When singer-songwriter Rondi Charleston first came to the Dakota in November 2007, the big news was that this talented and beautiful woman had left a juicy job with ABC’s "Primetime Live" (where she won an Emmy and a Peabody) to become a jazz singer. Was she insane? Today, of course, that seems like a lateral move.

It’s working out well for her. She’s a fine singer with a lush, expressive voice (Juilliard-trained, she spent six years singing with operas and symphonies) who chooses good material and surrounds herself with top-notch musicians.

She returns to the Dakota on Sunday as part of a current tour in support of her new CD, "In My Life." Her third recording, released in April, it’s already charting. See and hear her sing Johnny Mercer’s "I’m Old Fashioned."

Charleston took time on Wednesday, before performing at Catalina’s in Los Angeles, to answer a few questions by email.

MinnPost: How have things changed for you since you were last at the Dakota?

Rondi Charleston: I’m happy to report that the changes that have occurred are all positive. Musically I’ve had a really creative period, including writing some new tunes with jazz pianist Lynne Arriale for a forthcoming project. Professionally, we now have wider recognition and are getting some great bookings in venues nationwide. ... It’s all good.

MP: Are things turning out the way you imagined they would, or hoped they would, when you made the decision to make a career out of music?

RC: Oh, yes! I have been incredibly fortunate. I have an amazing team of people around me who have worked incredibly hard to make this all possible. ... The transition back to music — and jazz — has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.

MP: What has been your biggest challenge since making your career shift?

RC: Where to start …. Learning a new vocal technique was probably the most difficult challenge. I had to take all those years of Juilliard training and basically let them go. No one wants to hear any overtones of a classical technique in jazz! It just doesn’t work!!

The classical overtones have been replaced by strong storytelling and a passion for the music that invites her to reinvent songs — and has allowed her to reinvent her life. Charleston has great charm on stage and will make you feel welcome if you go.

Sunday, May 24: Rondi Charleston. With Pete Levin on piano, Joel Frahm on sax, Dave Stryker on guitar, Jay Leonhart on bass, and Alvester Garnett on drums. 7 p.m. (one show only), Dakota ($16–$20).

Two more picks for this coming weekend:

Saturday, May 23: Philip S. Bryant reads from his new book "Stompin’ at the Grand Terrace: A Jazz Memoir in Verse." Poetry and prose about music, memory, family, culture, history, and Chicago’s south side. I’ve been reading the book and listening to the CD that comes with it. Writing for MinnPost in late April, Amy Goetzman tells you everything else you need to know. Eventually the book will go on my shelf beside Sascha Feinstein and Yusef Komunyakaa’s "Jazz Poetry Anthology." 6 p.m., Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis. Free.

Saturday, May 23: Charles Lazarus, "A Night in the Tropics." The Minnesota Orchestra member steps out of the trumpet section, gathers his quartet around, and explores the exotic and lounge music of the 1950s, a time when jazz bands and symphony orchestras played together as equal partners. With pianist Tommy Barbarella, bassist Jeff Bailey, percussionist Shai Hayo, and drummer Craig Hara. Osmo Vänskä leads the orchestra. Listen to Lazarus’ composition "Dancing Gypsy" at his website. Watch the quartet in a clip from Tuesday’s "Showcase Minnesota" on KARE11. Who wouldn’t love this music? 8 p.m., Orchestra Hall ($22-$48).

Pamela keeps a daily jazz calendar and blogs about jazz at Bebopified. She throws out the occasional jazz-related tweet. Find more Twin Cities jazz calendars and news online at Jazz Police.