Brooklyn-based poet and singer Shanelle Gabriel will host the grand finale of BILLIE & BEYOND, a music series celebrating the legacy of jazz icon Billie Holiday, at The Billie Holiday Theatre on April 4.
The event, which marks the conclusion of the theater’s inaugural season of the series, will feature Grammy-nominated producer, Emmy-winning actress and singer Mali Wilson, according to a press release.
Launched in fall 2024, BILLIE & BEYOND was co-curated with veteran journalist, TV/film writer and producer Bonsu Thompson. The series showcases emerging female vocalists, instrumentalists and DJs across various musical genres, including contemporary jazz, R&B and hip-hop. The finale, coinciding with Billie Holiday’s 110th birthday, will begin at 8:00pm, with doors opening at 7:00pm for a pre-reception featuring light bites, cocktails and music by DJ Nyla.
Wilson, known for her work behind the scenes in the music industry, has collaborated with top artists such as Whitney Houston, Ne-Yo, Katy Perry and Toni Braxton. In 2020, she stepped into the spotlight as a performer, blending soul, gospel, jazz and blues in her music. For her BILLIE & BEYOND performance, she will share original compositions and pay tribute to Billie Holiday with renditions of some of her most beloved songs. Wilson will also honor her late mentor, Angie Stone, with a performance of her latest single, I’m Not Sorry.
The event, at 1368 Fulton St. in Bedford Stuyvesant, will also feature an opening set from jazz singer and activist Candice Hoyes, whose music celebrates Black womanhood.
“We are so excited to close out our very first season of BILLIE & BEYOND with Mali Wilson. She is an incredible talent and I can’t wait to see what she will bring to The Billie stage,” said The Billie’s Executive Director Shadawn Smith.
For ticket information, click here.
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