Wendy Reed

She later continued her formal training at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (CCM), focusing on musical theater. Following her time at CCM, she was offered a one-woman Dixieland jazz show at Six Flags Darien Lake Resort, further establishing her as a dynamic and self-sufficient performer.

Reed gained national exposure touring with the Bob & Tom Almost All-Star Band. Performing for sister stations across the country, these comedy-driven musical reviews allowed her to combine character work with high-level vocal performance, evoking the classic vaudeville tradition of the “total entertainer.” Her work with the program also included providing backing vocals for numerous nationally recognized musical and comedy acts.

Throughout her career, Reed has served as a frontwoman for several of the region’s most refined groups. She was the lead singer for the energetic jazz-fusion band Decoy and a key member of First Impression, a top show band that performed at Midwest corporate and gala events for decades. In addition to leading her own group—the Wendy Reed Band—she is a founding member of the renowned vocal jazz group VocalEase (also known as “The Divas”), performing alongside Brenda Williams, Sandy Lomax, and Yvonne Allu.

Beyond the stage, Reed became a highly sought-after session vocalist. Her technical skill made her a regular presence in the Indianapolis recording scene, where she contributed to a wide catalog of regional and national commercial jingles and studio projects. While her commercial work is extensive, Reed considers the Great American Songbook to be closest to her musical heart.

Reed’s distinctive sound has graced many of the city’s most iconic stages, including the historic Chatterbox Jazz Club, The Jazz Kitchen, Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael, and the Adagio Lounge. For more than thirty years, she has shared the stage with a “who’s who” of Indianapolis jazz legends, including Claude Sifferlen, the Hampton Sisters, Keith Payne, Pharez Whitted, Steven Jones, Reggie Bishop, Jeff Reed, Jonathan Wood, Paul Hines, Tad Robinson, Bill Kennaugh, Steve Woerner, Steve & Greg Corn, Joe Deal, Rob Dixon, Tim Brickley, Steve Allee, and Kenny Phelps.

She credits mentors Dick Dickinson and Ken Fary for their lasting influence and guidance, which helped shape her into the accomplished professional and mentor she is today. Through her performances, recordings, and reputation for vocal excellence, Wendy Reed continues to set the gold standard for vocal showmanship in the Circle City.