High energy, heart-rending, sweet, sad, showstopping, soulful - a plethora of potent adjectives describe the multi-faceted voice of Wendy Fopeano.

Wendy grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, where here whole family was involved in music and theater. When Wendy's parents introduced her to jazz at age twelve, she began studying music formally on electric and acoustic bass, piano, trumpet and especially guitar. She was considering a career as a classical guitarist until her love of singing and improvising pushed her towards jazz singing. She performed at many of KC's top club venues and with many of KC's stellar artists including her cousin, guitarist Charles Gatschet, and perennial Downbeat poll winner, Kevin Mahogany.

Since moving to Colorado in 1987, Wendy has performed at many of the region's top venues including featured appearances at Vartan Jazz, Trios, Dazzle and Sambuca. She has traveled the globe, including a tour of Holland (with pianist Mark Sloniker) and a two-month stay in India, where she performed regularly at one of the world's most elegant and exclusive hotels, The Oberoi. She has appeared in many of the festivals and concert series throughout the Front Range and has worked with local greats such as Art Lande, Ellen Rucker, Dale Bruning, Eric Gunnison and Paul Warburton. She has her own jazz show on 89.3 FM KUVO on Friday nights from 9 to 12.

Wendy has recorded with jazz giant Kirby Shaw and jazz/blues guitarist Mark Van Ark, with whom she paired for her debut solo recording "First Takes." Her most recent CD, "When There's Love," was called, "an uninhibited, in-your-face, impressive, and inspiring vocal triumph," and received rave reviews and national airplay.

Wendy has a strong appreciation for Latin culture and music. She has studied Spanish in Mexico and learned about bossa nova and samba through Brazilian friendships. Considered one of Denver's strongest jazz vocalists, Wendy brings elegance and power to Señor Gato performances.