Pat Braxton Is Bringing The Sounds Of Billie Holiday To The Jersey Shore

When people started calling Pat Braxton “Billie,” she knew she had big shoes to fill. And over her career she has filled them well.

On the 100th anniversary of Billie Holiday’s birth, it’s fitting that Pat is returning to her roots to perform the jazz style she loves so much. Pat, who was born in Somer’s Point, NJ, will be performing at the Point Pleasant Boro Jazz & Blues Festival on Saturday, June 20, 2015 from 12 -8 p.m. at Riverfront Park, located on the corner of Maxon Avenue and River Road in Point Pleasant Borough, N.J.

The event kicks off the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival Summer Series, with other festivals held in Asbury Park on Saturday, July 18, 2015 from 12 – 8 p.m. at Bradley Park, located at 5th and Ocean Avenue, and in Long Branch on Saturday, August 29, 2015 from 12 – 10 p.m. followed by fireworks at The Great Lawn on the Boardwalk, located on Cooper Ave.

Pat has quickly risen to the top of the jazz world as a vocalist, composer, recording artist and entertainer. The jazz and blues singer has released three albums: Them There Eyes in 2010, God Bless the Child in 2012, and Pat Braxton Live At Scullers in 2013. She was named Best Female Jazz Artist at the New England Urban Music Awards in 2012 and 2013, and was awarded Best Jazz CD/Single in 2013.

These days, living up to the legend of Billie Holiday is humbling and a force that drives Pat to be the best singer she can possibly be. Holiday, a famous jazz singer and songwriter, was known for her unique vocal styles, and was a pioneer for women in the jazz genre.

“Really I’m being myself and just happen to sound like Ms. Holiday,” said Pat. “My first CD was a tribute to her.”

Growing up, Pat loved music and dancing — a true performer at heart. She would organize girl groups similar to The Supremes and Pat was the lead singer every time. After singing in groups, Pat decided it was time to go solo, and that’s when she discovered jazz.

“A friend of mine who was a voice teacher discovered the jazz sound in my voice,” she said.

And she was hooked.

“I learned to love jazz because it helped me express how I feel,” said Pat. “Later, I began to sing R&B as smooth jazz with songs I grew up with.”

That unique style is what keeps the fans coming back to Pat. Those fans are her favorite part of performing.

“I love performing and putting on a nice outfit and including the audience in my show,” said Pat. “It makes me happy when the audience gets up and dances and enjoys themselves, especially the young people.”

Pat will bring the sounds of Billie Holiday back to her roots on June 20, and she couldn’t be more excited to share her passion for good music with the fine folks of the Jersey Shore.

“Jazz festivals are happy events,” she said. “I want people to relax and have fun, and that makes me happy.”

Pat wants jazz and blues lovers to get ready for her return and be prepared to have a great time at the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival.

“Put on your dancing shoes, because I’m going to have mine on!” said Pat.

The Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival, voted “Favorite Music Festival” this year in the JerseyArts.com People’s Choice Awards, is expected to draw thousands for a day of live performances by talented jazz and blues musicians, food, crafters and sponsor exhibits, Lagunitas Beer and Wine Garden, and activities for the entire family. The festival is rain or shine, free to the public, dog friendly and all ages are welcome to attend. For more information and the complete lineup, visit www.jerseyshorefestival.org.

For more information on Pat Braxton, visit her website at www.patbraxton.com.