Destani Wolf
Nublu 151151 Avenue C, New York 10009
Destani Wolf performs at Nublu 151 in Manhattan on November 11. The listing presents the Berkeley-raised vocalist in a show under her own name, but does not identify accompanying musicians or confirm whether the set is solo or band-led. Expect a program rooted in Wolf’s original, genre-defying songs, with the vocal range and improvisatory approach for which she is known. Her work has been described as Bay Area and Cali-Soul, drawing together soul, Latin, jazz, hip-hop, reggae and R&B influences.
Wolf began performing at 15 at the Great American Music Hall and has since appeared at Yoshi’s, SFJAZZ Center, Joe’s Pub, Lincoln Center and other stages. She has been a lead vocalist with Cirque du Soleil and a member of Bobby McFerrin’s a cappella ensemble MOTION. Her Mexican roots inform music that has appeared on three Grammy-nominated album projects, while her own releases include the self-produced Cali-soul EP Peek Away, singles and collaborations. Wolf has performed or recorded with artists including Bobby McFerrin, John Cale, The Pharcyde, Taj Mahal, Zap Mama and Matisyahu, and has sung for film, television and games. JazzTimes called her one of the “West Coast’s most inventive vocalists,” while the LA Times described her as “an accomplished improviser.”
A second-floor club in the East Village, Nublu 151 is a compact space with a center stage and a balcony that overlooks the performers. The room is dark and grungy with solid acoustics and a disco ball, mostly standing room with a few stools that disappear quickly. The atmosphere is intimate and focused on music, with live sets and DJs spanning jazz, funk, Latin grooves, electronic, and world music. The building's layout supports diverse live performances, and the venue has its own record label. It's a place where musicians gather to play, attracting a crowd of music lovers and creatives. The vibe is laid-back, with a good attitude and openness to different styles going a long way.