Billie Holiday at Carnegie Hall feat. Riketté Genesis

Event information

Boisdale of Canary Wharf presents a tribute to Billie Holiday inspired by her celebrated 1956 Carnegie Hall concert, an evening in which she combined music with passages from her autobiography Lady Sings the Blues. This performance follows that same spirit, blending storytelling and song to illuminate the life and artistry of one of jazz’s most distinctive voices.

Acclaimed vocalist Riketté Genesis leads the performance, bringing a thoughtful and personal interpretation to the Lady Day repertoire. Under the musical direction of pianist and arranger Alex Webb, an accomplished live band revisits the music that defined Holiday’s remarkable career. Between songs, readings drawn from Holiday’s memoir reveal the experiences behind the music in her own words.

The programme includes enduring classics such as "All of Me", "Lady Sings the Blues" and "Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do", alongside favourites including "What a Little Moonlight Can Do", "Fine and Mellow", "My Man", "I Cover the Waterfront" and "Don’t Explain". Together these songs trace Holiday’s journey from the buoyant swing of her early recordings to the intimate and deeply expressive performances of her later years.

Billie Holiday remains one of the defining voices of twentieth century jazz, and her Carnegie Hall appearance stands among the most memorable concerts of her career. Riketté Genesis is known for her work in swing-era jazz and gypsy swing, with performances at venues and festivals including the Southbank Centre, Wilderness Festival and WOW Festival, as well as international appearances such as Satchmo’s Jazz Festival in Lagos. Musical director Alex Webb is widely respected for his collaborations with leading jazz vocalists and for creating themed productions including Café Society Swing and Stormy: The Life of Lena Horne.

Visit our Hine Bar and Heated Garden Terrace located on the 1st floor for pre & post-show drinks!*Subject to availability

BOISDALE OF CANARY WHARF

Best Spirits List in the World 2022 at The World Of Fine Wine
Top Ten restaurant wine lists in London 2022 at The World Of Fine Wine

Perched elegantly above Cabot Square, Boisdale of Canary Wharf offers a multi-dimensional experience across two floors with DJ Nights on weekends at the vibrant first-floor Bar & Garden Terrace, while daily live music sets the perfect ambiance on the second-floor restaurant. Featuring a refined restaurant, four exclusive private dining rooms, the distinguished Hine Bar, extensive whisky and wine selection, a sophisticated Cigar Lounge, and an inviting Heated Garden Terrace, it's a haven for discerning patrons.

"London's number one jazz venue" Tatler
"Best Whisky Bar in the World" Whisky Magazine
"A carnivore's dream" Evening Standard
"Aged steaks are deemed incredible" Square Meal
"The world's most individualistic style bar & restaurant" Hot Tickets