Lisa is a highly accomplished musician, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and mentor with a diverse range of experiences in the music industry. She earned her bachelor's degree in Vocal Jazz Performance from NYU, where she studied with some of the greats in the jazz industry, including Joe Lovano, Marion Cowings, and Kim Kalesti. Lisa had the honor of singing with Harry Connick Jr., at The Knickerbocker Saloon in New York City.
One of Lisa's most notable achievements is her pioneering work in the jazz for kids movement, which she accomplished through her award-winning CD series, Jazz for Kids. Her efforts have been recognized worldwide, and she hosted the jazz for kids show on WETF The jazz station in South Bend, Indiana for 3.5 years.
As a singer and songwriter, Lisa has released over 10 albums of original music across various genres. Her work has been featured in numerous TV shows, including Blue Bloods, The Young and the Restless, Hallmark, and Dolly Parton's Heartstrings on Netflix. Additionally, Lisa was a finalist in the 2004 Boston Pops search, where she performed with Keith Lockhart at Symphony Hall.
Lisa is a dedicated mentor to her students, providing guidance and support for musical theater auditions, American Idol, college applications, and other music-related endeavors. Many of her students have gone on to attend prestigious schools such as Berklee College of Music.
Currently, Lisa is working on three new musical theater projects. One is a musical called Me, Myself, and Jill with playwright Craig O'Connor, which was a part of an Off-Broadway developmental series in New York City last October (2023), where she served as both the musical director and creator. Me, Myself, and Jill will have a staged reading at Mockingbird Music in Easton MA May 18 and 19th 2024. (memyselfandjill.com)
Her second project is a new musical called Virtually Ours, which Lisa wrote with her three female collaborators, Lisa Ann Grant, Diana Sussman, and Eva Grant Rawiszer. Virtually Ours was accepted into an Off Broadway Equity showcase March 2024 (Spark Theatre Festival NYC) It was very well received by our sold out audience. (virtuallyoursthemusical.com)
Her third project is a docu-play with music called Painting Life in Pictures. It is a multimedia collaborative project with her sister, Yochi Yakir Avin, a professional artist. The story is about Yochi's early years which informed her art. Painting Life In Pictures will make its debut in Pembroke Pines, FL at the Frank Gallery August 30 and 31 2024.
Lisa and her brother and longtime collaborator Lenny Sukienik started a podcast called the Process in which they talk about the process of songwriting and creating music for everyman. The show is fun with their childhood camaraderie and the also interview songwriters and creators.
Lisa also manages the career of legacy jazz vocalist Shawnn Monteiro.
Overall, Lisa is a talented and accomplished musician who continues to make significant contributions to the music industry while inspiring and mentoring the next generation of musicians.
Here's a fun fact: Lisa attended NYU- Tisch School of the arts with Adam Sandler and even performed in a coffeehouse together at Brittany Hall in 1985.