Charleston Jazz Presents:

Ode to Billie Holiday

Tonya Nicole + The Charleston Jazz Orchestra

Event Description

The Charleston Jazz Orchestra 2026 season begins with a tribute to Billie Holiday, featuring Charleston’s own, Tonya Nicole. Billie Holiday, also known as ‘Lady Day’, is considered one of jazz’s greatest vocalists and who bravely revolutionized jazz, blues and popular music. Her distinctive, expressive style was strongly influenced by jazz instrumentalists and widely known to convey intense and personal feelings through her distinctive voice.

Following the success of her 2025 Charleston Jazz Festival performance, Tonya Nicole’s rich vocal expression with southern warmth glides from velvety lows to soaring highs effortlessly blending music and storytelling to an unforgettable experience. We look forward to having you join us for the Charleston Jazz Orchestra’s Season 18 opening performance, Ode to Billie Holiday!

Charleston Jazz Bio

Charleston Jazz is Charleston’s only nonprofit organization devoted exclusively to the art of jazz. We reach more than 13,900 people through dynamic performances by the Charleston Jazz Orchestra and Charleston Jazz Festival, high-quality music instruction, and a wide range of K–12 outreach programs, including in-school concerts and workshops.

Through live jazz, education, and community engagement, we are creating lasting change—igniting creativity, fostering teamwork, and celebrating self-expression. Charleston Jazz enriches our culture, inspires future generations, and strengthens our creative economy while keeping the spirit of jazz thriving in our community.

Event Information

Concert Length: 90 min (no intermission)

This performance is made possible in part by MUSC

Bag Policy

Bags (max size 12″ x 6″ x 12″) are allowed and will be searched upon entry. Exceptions will be made for necessary medical equipment and bags for nursing mothers. We encourage you to pack light with only the necessities to make the entry process as smooth as possible.

Cashless Policy

We are a cashless facility meaning that we are unable to accept cash as a form of payment.
• Our Box Office and Venue Merch will only accept credit and debit.
• Our Bars will only accept credit, debit, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Please note that artist merchandise sales are separate and may still accept cash.

Premium Balcony Box Seats

Elevate your show experience with our brand new Premium Balcony Box Seats! These luxury seats include:

Designated quick entry
Spectacular stage views
Privacy & spacious seating
Personal bar delivery service

Please note, the entire box must be purchased together. The boxes are located in Sections G & I and are available for purchase in groups of 2 or 4. Additionally, the Charleston Music Hall does NOT have an elevator. Please take that into consideration when buying balcony tickets.

Balcony Tickets

The Charleston Music Hall does NOT have an elevator. Please take that into consideration when buying balcony tickets (Sections F, G, H, I, & J).

Ticket Add-Ons

CMH Classic T-Shirt and Trucker Hat Merch
Support the Music Hall in style with a venue Trucker Hat and/or a Classic T-Shirt Add-On. Simply purchase the add-on while buying your tickets and bring the add-on ticket to the box office when you arrive at the venue, and we will hand you your merch item (T-Shirt Sizes S – 3XL available, specific size at pick up).

ALL MERCH HERE

*Your event ticket must be purchased separately