Vanessa Finney's work as a jazz vocalist extends beyond music, encompassing documentary production and podcast hosting that showcases her artistry. Her collaborations with Jefferson Public Radio and Southern Oregon PBS highlight her multifaceted approach to media.
I'm a jazz vocalist and songwriter who's performed throughout Southern Oregon. In May 2025, I released my first album, produced by my music partner, Mark Hamersly. "Bésame Mucho" features a collection of Bossa Nova and swing tunes, alongside two originals: "Like Sand"—which reflects on the sudden loss of someone close—and "Rat Race," which critiques city traffic and the system that created it. The album is available for streaming online and can also be found in Ashland record stores. Additionally, I've been involved in documentary production and podcast hosting for Jefferson Public Radio and Southern Oregon PBS, sharing my musical journey with a wider audience.
As the creator and freelance producer of Southern Oregon PBS's documentary production, I present the documentary-style interstitial series "The Work of Art." This series captures the artistic process behind each piece, aiming to educate viewers, promote professional artists, and support the region's creative economy. In my interview with SO PBS, I discuss my motivations for creating the show, which is reminiscent of the engaging stories shared by jazz vocalists on Jefferson Public Radio. Additionally, my passion for podcast hosting has influenced my approach to storytelling in this series.
My latest creative nonfiction piece appears in the Spring 2025 issue of Oregon Humanities magazine. "Perennial Lives" expands on the "My Better Half" podcast to explore the creative potential of our later years in the realm of documentary production. Since publishing this piece in the journal I've always admired for its deep writing centered on a theme, I've joined OH's volunteer Editorial Advisory Board to help promote submissions and subscribers; you can do that here. Additionally, one of my favorite arts interviews in print is this one with jazz vocalist Kurt Elling, and you can follow my learning curve in Scuba Diving magazine, which is also featured on Jefferson Public Radio and Southern Oregon PBS.
I book and host 'The Creative Way' on Jefferson Public Radio, which is part of Jefferson Public Radio's current affairs program. This radio segment and podcast hosting opportunity serves as a platform to interview the artists and producers who contribute to the vibrant cultural scene in Southern Oregon and Northern California, particularly in the literary, visual, and performing arts. For instance, 'Turning fire into song' features three theater artists responding to community tragedy with art, while 'Weaving a tradition' interviews a Siletz artist about practicing her heritage. Additionally, listeners can hear an immigrant's son use music to trace the Irish diaspora into Oregon.
I'm also the creator and host of 'My Better Half' on JPR. This podcast explores midlife reinventions and late-life blooming, focusing on how to thrive after 45. It even earned me a post-45 media award when the Public Media Journalists Association recognized the episode 'Exploring life with a death doula' as the Best Interview in its category. Thank you for listening, PMJA.
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Feel free to send me a message or ask me a question using this form, whether it's about documentary production, the latest jazz vocalist featured on Jefferson Public Radio, podcast hosting tips, or Southern Oregon PBS updates.
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