Rita Marquez, jazz vocalist, has just finished her first professional CD, Street Medley. A veteran of Portland’s local jazz jam sessions and showcases, she has been performing as a soloist for the past 14 years at venues such as Wilf’s, ArtBar, Arrrivederci, Tony Starlight’s and Mazza’s. Born in New York City, she experienced all the arts the city had to offer, seeing many Jazz luminaries perform regularly from an early age. The music of Ella Fitzgeral, Sarah Vaughan, Lena Horne and Billie Holiday are her inspirations. Rita’s Caribbean heritage and the Latin sounds in her neighborhood immersed her in a love of dance and rhythm. She has a presence that can put a hush over a boisterous club and add excitement to an intimate setting.