Acclaimed vocalist and jazz pianist Nancy Nolan, accompanied by bassist Dan O’Brien, will share an “Evening of Jazz” in a benefit concert for Whidbey Children’s Theater at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28.

Having performed internationally in Japan, France, Canada and even the Republic of Georgia, Nolan has been seen regularly in Seattle at places such as Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley and the Crepe de Paris cabaret.

You may also have seen her this past summer singing onstage at Choochokam Arts festival in Langley.

Nolan may be taking another trip to Japan soon. She is one of seven adult finalists vying for the chance to perform at the Kobe Jazz Queen Vocalist contest on May 9. Nolan became a finalist through the fifth annual Sister City Female Vocalist Jazz competition sponsored by the Pacific Jazz Institute at Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley.

It’s no surprise Nolan was one of so few selected, being the seasoned artist and musician that she is.

She has performed both solo and with trios and quartets extensively as a jazz singer and as a musical-theater artist.

Starting with an education in theater, Nolan went on to expand her vocal and piano training, studying with some of the finest vocal coaches and piano teachers in New York, Los Angeles and Seattle.

Her records include “Songs of Iltao,” with Gary Peacock and Igor Agisheff, and “Nancy Nolan Sings,” with Jovino Santos Neto, Bob Nixon, Clipper Anderson and Chris Lee.

After taking a few dedicated years off to devote to raising her daughter, Nolan returned to her music career with full force and was recently invited to sing at the renowned Metropolitan Room in New York City.

This special benefit “Evening of Jazz” will include light refreshments served during intermission, preceded by a silent auction to benefit the Whidbey Children’s Theater scholarship fund beginning at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Call 221-2282 or stop by for tickets at the Porter Building, 222 Anthes in Langley.

Also, look for Nolan next month performing for two nights at Seattle’s ACT Theatre in the Bullitt Cabaret Room, April 10 and 11.