October 3, 2019

Meet Cathy Segal-Garcia

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy Segal-Garcia.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up in a musical family in Boston. My dad was a sax player and band leader, mom a retired singer, and my twin sisters and I sang and one played piano. I went to Berklee College for Arranging and Composition and when I was about 21 I moved to Los Angles.
I started singing and creating gigs and never stopped! I started teaching when I was about 30 and then created continuous workshops which both I and visiting professional artists have taught over the years.
I created a weekly jam session that was very popular and created a strong jazz community, that lasted 15 years.
I’ve never stopped, and I’m known as a community builder and connector for Los Angeles jazz.
I now also produce recordings for jazz vocalists and I’m just completing my 13th recording, with several more waiting for my attention.

Please tell us about your art.

My art has always reflected my love for jazz, creating art, and for creating with great musicians. I feel that honesty is the best art to reach audiences. My responsibility as an artist is to create magic and create it as honestly as I possibly can. In this way, I can give gifts to the audience. An experience that they can internalize and heal by.

Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
I think what’s most difficult is finding the mental as well as the physical energy to create, while you’re making a living. Of course this totally depends on you. I’ve always felt you can conquer anything if you can confront it and take responsibility for it. Be good to yourself. Love what you’re doing, especially while you’re doing it. One does, after all, have to make a living to survive at all. It’s ok. Creativity is yours, no matter what!

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My website is www.cathysegalgarcia.com. Youtube has many videos and you can find me online a lot. People can come see me perform, they can come to workshops I create monthly, They can buy my cds! And they can spread the news about me.

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