Nicolas Bearde

About

LIVE at Piedmont Piano Company Nicolas Bearde 18th Annual Holiday Concert A beloved holiday tradition, Nicolas Bearde’s 18th Annual Holiday Show promises an unforgettable evening of contemporary jazz, blues, soul, and holiday magic. Joining Nicolas on stage for this special one-night-only performance pianist John R Burr, bassist Matt Finders, and dynamic drummer Leon Joyce, Jr. Get ready for a fresh, high-energy spin on cherished holiday classics and timeless carols, all infused with Nicolas’s signature style, soulful interpretations, and captivating stage presence. From heartwarming melodies to swinging jazz, deep blues, and irresistible soul, Nicolas and his powerhouse ensemble will fill the season with music, joy, and plenty of surprises, featuring audience favorites alongside exciting new selections. Give the gift of live music this holiday season! Treat family and friends to an extraordinary evening of music and celebration. Make your reservations early, as this special concert takes place for one night only and has become a holiday favorite that audiences won’t want to miss. (Meet and greet after the show) Reserve your seats now and make Nicolas Bearde’s 18th Annual Holiday Concert part of your holiday tradition General Admission $30 in advance / $35 at the door There are a limited number of seats for this performance. Advance purchase is highly recommended. NICOLAS BEARDE Award winning recording artist, Nicolas Bearde is a singer-songwriter, actor and educator whose career has spanned over 35 years. From his humble beginnings,( born and raised in Nashville, TN, the second of 7 children) to touring the globe with many of today’s jazz legends, Bearde has travelled many roads. His style is likened to Lou Rawls, Nat King Cole and Bill Withers and he is known for his “velvet voice”, wit and engaging rapport that has drawn audiences into his live performances around the world. These last few years have been very busy for Bearde. As a solo artist he headlined venues from San Francisco, Miami , Savannah and New York to London and Paris, And… as the vocalist/narrator for sax legend, Vincent Herring’s “Story of Jazz Orchestra” - a 10 piece ensemble of jazz luminaries, (Eric Alexander, James Carter, Jon Faddis, Jeremy Pelt, Steve Turre, Mike Le Donne, Kenny Davis and Carl Allen), toured most of Europe presenting Jazz music’s 100 years of recorded history. Bearde released his 6th album, “ I Remember You – the Music of Nat King Cole ” in August of 2019, featuring another sax great Eric Alexander, that garnered rave reviews at home and abroad, and…was the featured vocalist on 3 cuts on Vincent Herring’s chart-topping CD, “ Hard Times”. In November 2023 he released his first holiday EP. “ Christmas Melodies ” that includes his original tune, “Snowflakes” and is working on his 7th studio album to be released in January 2027 As an educator, Nicolas has worked with the California Jazz Conservatory and Jazz Camp West teaching “Vocal Intensive” workshops, and was the chair of “popular voice” for the Young Arts Foundation in Miami, Florida for 5 years. nicolasbearde.com JOHN R BURR Acclaimed jazz pianist, composer and arranger, John R Burr is celebrated for his lyrical touch, sophisticated musicianship, and distinctive blend of jazz, blues and American roots music. A longtime fixture of the Bay Area music scene, Burr has built an impressive career performing and recording with an array of distinguished artists across jazz, folk and acoustic music. Collaborations include Grammy-nominated banjoist Alison Brown, vocalist Maria Muldaur and multi-instrumentalist Paul McCandless, among others. His expressive piano style and deep understanding of the jazz tradition make him an exceptional musical partner for vocalists. MATT FINDERS Bassist, composer, arranger and educator Matt Finders is a versatile and accomplished musician whose career spans jazz, big band, television and live performance. A former member of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", Finders spent 17 years performing on the show, working alongside some of the finest musicians in the business. His extensive musical experience includes performances and recordings with such renowned artists and ensembles as Benny Goodman, Clark Terry, Harry Connick, Jr., Sting and Natalie Cole.He has also performed in major Broadway productions and contributed hundreds of arrangements to the music world. LEON JOYCE, JR. - Drummer Drummer, Leon Joyce, Jr. played with Ramsey Lewis and Nancy Wilsom for many years in Chicago, before coming to California. He is fluent in the New Orleans drumming style,via his work with New Orleans legends, such as, Pete Fountain and Ellis Marsalis, but is equally at home with funk, gospel, jazz and blues. He studied theory, conducting and rehearsal techniques at the Armed Forces School of Music, and is an in-demand drummer in jazz venues all over the SF/ Bay area. leonjoycejr.com