Lee Engele is a multifaceted performer based in Minnesota, celebrated for her work as a jazz vocalist, disc jockey, and actor. She has been active in the Twin Cities music and arts scene for over three decades, performing in various formats ranging from intimate duos to full big bands.
As a vocalist, Engele has collaborated with numerous ensembles, including the Moonlight Serenaders Big Band since 2010. She has also been featured with groups like the Just Friends Big Band, Somewhat Dixie Land Band, and the Minnesota Jazz Orchestra. Her performances span public concerts, private events, and festivals that include the Twin Cities Jazz Festival.
Her discography includes solo projects In the Key of “L” (2010), Perhaps (2009), and A Hot Christmas (2011), as well as contributions to various jazz compilations released by EQ Music (from 2010 to 2025), including Jazz Bar II, Movies Classic Jazz.
Beyond singing, Engele is an experienced DJ, having provided music for over a thousand weddings, galas, fundraisers, and private parties. She curates playlists that blend classic and contemporary styles to suit diverse audiences and events .
Engele has also made her mark in theater, performing in productions such as Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair! with Theatre 55. Her television appearances include features on KARE 11, KSTP and various local access programs, and her music has been broadcast on stations such as KBEM and KFAI .
In the past few years Engele has maintained a busy schedule, performing at venues like the Wabasha Street Caves for swing dance nights, Alexis Bailly Vineyards, and the Twin Cities Jazz Festival. She also served as a DJ for events such as the Duluth Art Institute and Landmark Center’s annual galas.
Festivals, Showcases & Conferences
Concerts
Outdoor Music in the Parks, Wineries, Farmer's Markets
Alexis Bailly, Anoka, Centennial Lakes, Chaska, Como Park Pavilion, Crystal, Downtown Lakeville “Wednesday’s on Main”, Eagan Rotary Park, Excelsior, George Green Park, Landmark Center Christmas Bazaar, Minnesota State Fair, Minnetonka Music in the Parks, Normandale Lake – Bloomington, Music Tuesday’s – Stillwater, Roseville Central Park, Southwest Station, Staring Lake, Augsburg Park Richfield, Wolfe Lake, and many many more.
Discography
Theatre
Radio & Television
Public Clubs and Private Events:
American Swedish Institute, Artist’s Quarter, Barbette, Bayview Event Center, Calhoun Beach Club, Birdland, CAMP, Campus Club, Cinema Ballroom, Club Saratoga, Cov, Crave, Crowne Plazas, Dakota County Music Café, Dakota Jazz Club (5 appearances), Disney World, Domino Lounge – Chicago, Gale Mansion, Golden Valley Country Club, Hell’s Kitchen, Holiday Inn, Hotel Sofitel, HONEY, International Market Square, Jaxx Café, Jensen’s Supper Club, Loring Kitchen, Mattie’s on Main, Millennium Hotel, Mason Jar, Metropolitan Room - New York, Minnesota State Fair, Minnesota Zephyr, Mudd Room, NEMAA Gallery events, Parma, Peachtree Plaza – Atlanta, Rossi’s, Red Stag, Saint Paul College Club, Saint Paul Hotel, Sawatdee, Tapestry Folkdance Center, The 925, Third Bird, Time Out New York Lounge-NY, Tryg’s, Veteran’s Hospital, Wabasha Street Caves, Windows on MN, Woman’s Club of Minneapolis