Dr. Tish Oney, Artistic Director of The Peggy Lee Project: "The Lyrical Genius of Peggy Lee," completed her doctoral work in the field of Jazz Studies at The University of Southern California's renowned Thornton School of Music. This project, resulting from Oney's dissertation research, combines performance of original songs by Peggy Lee with analytic discussion of Lee's writing style to show the unparalleled (and relatively under-appreciated) contributions made by this prolific and legendary vocalist/songwriter.

Appearing in April 2007 along with Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole, Take 6, Wynonna and Patti Austin as a featured soloist in the PBS broadcast performance: "We Love Ella! A Tribute to the First Lady of Song" held at USC's Galen Center in Los Angeles, Dr. Oney continues to perform for appreciative audiences all over the world. Garnering a SAMMY Award nomination in 2004 for "Best Jazz Recording" and a nomination for "Best Jazz Vocalist" in 2002, Tish has appeared as a featured soloist all over the world. She has performed and recorded with several noted jazz artists including Les Brown, Donald Byrd, John Chiodini, Bill Watrous, Ray Brinker, Ken Wild, Alan Steinberger, Joel Hamilton, Kendall Kay, Bob Leatherbarrow, Ron Anthony, Joe Riposo, Steve Brown, Bill Harris, Dave Solazzo and George Reed, among others.

Tish maintains a very active performing and recording career. Her singing has been featured on radio and television from California to New York. Tish recently embarked on her latest tour to kickoff the release of her new CD, "Dear Peg," and appeared at various venues in the eastern U.S. throughout the summer of 2008. Jazz festival credits include The Syracuse Jazzfest (the largest free jazz festival in the Northeastern US), the Fulton Jazz Festival, the Crystal City Jazz Festival, the "Jazz in the City" concert series, and other events. She has performed at regional jazz hotspots from the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles to The Jazz Corner in Hilton Head, South Carolina to Carnegie Hall. Look for her on tour with The Peggy Lee Project through 2008!

Oney's new recording honors the songwriting achievements of vocal jazz icon Peggy Lee and features former members of Lee's band including John Chiodini, guitar, Bill Watrous, trombone and Bob Leatherbarrow, vibes. The band also features Kendall Kay on drums and Joel Hamilton on bass.

Tish has been honored with The Diane Warren Award and a second initiation into national music honor society Pi Kappa Lambda. Oney earned her Master of Music degree in Voice Performance from Ithaca College and taught voice and vocal jazz at Syracuse University's Setnor School of Music before moving to Los Angeles. Oney is an active composer, arranger, and educator and enjoys membership in ASCAP and NATS. She has appeared nationwide as a featured performer (in both jazz and classical circles), conductor, master teacher and adjudicator. Her diverse artistic talents combine to form a consummate vocal artist with exceptional technique, improvisational skill, and expertise.