The Diva Series at the Watchung Arts Center is about to begin its 1999 season bringing you the finest vocals in jazz and popular music. There have been some changes to the Series and we thought we were going to have to cancel it, but luckily there are those who want it to continue and we had two volenteers come forward to help. Unforunately they had a late start in booking dates and could not get an artist for January, but they found one of the best for February.

On Friday, February 19th at 8pm we pleased to present the opening of our Diva Series with a woman of style and depth that we’re sure you’ll love, Sarah Partridge. Tickets are only $10 and that includes light refreshments. We recommend you call (908) 753-0190 for reservations and we will hold the tickets at the door.

If Sarah Partridge’s name is not familar to you (although she has moved steadily up the charts), her face may be. Sarah Partridge started her career as a actress and successfully moving along when she went to the Improv for an evening out. A karoake contest began and her chums urged her to participate, just for fun. Partridge, a jazz enthusiast, reluctantly agreed and eventually tried "Summertime". Her beautiful, rich voice captivated an L.A. booker, who assumed she was a professional singer. Before she could say "help" she found herself billed as the featured vocalist in a live jazz salute. This was not an easy accomplishment considering she knew only about ten songs all the way through. Yet, she was a smashing success and hasn’t taken a back step since.

Sarah spent her childhood in Boston and claims her father is responsible for her love of jazz. The only music she ever heard at home was Ella, Sarah Vaughan, Chris Connor, Dakota Staton, Irene Kral. While other kids were singing nursery rhymes, Sarah was humming "Lush Life".

Attending Northwestern University Sarah set her sights on an acting career and majored in Theater. She stayed in Chicago and landed her first feature film role--opposite Tom Cruise in "Risky Business". She then headed to L.A. where she acted in several films and commercials. She guest starred in many TV Series, sitcoms and soaps. Then came that night at the Improv and her whole life changed.

Until his death in 1997, Sarah teamed up with Doc Cheatham and was a Sunday fixture at Sweet Waters jazz brunches. They also played many local clubs including the Metropolis and Trumpets.

Sarah is consistently "pick of the week" in newspapers on both coasts and has started to jump from L.A. to N.Y. entertaining audiences everywhere.