When Nellie was only two years old, she and mother came to New York, where they lived in Harlem. There, Nellie began soaking up the R&B, hip hop, jazz and latin music of the musically diverse neighborhood. She also began taking piano lessons, though practicing and being on time for her lessons wasn't always Nellie's strong suit.

After a brief move to the west coast, Nellie and her mom moved back east, this time settling in the Poconos of Pennsylvania where Nellie attended high school and even had some lessons with fellow Delaware Water Gap resident, Phil Woods.

In 2000, McKay briefly attended the Manhattan School of Music, before dropping out pursue a career as a performer. She briefly attempted stand-up comedy before returning to singing and playing the piano. Her wit and humor served her well as she pursued her music career and she developed a devoted following in New York.

Her first album, Get Away From Me, bewildered and fascinated critics with sarcastic and clever tunes that included influences from hip hop to cabaret. Though it defied easy classification, Get Away From Me made it onto a number of influential Best of 2004 lists. Her second album, Pretty Little Head will debut on Dec. 27 of this year. In addition, Nellie has recently been cast in a Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera set for April 2006.

Set List for Nellie McKay on Piano Jazz

"The Suitcase Song" (McKay)

"The Work Song" (McKay)

"Pennies from Heaven" (Burke, Johnston)

"What'll I Do" (Berlin)

"Skylark" (Carmichael, Mercer)

"I Wanna Get Married" (McKay)

"Body and Soul" (Green, Heyman, Sour)

"Portrait of Nellie McKay" (McPartland)

"Portrait of Marian McPartland" (McKay)

"Route 66" (Troup)