Who She Is ...

Vernelle Anders was born in Mexico City. Her parents were with the American Embassy. At 6 months old she was brought to the United States to live in Los Angeles. While growing up, at the age of six her parents found her hanging out the window of their car singing to the people on the street. At that young age she loved singing and entertaining. In junior high school she began singing in the school choir. Anders also sang with several R&B bands singing the music she could really get into with all her heart and soul. Her cousin was in a Latin Jazz group and he brought her in to sing with them giving her yet another style to explore. She also sang in church, although sometimes just a little too soulful for the little old ladies who attended. Her love of music prompted her to explore other styles of music also.

   She started singing in nightclubs, restaurants, conventions and of course private parties. She also did demos for commercials and back up vocals for groups. Songwriters would have her record their new compositions, and send the demo to other artists that wanted to record their songs. Vernelle lived in Hawaii for two years where she sang at most of the big hotels and restaurants in Waikiki and throughout most of the other islands. After returning to Los Angeles, she began singing throughout the southern California area. She then went on the road, traveling from Alaska to Mexico, from the Pacific Ocean to New York. touring with many different groups, both large and small, from Big Bands to Duet's.

 She has had the privilege of singing with such greats as Joe Sample, Ray Brown, Jack Sheldon, Bill Medley, and many others. In 1990, Vernelle decided to move to Sonoma County, where she settled in Santa Rosa. Here she has performed at many different Jazz festivals, including the Russian River Jazz Festival, the Napa Jazz Festival, the Alexander Valley Jazz Festival and the Sonoma Valley Jazz , Art and Wine Festival just to name a few.