Olga Watkins & The Soul Kitchen Band

Fresh, Hot, Blues, Jazz & Soul  

Olga Watkins is the host of the new WB22 cooking show; Food, Friends and Flicks. Her web site, www.olgawatkins.com has been seen by over 270,000 people since May, 2004. Olga Watkins has been featured in stories in USA Today, The Pittsburgh Post Gazette, The Pittsburgh Tribune Review, The Pittsburgh Downtowner Magazine, The Ohio-based, Get a Life Magazine and on websites such as www.ZBands.com and  www.businessopportunities.biz 

“Olga and her band have been responsible for our 3 best Saturday nights. People just stay, listen and drink. They have brought us a lot of new faces and everyone, including our regulars, loves their music!” --Joe Mansfield, Proprietor, Monterey Pub, North Side 

“I was in awe listening to all the clips on her web site. She truly has a one-in-a-million voice.” Jim Dofka, lead singer and guitarist of the rock band Dofka, 

Since October 2003, Miss Watkins and her Soul Kitchen band have played regularly, to packed houses at venues such as the Crawford Grill in Station Square, Fresco’s in Wexford, Cefalo’s in Carnegie, Magoo’s Bistro in the north hills, Zozo’s in Greensburg and Monterey Pub on the north side, among others. They are also the featured entertainers for annual events such as the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Wine and Dine in Robin Hill Park,  and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Annual Wine Opener.  

“Even out of the kitchen, Olga Watkins has all the best recipes.” wrote Bob Karlovits, staff music writer for the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. Olga also works as a demonstration chef, personal chef and caterer, consultant and menu development specialist. She teaches community outreach classes for the Community College of Allegheny County as well as private classes and classes for Whole Foods Market, Sewickley Sweetwater Arts Center and In the Kitchen in Wexford; a passion and vocation that has allowed for a broad and diverse fan base. Her singing chef show was seen by thousands of spectators in the summer of 2004 in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. 

The talented, Soul Kitchen band is comprised of other highly trained and accomplished musicians such as Drummer, Subha Das; a graduate of Duquesne University and teacher in the award-winning, Mt. Lebanon High School, percussion program; who has a heavy load of private students and plays with other local artists including Sputzy and the Soul Providers. Pianist/ Keyboardist Mason Embry; graduate of the University of Louisville,  plays regularly with Contemporary Christian Recording Artist, David De Marco and is regarded as the best, new, up and coming pianist in the area. Bassist Jason Hollar, graduate of Temple University and founder of Colorado’s Big Black Cadillac Jazz Band, has played in clubs and for events throughout the country and currently appears with Olga’s group as well as with his own trio and  with jazz vocalist Donna Bailey. The band is currently working on a CD of original music and is making plans to record live this summer in a local, musical venue. 

“We appreciate that she works so hard to market her appearances. She’s able to draw a crowd on a Sunday or a Thursday. And, we really love her voice.” Tom Burley, Proprietor, Crawford Grill, Station Square 

More information about Olga Watkins, her performance schedule and live video clips of Olga’s Soul Kitchen Band can be found on the web at www.olgawatkins.com  

Book this band by calling 412-716-5119 or email to Booking@olgawatkins.com