Style Weekly
Richmond's alternative for news, arts, culture and opinion
Chrisette Michele at Fridays at Sunset
click to enlarge
The daughter of a deacon father and a choir-directing mother in Long Island, N.Y., Chrisette Michele developed her neo-soul voice on the tenets of gospel. But it was the introduction of jazz that ultimately defined her musical identity. She spent hours learning standards by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra and her evenings performing to small audiences and at open-mic nights. The efforts eventually caught the attention of Def Jam, leading to a Grammy-winning debut titled “I Am.” Already having worked and collaborated with such notable names as Jay-Z, Nas, John Legend and will.i.am, this young woman's mix of R&B, hip-hop, sophisticated soul and lounge jazz highlights a voice on the precipice of breakout status. Supporting her sophomore effort, “Epiphany,” Michele plays the final show of the Fridays at Sunset season at 6 p.m. $20—$30. For information visit www.fridaysatsunset.com. — Mike Hilleary
Other Publications
