Mariella is a soulful and charismatic vocalist, and one of New York City's most sought-after performers. In addition to her versatile voice, she is an award-winning songwriter. Her poignant lyrics and masterful songwriting have earned her accolades worldwide, including the 2008 Billboard World Songwriting Contest grand prize, and an honorable mention in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. She is also the co-creator of one of NYC’s longest running and critically acclaimed hip-hop jam sessions, Freestyle Mondays.
In addition to Freestyle Mondays, she has also held residencies at various venues in both New York City and Asia, and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, B.B. Kings, NPR's Tiny Desk, Birdland Jazz Club, and the famed Blue Note Jazz Club. In 2015 Mariella was invited by the US State Department to lead an all-female Jazz ensemble on a goodwill tour of Nicaragua for International Women's Month, culminating with a performance at Nicaragua's International Jazz Festival. She has also been featured on Sesame Street seasons 40 and 41, as well as Elmo's Music Magic DVD.
Mariella is the founder of Jazz Baby Music, blending her love of Jazz with multi-sensory play for children. Jazz Baby classes can be found throughout New York City and Westchester, and online. Mariella also leads Spanish/Bilingual Storytime and Ready Set Kindergarten programs for Brooklyn Public Library. She is currently writing a children's album.