Billie Williams Brings FADE TO BLUES to Metropolitan Room, 6/15

Billie Williams stages her debut cabaret show "Fade to Blues" at the Metropolitan Room, June 15.

As a teenager growing up in the Boston area, Billie Williamsco-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.

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 she gave birth to her daughter, she took a bunch of years off from performing, but got back in the game a few years ago in cabaret workshops and a show “Sentimental Journeys,” in which she appeared with actress/singer Jean Tafler and vocalist Tracy Toler.

Now Billie is finally ready to launch her debut solo cabaret show “Fade to Blues,” in which she will wrap her rich and evocative voice 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 show “The Fartiste.”

Billie Williams “Fade to Blues” will be performed at the Metropolitan Room (34 West 22nd Street) tonight, June 15 at 7 pm. Cover is $20 ($15 for MAC members) and there is a two-drink minimum. For reservations, call 212-206-0440.