About
Valerie showcases her musical prowess through her JazzSoul Quartet and Live House Music Ensemble "Mooncandy." Her musical journey began in East Oakland, singing gospel at Love Center Ministries. Transitioning to jazz during high school, her triumph in a vocal competition at the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) led her to seek guidance from elder musicians like pianist Ed Kelly, Linda Tillery, and Ellen Hoffman. Uncovering the profound influence of the music of the African Diaspora, Valerie Troutt remains unwavering in her dedication to inspiring a profound exploration of Black music's impact on our history and its potential to shape our future. Recent highlights include a captivating performance at the SF MOAD Diaspora Dinner and a featured performer at the Oakland Symphony’s Playlist tribute to Angela Davis. In the summer of 2023, her band MoonCandy paid homage to the enduring legacy of Oakland-born gospel artists Walter Hawkins and the Family at SFJAZZ.
