Toshi Reagon Plays Xavier & Friends 'Ladies of Soul Tribute'

On Sunday, February 12, head to Joe's Pub for a talented lineup of ladies when Xavier & Friends presents "Ladies of Soul Tribute." The stellar line-up for its sixth anniversary event includes renowned singer/songwriter/folk hero Toshi Reagon, polyrhythmic star of Fela Abena Koomson, and "RENT" star "Angel"�Justin Johnston.

They'll join the internationally-acclaimed�Bright Light Bright Light,�Independent Music Awards winner�Martha Redbone, Cory Henry�vocalist�Cassondra James, singer/songwriter Nicki B and Anastacia McCleskey from�Broadway's smash musical�"Waitress." �

"I�listened to female singers pretty heavily growing up and they had a tremendous influence on shaping me as a vocalist," said celebrated singer/songwriter and event organizer Xavier. "The show evolved out of an annual tradition of recording a free song for Valentine's Day. It just felt like the right thing to do.�In some ways, [this show] is a 'thank you' to them."

This year's "Ladies of Soul Tribute" is a�venerable who's who of NYC's finest musicians and talent, bringing�together an even more impressive cadre of talented musical guests than�previous years.�Previous performers have included�Tony Award winner Lena Hall, Magnetic Field's Stephin Merritt, Joan As Policewoman, Del Marquis of Scissor Sisters,�Mykal Kilgore of Post Modern Jukebox and Broadway's "Motown the Musical."

"Given the man who is now our president, it feels more important than ever to celebrate and honor women -- especially women of color and their contributions," explains Xavier. "We lost a lot of brilliant, immensely talented artists in 2016, like Prince, Rod Temperton, Kashif, Sharon Jones, and Maurice White. I fully intend to pay my respects. Prince, by his own admission, especially loved the female voice."

Xavier himself is a greatly-regarded artist in his own right, getting his start in the famed The Boys Choir of Harlem and whose collaborations have included Sir Paul McCartney, Scissor Sisters, D'Angelo, New Power Generation, Lake Street Dive, Joan As Policewoman, Basement Jaxx, Michael Bolton, Toshi Reagon, Polly A., Sxip Shirey, and LL Cool J among others.

Rated "Brilliant" on New York Magazine's influential Approval Matrix axis, the Ladies of Soul Tribute began initially not as an event but as a cover song that Xavier recorded and sent to his friends along with iconic album art that is meticulously recreated with Xavier morphing into the original.

This year's edition is a loving homage to Sade's 1984 worldwide multi-platinum debut album "Diamond Life." Tickets for the event are $20 in advance and $25 day of show.

"There is something incredibly special and unique about Sade," said Xavier. "There's an unforced truthfulness, strength, and vulnerability. I just want to remind people how wonderful she is."

"Ladies of Soul Tribute" will be held on Sunday, February 12, at Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette Street, NYC.