Alexandra McArthur is a dynamic, impactful vocalist and storyteller whose warm, soulful tone and emotionally resonant performances have made her a vibrant presence in Buffalo’s music scene for a decade. With a naturally expressive voice that spans multiple octaves and genres, she brings a fearless spirit of curiosity and creativity to every performance—whether interpreting timeless classics or exploring new musical terrain.​
Ms. McArthur is a four-time winner of the JazzBuffalo Poll for Female Vocalist of the Year (2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, and regularly organizes programs, cabarets, and concerts of many styles, and has been featured as a guest artist for performances at respected venues and cultural institutions in and around the city of Buffalo, including PAUSA Art House, Sportsmen's Tavern, The Caz, MusicalFare Theatre, Burchfield Penney Art Center, Hallwalls, Asbury Hall, Buffalo AKG, the historic Colored Musicians Club, and festivals such as the Lewiston Jazz Festival, Orchard Park Jazz Festival, Queen City Jazz Festival, The Pine Grill Jazz Reunion, and Ellicottville Jazz & Blues Festival.
A few of Ms. McArthur career highlights include: regularly singing with jazz saxophonist Bobby Militello & drummer/percussionist Dr. John Bacon at their monthly residencies in the Old First Ward of Buffalo since 2015, working with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s Education Program as a concert host and featured vocalist for grades 5-8 (2023-present), recording a selection of original compositions by Dr. John Bacon (and one of her own) in 2024, being a featured artist at the Virginia Arts Festival under the direction of John Toomey in the fall of 2023, her portrayal of Billie Holiday alongside George Caldwell in the stage play Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill in January of 2023, and being the featured soprano soloist for Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert in 2018.
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Raised in a musically rich household, Ms. McArthur was immersed in an eclectic blend of styles even before she was born by both of her parents—ranging from jazz, classical, and musical theatre to gospel, prog-rock, funk, and soul. This early exposure shaped a deep and diverse artistic foundation, inspiring her to find connection, comfort, and expression through song.​ She studied at the University at Buffalo, where she focused on musical theatre, classical voice, vocal jazz, choral music, and improvisation—gaining a multifaceted understanding of vocal technique and emotional storytelling. She credits her mentors, peers, and community for helping to uplift & shape her as both a performer and an artist devoted to the connective power of music.
A sought-after collaborator, Ms. McArthur participates in a wide range of creative projects—ranging from jazz ensembles and theatrical productions to original composition and interdisciplinary performance. She is involved in educational initiatives and community engagement, working with organizations to offer concerts, workshops, and presentations across the Greater Niagara region.
Ms. McArthur has paid tribute to jazz icons, including John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, The Crusaders, Ornette Coleman, George & Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, and more. She regularly collaborates on tributes to influential voices in music, some of her favorites including the likes of Stevie Wonder, Nancy Wilson, Billie Holiday, Mavis Staples, Sarah Vaughan, Esperanza Spalding, Prince, Michael Jackson, and Vulfpeck.
Ms McArthur frequently collaborates with musicians & organizations in the Buffalo community - such as pianist Harrison Graser on various jazz concerts & cabarets, rock & blues guitarist Grace Lougen at venues all around the Buffalo area, and regularly collaborates on tributes to jazz composers & icons with jazz Mr. Elliot Scozzaro & Dr. Mark Filsinger in The Buffalo Jazz Collective. She is a vocalist & percussionist with Latin roots band Guabàza, led by Michael Ruopoli, and also works together with premier saxophonist & entertainer John Troy with the contemporary soul/improvisatory group, The Hang. Ms. McArthur also performs at and regularly collaborates with the Universalist Church of Buffalo's Choir & Music Program, led by Dr. Jessie Downs.
Fostering an appreciation of choral music & vocal ensemble work, Ms. McArthur continues to sing as an Alto II with Vocalis, one of Buffalo’s premier chamber choral groups, under the direction of James Burritt. She also serves as an alto II sub with the renowned Nathaniel Dett Chorale in Toronto, Canada, led by Dr. Brainerd Blyden-Taylor. She has sung as an alto II with the Buffalo chamber choir Harmonia, as both a regular member & as a guest as part of their vocal jazz ensemble.