Our highly anticipated Season 18 begins with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra’s tribute to Billie Holiday, featuring Charleston’s own, Tonya Nicole. Billie Holiday, also known as ‘Lady Day’, is considered one of jazz’s greatest vocalists and who bravely revolutionized jazz, blues and popular music. Her distinctive, expressive style was strongly influenced by jazz instrumentalists and widely known to convey intense and personal feelings through her distinctive voice. Following the success of her 2025 Charleston Jazz Festival performance, Tonya Nicole’s rich vocal expression with southern warmth glides from velvety lows to soaring highs effortlessly blending music and storytelling to an unforgettable experience. We look forward to having you join us for the Charleston Jazz Orchestra’s Season 18 opening performance, Ode to Billie Holiday! Concert Length: 90 min (no intermission) This performance is made possible in part by MUSC About Tonya Nicole Tonya Nicole is a powerhouse R&B/Jazz recording artist and actress with the renowned PURE Theatre, effortlessly blending music and storytelling into an unforgettable experience. Her voice, rich with southern warmth, glides from velvety lows to soaring highs, captivating audiences at every turn. With timeless elegance and a magnetic stage presence, she was named Charleston’s R&B Artist of the Year 2024, solidifying her place as a true artist. Her 2022 debut R&B EP, #1996KindaLove, left listeners eager for more, showcasing her soulful versatility. Now, she prepares to unveil her highly anticipated jazz album, TRIBE, set for release in early 2026; a heartfelt tribute to her roots and the unwavering support of her community.