Mardra & Reggie Thomas

Fresh off a summer series of acclaimed jazz orchestra performances, Mardra & Reggie Thomas Ensemble return to the intimate stage of Blue Strawberry for one night only. Many of you already know and love this extraordinary jazz couple. Join them for an evening of timeless songs, fresh arrangements, and music that truly swings. Their spring performance at Blue Strawberry sold out, so be sure to get your tickets early!

Reggie Thomas is the pianist with The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra and leads his own Chicago-based group, Trio Nexus, known for their strong presence on the jazz scene. They are celebrated for their innovative and engaging arrangements. He retired as the Coordinator/Director of the internationally recognized Jazz Studies program at Northern Illinois University, he has also served as a Professor of Jazz Piano at Michigan State University and had a notable tenure as a Professor of Music at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville for over twenty years. Additionally, Reggie has for many years been an integral teaching part of Carnegie Hall’s NYO Jazz Orchestra and has consulted for Jazz at Lincoln Center, contributing to the Essentially Ellington Program and Band Director Academy.

Mardra Thomas is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition, her rich vocal style infusing every performance with solid swing and heartfelt storytelling. She graces jazz festivals, concert halls and premier clubs while also shining on the theatrical stage as an actor and director. Mardra is renowned for her captivating portrayal of Billie Holiday, creating a musical and historical picture of the legend. She was nominated for Best Leading Actress in a Musical by Chicago’s Black Theatre Alliance’s Awards for her role in “Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar & Grill” at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre. As a featured vocalist with the esteemed Chicago Jazz Orchestra and a longstanding performer with the Birch Creek Jazz Orchestra of Door County, Mardra is a prominent figure in the jazz community. Mardra and Reggie are on a number of recordings including Matters Of The Heart, Standard Time and Fade To Blue.