Vocalist | Band Leader | Educator
Julie Zhu is a jazz vocalist, songwriter, and educator active in Los Angeles and New York City. With a unique background in both the arts and sciences, she brings clarity, soul, and curiosity to every performance. Known for her warm tone and emotionally honest interpretations, Julie has performed at iconic venues such as Smalls Jazz Club, Mezzrow, and The Mint, sharing the stage with jazz greats including Joe Farnsworth, Roy McCurdy, Benny Benack III, Emmet Cohen, and Maurice “Mobetta” Brown.
In 2023, she recorded at the legendary Rudy Van Gelder Studio in New Jersey with Joe Farnsworth, and in 2025, she collaborated with drummer and songwriter Kyle Poole on a recording project for Splice at Sound Factory in Hollywood. She curates and hosts a bi-monthly Friday night jam session at Steep LA in Chinatown, creating a vibrant space for live improvisation and musical connection.
Beyond the stage, Julie is a Ph.D. candidate and educator at UCLA, where she teaches engineering and conducts research at the intersection of sustainability, mathematics, and biomedical systems. A first-generation college student, she holds dual degrees in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Applied Mathematics, along with an A.A. in Music.
