Jazz pianist and singer BRENDA EARLE STOKES’ career is a testament to Emerson’s idea that life is a journey, not a destination. Stokes has fused a passion for the piano and a love of singing into a vibrant career that spans genres easily. She has been turning heads and winning fans for her virtuosic piano chops, expressive vocals, and eclectically unique repertoire, and her most recent album ‘Right About Now’ continues to receive rave reviews and international radio play.
Originally from Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, Brenda was active in Toronto for several years before moving to New York City, where she has lived for 17 years. Her career has taken her across North America, and internationally performing at venues like the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, the TD Toronto Jazz festival, Avery Fischer Hall, and the Christchurch Arts Festival in New Zealand. She has performed professionally as a classical vocalist, pianist, and choral conductor, performing in pop bands, as a solo singer-pianist, and as Musical Director for Off-Broadway productions, which has shaped both her musicianship and her artistic output. She has frequently performed with luminaries including Wycliffe Gordon, Donny McCaslin, the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, and Maurice Hines.
This evening’s singing star BRENDA EARLE STOKES features TED QUINLAN on guitar, MIKE DOWNES on bass, and ANTHONY MICHELLI on drums, entertaining in the up-close-and-personal ambience of the Home Smith Bar.