Celebrate Billie Holiday’s 100th Birthday at the Be Theatre

San Angelo's Be Theatre, in collaboration with local artists, is presenting A Tribute to Billie Holiday this Saturday& Sunday evening at 10:30 and at 19 W. Beauregard. This show is in commemoration of the late and great Billie Holiday's 100th birthday on April 7th. Tickets are only $18.00 and can be purchased online here.

Billie Holiday, born Eleanora Fagan, is considered by many to be the greatest jazz vocalist of all time. Her singing expressed and incredible depth of emotion that spoke of difficult times and injustice, as well as triumph. Brush up on some random facts you may not know about this legend. Eleanora drew inspiration for the stage name 'Billie Holiday' from silver screen star Billie Dove. She also never had any technical training as a singer, nor did she ever learn to read music. She was simply that talented and gifted.

Elena Kent expounded on the importance of a show like this,

Be Theatre's mission included collaboration with community artists and organizations, along with educational outreach. By partnering with featured artists in a Tribute to Billie Holiday, we are bringing our mission to life in an extraordinary way.

A diverse group of vocalists-in age, ethnicity, and performance experience will present their interpretation of their favorite holiday songs backed by San Angelo musicians. This tribute will include vocalists Holli Garet, Marlee Robin Mahon, Lori Jo Thomas, Susan Mackey, Ellen Meyer, Mary Alice Smith, Tammy Merwin, Angela Adams, Tamara Laney, Daycee Connally, Kim Abel Snell, Angela Halfmann, and the San Angelo Broadway Academy with Sarah Stevens, Leila Snell, Rae Glassford and Cassidy Robinson.

Musicians include Ellen Meyer on jazz guitar, Kim Snell on Keyboards, Kertron Mackey on Keyboards, Jimmy Shanks on percussion, Rosendo Ramos on Trumpet and David Trevino on Saxophone.

Narration is provided by Dudra Butler, Brian Nicholas Carter and Dr. Greg Jefferies.