Simone is blessed with a rich vocal range, and an innate skill for lyrical interpretation. A highlypraised live performer, she has starred on Broadway in the acclaimed musicals Rent and Aida, and has developed an exciting and diverse repertoire of pop, soul, jazz, rock and funk. She has performed throughout the world and, in 2008, released her first album, Simone On Simone. Simone will be accompanied by her quartet, which features Bennie Sims, Music Director, bass guitar; Craig Thatcher, guitar; CliffStarkey, piano, keyboards; Gregory ‘Moon’ Henderson, drums, percussion.  Opening the evening will be singer-songwriter, Somi.Born in Illinois to immigrant parents from Rwanda and Uganda, Somi’s African legacies and love of jazz are integral to her sound and she is often compared to Miriam Makeba, Sarah Vaughan, Cassandra Wilson, and Cesaria Evora. JazzTimes magazine describes her live performance as “the earthy gutsiness of NinaSimone blended with the vocal beauty of Dianne Reeves.” She has collaborated with John Legend, Cassandra Wilson, Paul Simon, and renowned Israeli artist, Idan Raichel. Somi will be accompanied by Toru Dodo, piano; and Liberty Ellman, guitar. Support provided by American General Media, Bumble Bee's Baja Grill, City of Albuquerque–Mayor Richard. J Barry & The Cultural Services Department, Eisbach Facial Plastic Surgery PC, Hilton Hotel of Santa Fe, New Mexico Cancer Center, Thornburg Investment Management, and Verve Gallery of Photography.