Malissa Rush

Malissa Rush is a Calgary-based jazz vocalist, musical theatre performer, and emerging voice educator known for her warm tone, expressive phrasing, and fresh, modern interpretations of classic jazz.

Her love for music began early, shaped by her parents’ eclectic record collection. After exploring everything from R&B to electronic music, she eventually found her artistic home in jazz, drawing inspiration from legends like Ella Fitzgerald as well as contemporary genre-bending artists such as Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox.

Malissa’s performing journey started in musical theatre, but after several years away from singing, she rediscovered her voice through Calgary’s jazz community. She began performing regularly in showcases, small ensembles, and with The Extremities vocal group. In 2024, she was selected as a top 10 finalist in the National Music Centre’s Mid-Autumn Star singing competition, where she earned 3rd place.

In 2025, Malissa’s career expanded significantly as she became the lead vocalist for EH TRAIN and appeared at major venues including the King Eddy, Ironwood Stage & Grill, and the Blues Can. She has also performed as guest vocalist with some of Calgary's top large jazz ensembles including the Woodhouse Big Band and the Fox Big Band.

Alongside her work as a performer, Malissa is currently training as both a voice teacher and performance mindset coach. She is passionate about helping singers build confidence, overcome performance anxiety, and reconnect with their artistic identity.

Whether fronting a jazz trio, leading a big band feature, or stepping into a theatrical role, Malissa brings authenticity, emotional depth, and a captivating stage presence to every performance.