​​Multi-instrumentalist and educator Erica von Kleist has led many lives as a musician and producer, leading the charge as woodwind specialist, educator, and entrepreneur. After receiving the first jazz bachelor’s degree in the history of the Juilliard School, Erica went on to tour and record with Sean Jones, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, spent time on Broadway in the pits of The Addams Family, Chorusline and Gypsy, and recorded on five Grammy-Nominated albums. As a bandleader Erica has released five records, most recently "Sax & Taps" with DeWitt Fleming Jr, live at Dizzy's Club. In 2012 Erica relocated from NYC to the big sky state of Montana where she started several business initiatives, and discovered her songwriting and comedy abilities. During the #MeToo movement, Erica reminisced on her experiences as the only female in countless professional situations in jazz, and began writing songs about the struggles that women face. Her songs snowballed into a musical comedy show she now tours with, in addition to a full staged musical. As an educator, Erica has been a guest artist at the Juilliard School, UNC Greensboro, Purdue University among many others, and a mentor for Carnegie Hall's NYO Jazz program and Jazz at Lincoln Center. In 2019 she published "A Cool Approach to Jazz Theory '', a workbook curriculum for beginning improvisers. Since 2013 Erica has been at the helm of her company Purusance Productions and has booked and produced hundreds of private and public performances for various artists. Currently her company is helping support and promote her many projects. In 2023 Erica moved back to New York and is now Director of Education and Performance at Jazz House Kids NYC.