August 22, 2016:  I was very lucky to find a few minutes to speak with Capathia Jenkins this week.  When not performing on TV and Broadway, she is busy crisscrossing the globe performing on the world’s biggest stages with the finest orchestras.  Last year I performed in Philadelphia, Atlanta and Jacksonville with Capathia in Classic Soul. She brought the house down in all three cities, every single night of the show.  It was a real thrill to hear her sing each night and to perform with her.  In this episode we learn about Capathia's early influences including the church and R&B, the significance of a teacher's encouragement, how her aural skills broadened at Temple University, the moment that she felt as though she had finally made it,  why live music is always her favorite, and her deep passion for her work with Covenant House. 

This Brooklyn-born and raised actress most recently starred as ‘Medda’ in the hit Disney production of Newsies’ on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in The Civil War, where she created the role of Harriet Jackson.  An active concert artist, Ms. Jenkins has appeared with orchestras around the world including the Pittsburgh Symphony (with Marvin Hamlisch), National Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, The Philly Pops, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic, just to name a few.  Her Television credits include 30 Rock, the Practice, Law & Order SVU, the Sopranos, Law & Order and The Wiz Live!   When not acting and singing she spends much of her free time supporting the efforts of Covenant House by serving on the board of directors and organizing Sleep Out: Broadway Edition.

Capathia's links

Capathia Jenkins website
Covenant House


[Picture: 4/18/2015 Capathia Jenkins singing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Sean J. Kennedy on drumset]