At age 18, Randy Singer left his native Ohio in search of a full-time career as a performer. The first stop was New York University, where he earned a degree in music. Then came a stint of traveling through various countries, including Brazil and the Czech Republic, in order to develop his chops as a vocalist and harmonica player. Soon he was in Nashville working as a studio musician. "I found my true skills in the studio," Singer says, "things like knowing your instrument, being easy to work with, attention to detail, networking, and most important, the devotion to the essence of music."
Relocating to Deerfield Beach in 1997, Singer began making his name around South Florida by playing in local jazz clubs. He shared the stage with international stars such as Brazil's Caetano Veloso, Debbie Harry, Julio Iglesias, and fellow harmonica player Toots Thielemans.
Most recently, he was appointed musical director at the Van Dyke Café, where he curates the club's monthly calendar of performances. He often sits in with the bands playing there and regularly performs with his own band. His set list includes bossa nova classics, jazz standards, and some original material.
"We have achieved the goal of a permanent creative performance center that is artistically and commercially successful," Singer says of the venue. "At the Van Dyke, we have the finest selection of amazing musicians from around the world performing live music with elements of spontaneity, improvisation, virtuosity, style, passion, and fun."
For those who can't make it to South Beach, the club's website streams a daily live webcast of the shows. "At the Van Dyke and via the nightly Live at the Van Dyke webcam series, we're perfecting the craft and showcasing it for public appreciation, critique, and acquisition every day of the week," Singer says. "Come by and see it for yourself; it's a creative party every night!"
