Nicole Henry’s Christmas Concert At The Colony, A Community Tradition

Nicole Henry will host her 11th annual winter concert titled “My Favorite Things” at the Colony Theater on Tuesday, Dec. 17 (Photo courtesy of Michael Hull)

Although it originated in a Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical,”My Favorite Things” has become a feel-good Christmassy song we’ll likely hear this holiday season. It’s also the title of a winter concert by Miami Beach-based singer Nicole Henry. This year marks the 11th annual holiday performance, a cherished tradition that has become a staple for the community.

The concert is at the Colony Theatre, Miami Beach, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

“I wanted to create a musical tradition on South Beach since it truly is the home base and launchpad of my career. People often think of so many other things about SoBe, but I wanted to add more of a music culture to that landscape—similar to how MiND (Miami New Drama) is creating a theatrical aspect to it,” says Henry.

The concert promises to be a blend of holiday classics and jazz-infused renditions, reflecting Henry’s dynamic style. At the heart of the event is her band’s Afro-Latin arrangement of “My Favorite Things,” a well-known seasonal favorite that Henry recently recorded as a studio single.

Born and raised in Bucks County, Pa., Nicole Henry discovered her passion for music early, singing in school and church choirs and playing cello. (Photo courtesy of artist management)

“The joy of the song speaks through me musically, and I think that’s what helps make it feel more personal and individual,” she shares. “Additionally, the Afro-Latin undertones my band brings to the arrangement give the song a distinct lift and energy. A lot of the credit goes to the band and their arrangement.”

Henry’s path to becoming an internationally recognized jazz singer was anything but conventional. Born and raised in Bucks County, Pa., she discovered her passion for music early, singing in school and church choirs and playing cello for six years. However, she didn’t initially see music as a career.

“I grew up singing in church and school choirs. I didn’t study (music) at university because I never understood there was a true pathway to becoming a musical artist . . .I thought you just ‘got discovered.’  And assumed learning music at a university level meant you wanted to teach it,” Henry explains. Instead, she pursued a scholarship to the University of Miami, drawn by the promise of palm trees and sunshine.

Her professional breakthrough came unexpectedly. While singing with UM’s gospel choir, she was invited to perform as a background singer for recording artist Billy Mann at Washington Square, a now-closed music venue on Miami Beach. The experience ignited her love for performing and led her to explore opportunities as a vocalist. “I gained insight into what it was like to be on the road and pick up local musicians, prepping for a ‘gig’…” recalls Henry.

Henry’s career took off in 1997 when she began recording dance music, and her single climbed to No. 8 on the Billboard dance music charts. Over the years, she transitioned to jazz, building a reputation as a powerful performer with a gift for emotional connection. The New York Times once described her as a “pop-soul superwoman,” while Billboard music magazine noted her ability to “connect emotionally with audiences.”

Nicole Henry’s dedication to her craft and community has earned her admiration from fellow artists like Leesa Richards (left), who praises her discipline, passion, and generosity. (Photo courtesy of Holly Murphy)

Henry’s dedication to her craft and her community has earned her admiration from fellow artists, including singer-songwriter Leesa Richards, a close friend and collaborator. “Nicole is one of the most disciplined people I know,” says Richards. “She’s always open and excited about new experiences, about learning and growing. That passion to give back is just who she is, and it permeates everything she does.”

Pete Wallace, pianist, arranger, and Nicole’s musical director, emphasizes the importance of tailoring each performance to highlight her vocal range and emotional depth. “Nicole will pick songs that speak to her on an emotional level,” shares Wallace. “Then, the band and myself try and tailor the arrangements so she feels comfortable and is able to express herself fully.”

When it comes to reinventing classic songs like “My Favorite Things,” Wallace notes that the challenge is to avoid sounding like a traditional cover band. “We try to make them rhythmically interesting and bring some ‘soul’ to the table,” he says. “Nicole really responds to that.”

Wallace, who has worked closely with Nicole for years, also praised her dedication to her craft. “Extreme dedication. Her biggest asset is how she connects with the audience. Wherever we perform, she has 100 percent of the attention of the crowd from the first note.”

As the 11th annual concert approaches, Wallace acknowledges the challenge of keeping the performance fresh. “We’re always trying to outdo the last show and find fresh material,” he says. “There are only so many good holiday songs, but Nicole always brings new life to them.”

Now with a career spanning more than 20 countries and multiple accolades, Henry continues to call Miami home. “Sunshine! It’s such a comfortable place to come home to,” she says, reflecting on the city’s evolving cultural landscape and its role in her artistic journey.

“I get to experience so much of the world with work and personal travel. But I love my condo in South Beach and the familiarity and nostalgia,” she says. “I lived in New York City for four years prior to the pandemic and loved it, too.  I really could see myself living anywhere and experiencing the world even more, but it is nice to come home to Miami. Plus, it continues to evolve so much.”

The Colony Theatre, where Henry’s holiday concerts are held, has special significance for her. It was the site of her first major performance in 2013 when she celebrated the release of her album. Since then, the venue has become a symbolic marker of her growth as an artist.

Pete Wallace, Nicole Henry’s musical director, highlights how the band tailors arrangements to amplify her emotional depth and vocal range (Photo courtesy of Leesa Richards)

“It marks a year of time for me, and I’ve got to raise the bar,” says Henry. “I guess I love a challenge. And the causes never grow old. Although, in a perfect world, we wouldn’t have to have these causes, we must be there—and fight—for our children and for equality.”

Beyond the music, Henry’s concerts are deeply rooted in giving back. Over the years, she has used her performances to highlight and support causes she’s passionate about, including children’s welfare and equality. “We must be there—and fight—for our children and for equality,” she said.

This commitment to making a positive impact is a defining trait of Henry’s artistry, according to Richards. “That passion to give back is just who she is, and it permeates everything she does,” says Richards.

Henry also sees music as a powerful tool for social change. “Music, in particular, but all art, reflects society. It can heal and motivate, but it can also scathe and call out,” she said.

As she prepares for her upcoming holiday performance, Henry is mindful of the joy and connection the season brings. “Hopefully, the real love and appreciation I have for my friend/fans comes through,” she says. “Also, the love and respect I have for and with my band—they are so talented and give so much to the show and to the music.”

In addition to her musical achievements, Henry recently made her acting debut in the production “Wonderful World” with Miami New Drama, a show about the life of Louis Armstrong that has since reached Broadway. “ I’m so thrilled for MiND and the creative team behind that production,” Henry says. “It was an honor to have been invited to be a small part of that journey in getting it to Broadway.”

WHAT:  Nicole Henry’s 11th Annual Holiday Concert, “My Favorite Things”

WHERE: Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17

COST:  $45, $65 general admission; $125 VIP (includes 6 p.m. cocktail reception)

INFORMATION: 305-674-1040 or miaminewdrama.org or nicolehenry.com

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