City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More
Orange, Watercolor Artist

Featured Article

Vibrant Visions Through Local Talent

Melodies and Brushstrokes: Exploring the Creative Journeys of Local Artists in Music and Artistry.

A local Jazz singer who used to busk in Central Park and the High Line by day and sing in Manhattan jazz clubs by night, Jill loves creating an element of fantasy, escapism, and musical time-travel when she writes new tunes and performs classics. Despite a shy upbringing, Jill's transformative journey across the stage unveiled her potential for marvel and bravery. Guided by a devotion to show tunes, she refined her craft at the esteemed Musical Theatre Academy of Orange County. There, she acquired skills spanning singing, acting, dancing, and stage presence, all of which remain integral to her performances today. Following her enriching experiences in New York, Jill embraced jazz, painting scintillating melodies and standards from the Great American Songbook. The timeless influences of Judy Garland and Ella Fitzgerald infuse her performances with nostalgic allure, while the vibrant rhythms of New Orleans jazz inspire a dynamic energy. Nods to the golden era of movie musicals, spanning the 1930s to the 1960s, are evident in her original lyrics and vintage stage attire. Jill's musical mission is clear: she reimagines classics to breathe new life into them, offering an invigorating twist while preserving their timeless essence. Explore more: http://www.jillsargeant.com | @jillsargeantmusic

Gina's art shines as she weaves a journey of passion and dedication through her paintings. From a young age, she was drawn to portraits, each brushstroke carrying a piece of her soul. Despite her academic path taking a different route, her love for portraying people remained strong. In the ups and downs of life, Gina found comfort in watercolors, a medium that holds charm and mystery. Her canvas speaks with a style that reflects her spirit. Everyday scenes come alive in her portraits, inspired by what she sees around her. With a focus on strong compositions, lighting, and depth, her colors tell stories and capture feelings. Each stroke is like a scene from a classic movie, elegant and full of emotion. Gina's art goes beyond the canvas, celebrating the beauty in small things. Her work highlights the special moments we often overlook. With every brushstroke, Gina invites us to see the world in a new light, reminding us to cherish the fleeting moments that might slip by unnoticed. Follow her here: @ginahaweswatercolors 

From an early age, Kim loved music and has played piano since the age of 4. Her journey into music took off when she met her mentor, Vivian Sigbornsen, in high school. "Being part of the band and choir gave me a sense of belonging during these years," said Kim. Competing as a solo pianist, she learned a lot from feedback and bonded with her peers, aiming for excellence. Kim's music style is diverse. She's trained in classical music but also plays for local gigs and works as a freelance musician. She's flexible and can play anything from classical to rap and more. As a lounge pianist at The Anaheim Hotel, she even accommodated unusual requests with skill. During the pandemic, Kim explored country music as her dreams of playing songs from different cultures and genres started to come to fruition, connecting with a wide range of people. She is the owner of Pacific Conservatory, a music school here in the city of Orange. She uses music and activities to help young people build their self-esteem and avoid negative paths. Music education, to her, has the power to prevent problems and create positivity. "Failure is a big deal to way too many people. What if we were to celebrate and embrace failure with the same adoration we show to a baby who falls as he learns to walk," said Kim. Explore more about her music school here: www.pacificconservatoryoc.com 

"Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better."

  • Orange, Watercolor Artist
  • Local Orange County Jazz Singer
  • Local Pianist