The Billie Holiday Theatre Presents the Inaugural BILLIE & BEYOND Music Series Featuring Kersten Stevens, Queen of the Violin

As a part of its 2024-25 Season, The Billie Holiday  Theatre will launch BILLIE &  BEYOND, a new expansive music series inspired by the artistry and legacy of the institution’s iconic namesake – jazz icon Billie Holiday. Featuring an array of today’s most exciting female artists across various musical genres from contemporary Jazz to Rhythm & Blues to Hip-Hop and beyond, the Series will premiere with one of the most exciting and unique emerging artists in jazz – violinist Kersten Stevens. The six -time winner of the iconic Showtime at the Apollo has performed with music greats Kim Burrell, Regina Carter, and McBride and for esteemed notables including President Barack Obama, Babyface, USHER, Ray Charles, Denzel Washington and Yanni, among others.  The evening will include selections from her acclaimed new album, QUEEN RISING (which also features performances by 8x Grammy Award-winning bassist Christian McBride) as well as a variety of jazz inspired numbers and traditional and original worships songs. She will be joined by band members: Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Miki Hayama, Grammy and Emmy-rwinning bassist Endea Owens (who is also a member of the house band for the Late Show with Stephen Colbert), guitarist David Rosenthal and drummer Jeremy Warren. Co-Curated with veteran journalist, TV/Film writer and producer Bonsu Thompson, the show will also include an opening set from vocalist Amma Whatt, with music provided by DJ Nyla, light bites from Sweet Catch, and complimentary wine.

Presented live from The Billie’s legendary stage, BILLIE & BEYOND will kick off with two shows on October 5^th and December 13^th, respectively, and return in the Spring with the final two performances for the inaugural season happening in February and April which also marks Lady Day’s birthday month).