Alicia Crowe
ALICIA CROWE
Jazz Artist · Cultural Cabaret Storyteller · Vocalist
The Bright Light District
aliciacrowemusic.com | @acroweflysjazz | 845-558-1075
Artist Statement
The Bright Light District is a cultural experience rooted in the living history of African American music that uncovers the hidden histories and human stories behind the music, preserves the legacy of the artists who created it, and leaves audiences with something more than a good song. Jazz is an African American invention - a living, breathing inheritance. My work is cultural meaning-making. I want people to walk out with something better than when they came in. Something true.
Biography
Alicia Crowe is a New York-based Jazz Artist and Cultural Cabaret Storyteller, and creator of The Bright Light District, a cultural experience rooted in the living history of African American music that uncovers the hidden histories and human stories behind the music, preserves the legacy of the artists who created it, and leaves audiences with something more than a good song.
A native New Yorker, she was steeped in great musical tradition from childhood, raised on her mother's jazz and classical collection, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Nancy Wilson, Miriam Makeba, Nina Simone, Shirley Horn, and Alberta Hunter, who famously bought Alicia and her identical twin sister their very first pair of baby shoes. Her parents met while working with Alberta Hunter at New York's Goldwater Memorial Hospital, a connection that would shape the arc of her entire artistic life.
After earning her law degree from Howard University and entering private practice alongside her twin sister, Crowe pursued her lifelong passion for music, studying voice privately with Dr. Stanley L. Ralph and deepening her craft at Harlem's legendary Jazzmobile Saturday workshops, founded by the late Billy Taylor. She pursued advanced study with bebop legend Dr. Barry Harris, performing as a member of the Barry Harris Jazz Choir at The Village Vanguard. She has opened concerts for Stella Marrs, Jimmy Heath, Norman Simmons, Sheila Jordan, Cameron Brown, and Carrie Jackson, has been featured at Rome Neal's Banana Pudding Jazz Duos, and appeared in stage productions including Ragtime, The Crucible, and Smokey Joe's Cafe.
In 2019, Crowe created and performed her one-woman jazz cabaret show, Come On Up! My Castle's Rockin', A Tribute to Alberta Hunter, at The Triad Theater in New York City. Hip-hop icon Chuck D (Public Enemy) was so moved by her artistry that he produced and released her tribute album on his Spit Slam label, a full-circle moment for an artist whose very first steps were made possible by the woman she would one day honor on stage. The album was reviewed in JAZZIZ Magazine and featured on OKayPlayer. Known for a magnetic stage presence, effortlessly sensual, often unintentionally funny, and always emotionally resonant, Crowe has been described as a modern-day cultural ambassador carrying the living tradition of jazz forward, one story at a time.
Most recently, Crowe reopened the Englewood Public Library's main floor concert series during Jazz Appreciation Month 2026 with Blue Notes and Sunny Skies: A Journey of the Heart, performing to a full house with a standing ovation. The concert was listed on WBGO Jazz 88.3.
For bookings: bookings@aliciacrowemusic.com | 845-558-1075
Press & Notable Quotes
"Alicia Crowe not only covers Alberta Hunter as a performer, she captures that 'time' as a musical and stage play would."
- Chuck D, Public Enemy | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | Lifetime Grammy Award Recipient
"Vocalist Alicia Crowe pays tribute to her legacy on Alicia Crowe Sings Tribute To Alberta Hunter Live!, recorded with a trio at The Triad Theater in New York City."
- JAZZIZ Magazine, February 2020 | Vinyl Watch
"Crowe's sincerity shines through. Standout tracks include 'You Can't Tell the Difference After Dark' and the classic 'Downhearted Blues.'"
- Black Grooves Music Review
"Concert with Alicia Crowe - Blue Notes & Sunny Skies: A Journey of the Heart"
- WBGO Jazz 88.3 | Listed on WBGO Jazz 88.3 | Jazz Appreciation Month 2026
"Just incredible. The two of them together were amazing. The songs were sung from the heart and from the soul. She brought it forward out of her inner body - it was believable. And he played with such sensitivity - it was like every note was an emotion. So many people hit the right notes, but they don't play with sensitivity. He played with such sensitivity. Together, you don't need anybody else. The two of them could fill up Carnegie Hall for crying out loud."
- Helen A. | Audience Member, Englewood Public Library | Jazz Appreciation Month 2026
Performance Highlights
The Village Vanguard, New York City
Barry Harris Jazz Choir - performing with bebop legend Dr. Barry Harris
The Triad Theater, New York City
Come On Up! My Castle's Rockin' - A Tribute to Alberta Hunter (One-Woman Show, 2018)
Rome Neal's Banana Pudding Jazz Duos
Featured vocalist - March 21, 2025
Jazz Foundation of America
Jazz Loft Party performance
Concert openings
Jimmy Heath, Sheila Jordan, Norman Simmons, Stella Marrs, Cameron Brown
Stage productions
Ragtime, The Crucible, Smokey Joe's Cafe
Englewood Public Library, Englewood, NJ
Blue Notes & Sunny Skies: A Journey of the Heart - April 11, 2026 | Jazz Appreciation Month | Standing Ovation | Full House with Waiting List | Listed on WBGO Jazz 88.3
Recordings
Alicia Crowe Sings Tribute To Alberta Hunter Live! (Spit Slam Records / MVD, 2020)
Recorded live at The Triad Theater, New York City. Executive Producer: Chuck D (Public Enemy). Available on vinyl and digital.
Stream: music.apple.com/us/artist/alicia-crowe/1375898690
Video
Performance Reel - Alberta Hunter Show:
youtube.com/watch?v=7NvgjtrOQxw
Live Performance - Crazy He Calls Me
youtu.be/20DqYUY7KIY
Current Show
Blue Notes & Sunny Skies: A Journey of the Heart
An uplifting, soulful journey from the smoky blues of Harlem to the breezy rhythms of Rio, told through the language of jazz. With her sassy, smooth, and sultry contralto voice, playful swing, and witty humor, Crowe invites audiences into an intimate concert-conversation of stories and song - a space where music, memory, culture, reclamation, and imagination meet. Running time: approximately 60 minutes.
Also Available:
Come On Up! My Castle's Rockin' - A Tribute to Alberta Hunter | One-Woman Show
JAZZ & HOT SAUCE
An evening of live music, storytelling, and hot sauce tastings featuring Emmaline's Hot Sauce - a signature experiential event that brings together community, culture, and cuisine.
www.emmalineshotsauce.com
For booking inquiries: aliciacrowemusic.com | 845-558-1075 | @acroweflysjazz
The Bright Light District - where music, memory, culture, reclamation, and imagination meet
Please stay tuned for upcoming show dates.
For bookings for fundraisers, private events, or house concerts, contact: bookings@aliciacrowemusic.com.
Join our mailing list: Click here.