Helene Feldman hails from the great state of Florida. A true southerner at heart, Helene considers herself a native New Yorker. Raised in the Bronx, Helene’s first exposure to performing was in summer camp, which led to honing her new found skills and passion at Manhattan’s famed Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music & Art. Continuing on to Boston’s Berklee College of Music as a voice major, Helene shared a dorm room with another budding performer, future music legend, Melissa Etheridge. Freshmen year would never be the same. Between solfege classes and ear training for singers, a friendship was created and Helene loved being lulled to sleep by Melissa’s 12-string Ovation. While the years distanced their relationship, Helene was flattered to see that Melissa dedicated a page and a half of their time together as roommates in her book, The Truth Is…My Life in Love and Music.
Helene’s passion for music and song brought her back to Manhattan where she has been a long time member of Congregation Beth Simchat Torah community choir under the direction of Joyce Rosenzweig. She has performed for the Northeast Jewish Choir Festival, annual Holocaust Memorial events, GLBT Pride events and in several nursing homes with VocalEase and fund raising events.. Most recently Helene performed The 46th Street Mass, written and composed by Daryl Curry at St. Clement’s Church in midtown Manhattan with an all star chorus.
The art form of cabaret was introduced to Helene by her neighbor and dear friend Michael Nelsen. Inspired by this unique style of performing, Helene began studying cabaret performance with the award winning team of Lennie Watts, Steven Ray Watkins and Lina Koutrakis. Through their advanced workshops, Helene was asked to perform at Mama Roses, The Showroom at the Encore, and The Duplex. Her one woman show, “Sit down, and keep quiet please!” directed by Lennie Watts with Gerry Dieffenbach as musical director opened to excellent reviews:
“I was instantly charmed by this ladies opening song”…”Helene showed great timing and delivery. ” – Stu Hamstra, Cabaret Hotline Online
“She came on strong with a varied song list. Some were little heard novelties that were handled with panache”. ”…perceptive interpretation of the lyrics, more effective in that arena than some with far longer track records .”- Peter Leavy, Cabaret Scenes Magazine
“Ms. Feldman closed her show with the very prophetic, The Best is Yet to Come. And that is definitely what I expect the future to hold for Helene Feldman.”- Michael Nelsen, MN On Line
In addition to her musical talents, Helene designs women’s accessories. You can order some of her creations through this very site! She was employed in the fashion industry for ten years while attending the Fashion Institute of Technology earning a degree in marketing. Helene also attended New York University earning a Master’s degree in counseling. She is a certified rehabilitation counselor, certified employee assistance professional and, a New York State licensed mental health counselor. Currently Helene lives in New York City with her partner and precious pooch.