Sunny's not blue

Sunny Wilkinson was out of a job this spring whenMichigan State University dropped its vocal jazz program, of which shewas the founder and professor.

The School of Music program was in its seventh year; Wilkinson had taught at MSU for 17 years.

But on Friday she will return to campus with her firstlove — performing — when she sings with the Lansing Symphony Orchestraas part of the LSO pops series.

“There are five new premier arrangements,” she said. “TheLSO is going to eat them up. It’s a potpourri of tunes from Americancomposers.”

Wilkinson will be joined by her jazz trio: Ron Newman,pianist (and Wilkinson’s husband); Ed Fedewa, bass; Larry Ochiltree,drums.

“We’ve been playing together for about 10 years,” shesaid. “We have a really nice vibe together. And my husband is awonderful jazz player.”

Being on stage is a dream Wilkinson’s explored her entirelife. “I remember being 5 years old, making up songs at the jungle gymand singing them at the top of my lungs,” she recalled. “I knew that’swhat I wanted to do.”

From then on, “I was always performing, no matter whatmedium,” she said. “I sang in operas, musical theater, rock ‘n’ rollbands — I was a natural performer.”

It wasn’t until she went to Arizona State University, however, that she discovered jazz.

“I was a poor college student,” she said, “so I would goaround to garage sales and buy worn-out records for a quarter. I wouldtry to steal licks from Ella Fitzgerald. I just wanted to be goodenough that musicians would want to play with me.

“Once you realize you want to spend your life in it, youdevelop big goals and small goals. I just wanted to record, travel andplay bigger venues to get my music out to more people.”

She now has four records under her belt, most recently,“A Gentle Time: When Sunny Meets Tom,” a collaboration with herlongtime friend, pianist Tom Garvin.

Wilkinson has been teaching voice since she was 21. Today, students come to her studio in Okemos from across the country.

“I’ve had students come from California, Chicago,Massachusetts: I have something they want,” she said. “I’m really goodat balancing out voices and getting the voice smooth from top tobottom. I know how to bring out the best in their voice.”

Since she was laid off, Wilkinson has taught more private lessons. She also hired a new manager. 

“My manager, Sharen Lange, is as sharpand fantastic as could be,” she said. “We’re making a wonderful team.I’ve been taking advantage of having more time and freedom to sing andtravel.”

Next, she’ll travel to Boston, New Orleans and Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.

However, hitting it big hasn’t really altered the dream she’s had since her jungle gym days.

“I just want to keep making beautifulmusic that touches people and writing new inspiring music,” Wilkinsonsaid. “I want to get it out to as many people as possible.”

Sunny Wilkinson & her Jazz Trio with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra

8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21

Wharton Center

$15-$40

(517) 487-5001

www.Lansingsymphony.org