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LUKE, Ginny

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LUKE, Ginny. (Dubuque, IA-- ). Luke showed artist talent from an early age. She began playing violin, piano and began dance at the Dubuque Dance Studio at the age of three. Since the age of four, she appeared in approximately twelve productions at the GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Luke appeared in the documentaries “My Father’s Fun" and “Ship Ablaze: The Wreck of the General Slocum” on the History Channel in 2002 where she played the role of Kathryn O’Donnell.

In 2004 she choreographed the production at EISENHOWER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL of “School House Rock Jr.” and later portrayed the character “Pat” in the production of “Li’l Abner" at Washington Junior High School (now WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL) where she was an active member of both the choir and band. She received the Nicholas Green Award for Distinguished Art Students and won “Honorable Mention” on violin in the Midwest Young Artists’ Walgreen’s Concerto Competition in Schaumburg, IL. (1)

A visit by acting coach Chamber Stevens led to a decision that would change her life. Only fifteen and not even in high school, Luke attended a three-day master class where the suggestion was made she move to Los Angeles, California to continue her studies. She entering into agreement with her mother that if she won the concerto competition with the Water-Cedar Falls Symphony she could go. She succeeded. Under the guardianship of her brother who also acted as her home-school tutor, she moved to California. (2) She spent her first year auditioning and obtaining extra roles in television sitcoms including "Everybody Hates Chris" and such films as "Drillbit Taylor." She made a debut single and accompanying music video, "It's Not Over Yet."

In 2009 Luke became part of the new girl group, Adam 812, which recorded and released a self-titled debut pop CD. The trio also performed in famed rock venues including Whiskey-A-Go-Go in Los Angeles and opened for KC and the Sunshine Band in Florida. Luke obtained leading roles in several independent and student films including "Board" which appeared on the reality TV show "On the Lot." She played viola in the 2009 remake of "Fame" and in the Dave Matthews Band's "You and Me" music video. Luke studied acting at the prestigious Interlochen (Michigan) Center for the Arts, but left after her junior year. (3) She continued to study voice at the Musicians" Institute of Technology and the violin at the Colburn School of Music, both in Los Angeles. (4)

In 2011 Luke joined Grammy Award-winner Meat Loaf on his "Hell in a Handbasket" tour in Australia as a vocalist and violinist. Her tours have included Questlove-cultivated 4U: A Symphonic Celebration of Prince (2018) and the Dr. Dre Orchestral Tour (2019). (5) Other credits in film/TV include the pilot “Worker’s Comp” starring Morgan Fairchild and Robert Carradine, independent short "Board" which received Viewers Choice Award at the Rebel Planet Film Festival in 2008, and as a dancer/performer on Janet Jackson’s “Rock Wit U” pilot. She has composed music for Interlochen Arts Academy productions “Arabian Nights” and short film “Fergo Fish.” (6)

When not performing, Luke in an adjunct instructor for the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. She also co-managed an electric string quartet known as SAGA Strings. (7)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdJ1zq7YFHI ---

Source:

1. Ginny Luke.Online: http://www.ginnylukeonline.com/

2. Gloss, Megan, "Ginny Luke," Where Are They Now? (supplement to the Telegraph Herald), August, 2021, p. 11

3. Ibid.

4. Ginny Luke

5. Gloss

6. Ginny Luke

7. Gloss

Virginia Luke. YouTube user: AdJ1zq7YFHI