Two powerhouses share one soulful show.

Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez, a frequent performer at Joe’s Pub in New York City, makes her Minneapolis debut on piano and voice. Recommended for fans of Kimbra and Riley Mulherkar.

Opener SOLORAH the Essence (BAKKWOODDRIFT, Poetic Roots) leads an inspiring dive into R&B and jazz sounds, where audience participation and feedback are not only tolerated, but directly encouraged.

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Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez is a singer, composer, pianist, and music educator. Rooted in jazz, R&B, folk, and songwriter traditions, her work is known for its lyrical clarity and emotional vulnerability. Wonderland Magazine described Sokolov-Gonzalez as having a “…a seamless and sultry style that burst with vitality and vigour… delving into emotive, vulnerable songwriting and delivering stunning vocal performances.”

Sokolov-Gonzalez was exposed to a wide range of artistic influences as a child and music. She graduated from Bard College with a BA in music composition and performance. She has performed at venues such as Joe’s Pub, Brooklyn Bowl, MoMaPS1, Roulette, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Homer Center for the Arts, Mohonk Mountain House, and Sons D’Hiver Festival. Sokolov-Gonzalez has been a featured vocalist with artists such as William Parker and D.D. Jackson. She has been an artist in residence at Millay Center for the Arts (2023), Ancram Center for the Arts (2024), and she was a member of the Joe’s Pub Working Group ‘24-’25.

Sokolov-Gonzalez’s 2021 album, “If They’re Mine,” garnered over 1.5 million streams on Spotify. Her new album, “Habit,” is out now.

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SOLORAH the Essence (pronounced “soul aura”) is an independent artist and vocal powerhouse whose raw talent has stunned Minneapolis and St. Paul audiences since she emerged onto the Minneapolis scene. You may know her from her work with the Culture; you may have seen her feature with such artists as Stokley, Brandee Younger, and MMYYKK. You can find SOLORAH performing frequently at Paisley Park, First Avenue, Icehouse, and all over the Twin Cities with groups such as BAKKWOODDRIFT and Poetic Roots.