kilissa cissoko

"Classically trained and soulfully syncopated, Kilissa Cissoko is a tuneful and observant songwriter with comparisons to Carole King and Fiona Apple

Originally from Baltimore and raised in Chicago, Kilissa now makes her home in Buffalo, NY. In the 1990's she worked as an independent songwriter and performing artist with a variety of groups and was featured at major venues and festivals in the US and abroad. After a hiatus for motherhood, she is currently writing and recording material as a solo artist and is developing a new work for musical theater.

Also an innovative music educator, Cissoko earned her BFA and EdM degrees in music from the State University of New York. She was Executive Director of the MUSE Artists in Education program, founded the Tiny Tunes Early Childhood Music Program, and currently teaches Elementary Music (K-4) in the Buffalo Public Schools. She serves as a mentor teacher and curriculum writer for the district. Her focus is on Creativity in Music Education.

Kilissa has a gift for melody and a razor sharp skill for honing compelling lyrics. Her music blends many influences and as a performer she naturally engages the audience."

Kilissa Cissoko was a member of The Voice Of Cheez, a band that performed the music of Frank Zappa.

Kilissa also took part in the Anti Agressive Action Band's (aka Underground Sensation) concert at Zappanale in 2008, and she can be heard on the Doot! contribution to the "21 Burnt Weeny Sandwiches" tribute album.

August 2, 2012, Kilissa's "Airport Musical" got performed at the Buffalo Infringement Festival.

	voice of cheez: mother's day love in     (2005, 2cdr-pro, usa, private release) - all compositions by frank zappa
	doot!: doot!     (2006, cdr, usa, cholly hoss productions / private release) - incl. various frank zappa & jimi hendix themes
	various artists: zappanale 19     (2009, mp3-dvd, ger, arf society) - incl. various artists playing frank zappa compositions
	various artists: 21 burnt weeny sandwiches     (2010, cd, uk, cordelia records) - all compositions by frank zappa

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