SAG-AFTRA

 A performing artist living in New York City, Sandhi Smalls Santini discovered a long time ago that, in order to survive, she had to learn to wear many different hats, oftentimes all at the same time. And sometimes, living in NYC meant occasionally leaving it, venturing out into the world, and then returning to the city that never sleeps, refreshed, renewed, and re-invigorated! Such is her story.  A vocalist, actor, recording artist, author, poet, playwright, and audiobook narrator, Sandhi has spent most of her life as a professional cabaret performer headlining internationally in singing residencies that include The world renowned Bamboo Bar at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand; Lemuria & Ephelia Constance Resorts, Seychelles, Africa; and several 5-star hotel and resort chains in the USA, Turkey, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Greece, and the Caribbean.  For years she was billed as house vocalist at Chelsea Place, an iconic Manhattan nightclub and restaurant owned by her late husband, Giancarlo Santini. The popular nightclub featured non-stop live music on two floors.

  She (aka Sandra L. Smalls) received her B.A. in Journalism and Theatre Arts from Howard University, Washington, DC. Subsequent studies were obtained in Human Rights from Columbia University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, NYC; and The Woodie King Jr. New Federal Theatre, NYC. She is a member of Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), The League of Professional Theatre Women, Society For The Preservation of Theatrical History; and The Harlem  Tourism Board.

 Born on Edisto Island, South Carolina, Sandhi is a Geechee Gullah, a descendant of the storytelling griots of West Africa and Barbados. She grew up in a family of avid storytellers, immersed in a rich, colorful culture, whose history, traditions, and enchanting folklore continue to influence her life and writing. She is the author of the sci-fi novel,

 « SH+AGUAR- -The Night Huntress«, and  «Edisto Island: Seaside Stories From A Geechee Gal« .