Billie Williams Back at Metropolitan Room for an Encore Engagement "FADE TO BLUES,” 10/14

After the successful launch of her show to two packed houses in June, Billie Williams is returning to the Metropolitan Room for an encore engagement of her cabaret show “Fade to Blues.” Cabaret Scenes Magazine was “impressed by her bold choices of Blues songs where her vocal power worked,” while Williams’ six-piece band “was balanced perfectly.” This show highlights Billie’s rich and evocative vocals as she wraps them around classic songs made famous by Ruth Brown, Etta James, Peggy Lee, Sippi Wallace, and Ray Charles. Musical Direction is by Michael Roberts, who recently co-produced and wrote music and lyrics for the Off-Broadway shows Golf and The Fartiste.

As a teenager growing up in the Boston area, Billie Williams co-founded the country swing band Columbus East. She went on the sing with the rock band Mezz, and then with the 8-piece R&B band City Edition, and during those years she shared the stage with R&B legends Wilson Pickett and Sam & Dave. The Boston Globe called Billie’s performance with City Edition " . . . riveting . . . she sang of joy and heartache with equal conviction.”

When Billie arrived in New York City in her late 20s, she landed a gig as lead vocalist with blues band The Lenny Nelson Project. After the arrival of her daughter, she took a bunch of years off from performing, but got back in the game in 2009 doing cabaret workshops and the show “Sentimental Journeys,” in which she appeared with actress/singer Jean Tafler and vocalist Tracy Toler. In June 2012, Billie launched her debut solo show “Fade to Blues” at the Metropolitan Room.

Billie Williams’ “Fade to Blues” will be performed at the Metropolitan Room (34 West 22nd Street) on Sunday, October 14, 9:30pm. Cover is $20 ($15 for MAC members) and there is a two-drink minimum. For reservations, call 212-206-0440.