Billie Holiday: God Bless the Child
Billie Holiday Project | April 25, 2026
Live Music Performance – 7pm at David E. Oaksmith Auditorium, Kill Devil Hills
ABOUT THE PERFORMERS
Witness the legacy of a jazz icon. The Jazz Legacy Project presents Billie Holiday: God Bless the Child, a powerful experience that celebrates the music, life, and defiant spirit of one of history’s most influential vocalists.
The Jazz Legacy project is not a simple tribute band; it’s a “jazz concert and a jazz history class in one,” as audiences have described it. The ensemble, features powerhouse vocalist Maria Howell, who explores the groundbreaking artistry and courageous fight for equality that defined Billie Holiday’s life and career. Through a captivating multimedia experience of live music, narration, rare images, and video footage, audiences gain a deeper understanding of how Holiday developed her unique vocal style and blazed a trail for future generations.
This performance delves into the story of “Lady Day,” detailing her advanced sense of rhythm and her groundbreaking vocal approach that forever changed jazz singing. You’ll hear the iconic songs that defined her career, including the masterpiece “God Bless the Child,” which she co-wrote. The show highlights how her relentless fight for equality as a musician, a woman, and an African-American made her one of the most significant figures of the 20th century.
The Jazz Legacy Project has a strong track record of bringing the stories of jazz legends to life, with ongoing residencies and sold-out performances exploring the legacies of artists like Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Herbie Hancock. Led by Justin Varnes, who serves as both drummer and narrator, the group provides a deeply human and historical context for the music, making jazz more accessible and engaging for casual listeners. This is an unforgettable tribute that connects the audience with the humanity behind the music and the powerful legacy of Billie Holiday.