All about the entertainment factor

12/3/2025

From lounge acts to jazz standards to pop music and Broadway tunes, it’s safe to declare that Gina Gedler is at home singing any genre. 

Gedler’s wide vocal range shines across genres, garnering many awards and accolades. This year, the Greater Des Moines Community Jazz Center Hall of Fame honored her with a special recognition award. She has received several Dionysos awards for Best Actress in various lead singing roles. In 2018, she won a Cloris Leachman Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in “Florence Foster Jenkins.” The Des Moines Playhouse inducted her in the 2017 as a Playhouse Performer Legend.

She has sung and acted for various commercials, films and other local marketing in Des Moines. Chances are you might have heard her sing but not known it is her because of her unique vocal range.

Gedler grew up in the desert of Arizona, which she says lacked music opportunities. Instead, she listened to albums on her record player. In high school, she performed in musicals and sang in the choir.

As she married right out of high school, her husband was deployed in the service. She auditioned for the musical “Grease,” thinking she would get the part of Rizzo. Instead, she was cast as the lead of Sandy. 

“I thought it was cool,” she says, noting how this boosted her confidence.

When she moved to Des Moines, she began acting in plays at the Des Moines Playhouse. She performed in three musicals a year and worked full time. 

“You do it for the love of it. It’s not for the money,” she reflects.

Other opportunities arose as a guest singer in bands, in private performances and in other musical endeavors. She has sung the national anthem dozens of times at various events. A 1970s lounge act, called Joey and Sugar, features songs from the era.

Whatever genre she sings, she says it is all about the entertainment factor. 

“Sometimes, I’m there for the background music. It doesn’t have to sound the same each time. I really enjoy entertaining people,” she says. 

Gedler admits she is nervous every time before she goes on stage or performs. 

“I’m extremely nervous. I don’t want to let people down,” she explains. “Once I hear people and their energy or applause, then my energy kicks in.” 

Often, her songs evoke feelings in the audience and related memories.

“I’ve witnessed people crying in the audience with a Bette Midler song. It’s fulfilling, because I know I’m doing something right,” she reflects. 

Since Noce’s jazz club opened 10 years ago, Gedler is a mainstay, performing on a regular basis. She shares ideas and appreciates the opportunities Noce provides for entertaining options. 

“Noce has been a blessing for me. They know what they are doing. It gives me a chance to do something I love,” she says. 

Her wide vocal range includes timeless classics, jazz standards, Broadway tunes, chill songs and pop music. The best part is surprising the audience. 

“I’ve known to throw them for a loop and break out by belting out a gritty, sassy song with an attitude,” she laughs. 

As she sings Linda Rondstadt and Barbra Streisand songs, some folks have referred to her as a diva. She rejects the connotation. 

“I’m a polar opposite of a diva. I just do my thing. I’m not a hoity-toity person. I’m chill, and I step back when I need to,” Gedler explains.

She knows that people have options when it comes to listening to music. She appreciates her fan support, along with her family and husband, who she says is a “truth teller” about her singing. 

“I love doing what I do. I’m grateful. I don’t take that for granted. I don’t say it to be cheesy,” she reflects. “I want things to be perfect, and I always strive to be the best I can.”

Catch Gedler at Noce’s “All I Want for Christmas” shows on Dec. 5, 7 and 23.