My Story
Singer and artist, Minntah Haefker grew up in both North Portland and Astoria, Oregon. The only daughter of a German American father and a native Thai mother, Minntah has traveled around the world and spent much of her childhood in Thailand. She is a fluent Thai speaker and has been practicing her German since she was able to talk.
At six years old Minntah was singing along to Lady Gaga in the back seat of her parent’s Subaru. Later on she started taking piano lessons and began her formal classical vocal training. Her first live performance was with her uncle’s band “3 Leg Torso” in 2013. They perform together to this day. In 2023 she won the OSAA Regional State Soprano Competition and sang for the opening of the State legislature. This past summer of 2024 Minntah traveled to Mondavio, Italy for the “Music in the Marche” opera workshop. More recently she has moved her focus towards jazz, performing at small venues and numerous Jazz festivals around the Pacific Northwest. One her of her most memorable performances was with Pink Martini in 2024. She was invited as a guest vocalist and had the honor to sing their most popular song “Amado Mio” in Thai. She dedicated the performance to her mother. Some of Minntah’s favorite artists are Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Laufey because of their jazz and pop influences. Minntah loves music full of fun and self expression. Dancing and singing help her process her emotions in a healthy way.
She continues to explore new styles of music, collaborating with other musicians from all around the world. Minntah has been a guest artist with 3 Leg Torso, Pink Martini, Tom Grant, George Mitchell Quartet, Christopher Brown Quartet, and Brent Jensen Quartet. In 2024, she, with the help of Brent Follis, formed “The Minntah Quartet.” They are frequently joined by Clay Giberson and Bill Athens. Recently, Minntah had the good fortune to collaborate with Jimmie Herrod, who made a guest appearance with the Minntah Quartet. She is continuing to pursue her musical passion while attending Portland State University.
