beyonce // Recording & TV Artist)

Kiku Collins has established herself at the heights of pop, jazz and R&B. This former "Jersey Girl" followed music on a journey out of her small town to the Interlochen Center for the Arts and, from there, onto the biggest states in the world. According to Jazz Journal International, "Ms. Collins plays trumpet and flugelhorn like a 21st century Miles Davis."

Collins has performed with Beyonce, Michael Bolton, Jill Scott, Nick Lowe, Gloria Gaynor, Train, et al. She's performed on The Today Show, Oprah Winfrey, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, at the White House for President Barak Obama (twice), The Rachel Ray Show, The View, The World Music Awards, the Black Girls Rock Awards on BET many times, Ellen, the Grammys (and many others), in addition to appearances at several international jazz festivals.

Collins boasts two recordings as a leader, to her credit. Innova Records said about her debut recording, "Here With Me" that "Kiku puts a flugelhorn to her lips and animals come to listen, it's so sweet." Her last recording, "Red Light" showcases her unique abilities as a composer, performer, and producer and includes notable guest performances by Michael Lington and Al Chez. A third album is officially in the works.

She has played leading roles in the off-broadway productions, "Fire Island" and "Degeneracy" with 3 Legged Dog. She has also appeared in commercials for Metro PCS, Marshall's, VH1, A&E Critics Choice Awards 2016 with TJ Miller, and NY Sports Clubs. In 2012, Collins played the main character of Loretta, while also playing trumpet in the orchestra for Paul Levine's production, "Big Maybelle" starring Tony Award winner, Lillias White.

Collins continues to keep a busy schedule as a performer and clinician for Edwards Musical Instruments and spends much of her time creating new music in her recording studio. Legendary trumpeter Mike Vax said of Ms. Collins, "Her phrasing, sound, and lyricism remind me of great singers. For me, that is one of the best compliments that I could give to any trumpet player!"

She is also a cancer and lymphedema patient and is actively involved with advocacy organisations related to cancer, lymphedema, craniofacial differences, and autism. Ms. Collins is also an ordained minister and is registered with NYC to officiate wedding ceremonies.

For more information on Kiku Collins, go to www.kikucollins.com.