THURSDAY, AUGUST 17 . 8PM . NIKKI HILL

August 17, 2023 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm The Music Room

PLEASE READ OUR SEATING CHART EXPLANATIONS.  GOLD TICKETS ARE FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVE FOR THE LIMITED SEATING IN THE GOLD AREA & OFTEN END UP  BEING STANDING ROOM ONLY.

*Please navigate our seating chart by either using the “+/-“ symbol in the lower left corner or right click and drag the chart to your liking.*

NIKKI HILL

Creating a path outside of the norm and molding her own image has been a lifelong brand for singer, songwriter, and bandleader Nikki Hill, raised by a single mother and two older sisters in Durham, North Carolina.  Having her first singing experiences in the church choir as a child and into her teens, curiosity eventually led Nikki to trade the pews for barstools, and her interests in music exploded in every direction, realizing it was a world with no boundaries.  She felt oddly comfortable, finding a direct connection between the energy she saw at local shows, and the praise dancing, gospel shouting church services she experienced every week growing up.

“Think Tina Turner in the new Millenia and you’ll have half of the picture.  She’s a machine.  You’ve got no excuse if you miss seeing her.  Nikki Hill is a revelation, her band masters of rocket-fueled bluesy swing, her voice the beacon which calls you home, a vocal powerhouse who you just don’t mess around.” ~Rolling Stone.

“Channels such rhythm and blues greats as LaVern Baker, Etta James and Ruth Brown–with a little Sam Cooke and Solomon Burke thrown in for good measure.  Hill is the real deal, steeped in gospel and soul, wrapped up in a punk rock DIY ethic.” ~Los Angeles Times

“The fast-rising, hard-charging, 20-something, North Carolina born-and-bred singer Nikki Hill has more than earned her evocative “Southern Fireball” moniker.” ~LA Weekly

“If Tina Turner and Little Richard had a daughter and raised her with the help of uncles James Brown and Chuck Berry, she’d be like Nikki Hill.” ~Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Hill is a petite powerhouse, with a booming voice that is as sweet and luscious as it is gritty and raw.” ~Portland Monthly

In this unique way, Hill found her inspiration in pulling the different parts of her musical worlds together, taking the tones of the R&B, soul, and gospel that raised her at home, and blending with the expressions of blues, garage, rock n’ roll, and roots that she soaked up on her own.

Ahead of her album, Here’s Nikki Hill, word was spreading from relentless touring and old-fashioned word of mouth.  While that helped build a fan base, Nikki’s style was also absorbed in an unexpected variety of ways amongst listeners and show-goers.  With the lack of exposure for Black soul-rock singers/entertainers, Nikki found herself being misinterpreted.  She became known in some circles just as much for confusing local audiences who initially assumed a different vibe based on her photo, as she did for leading an explosive, soulful, not-to-be-missed electric guitar-driven performance.  Refusing to let the experience undo her path, Hill embraced the muse and jumped into the process of probing the vital role that Black women played in what became rock ‘n’ roll.  As word spread, so did interest, allowing Hill opportunities to open for a range of artists like Dr. John, Aaron Neville, Los Lobos, to Eileen Jewel and Nelly, before any music was released.  Nikki continued to develop her sound, learning through trial and error, a lot of road mileage, self-releasing albums, and carving out a place for herself, and hopefully a place for other people going through similar struggles.

Nikki’s songwriting and passion for music of the 1950s and 1960s introduced more opportunities and recordings.  Her song “Struttin’” contributed to Deke Dickerson and The Bo-Keys Soul Meets Country EP, produced by Scott Bomar in Memphis.  Nikki and her musical partner and husband Matt Hill also moved to New Orleans, LA, picking up influence in the Gulf Coast.  The momentum continued through the release of her second album, Heavy Hearts Hard Fists, recorded at Fort Horton Studios in Wyldwood, TX.  The acclaimed album was accompanied by a worldwide tour in the US, Europe, Australia, India and Morocco, and over 30 festivals, including Montreux Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, and Byron Bay Blues Festival, receiving praise for uplifting the new songs with an erupting live performance.

Hill’s current touring band is Matt Hill (guitar), Laura Chavez (guitar), Nick Gaitan (bass), and Marty Dodson (drums).  On Nikki Hill’s latest release, Feline Roots, Hill lets her soul rip on this new collection of songs.  Nikki and her band take a muscular groove — that used to be called the devil’s music, celebrating and wailing over love, transgressions, the hard times, and wild freedom — and inject it with timeless effect, giving Nikki a foundation on which to build.

It’s her version of rock n’ roll that can only come from her stories.  Nikki Hill has never been afraid to take the road less traveled, and it’s clear with “Feline Roots” that she’s living every word.

Why is there a difference in price for available seats at The Music Room?

All seating at The Music Room is acquired with a first come, first served basis approach.  The Music Room provides all patrons with a live musical experience above and beyond your average concert hall, and supporting this vision are the 4 tiers of available seats at The Music Room.  With a nod to classic record sales certification, the 4 tiers are:  Diamond, Double Platinum, Platinum, and Gold.  Seats range in price based on several factors including artist availability and distance to the stage.

Do you have the same number of seats for each tier?

No.  The Diamond tier of seats only has 12 seats available.  These seats are 4 top rounds located right at the foot of the stage.  You cannot get any closer to the artist than these 12 seats.  These are considered premium seats and are usually purchased by the most ardent fans.

The Double Platinum sections features 4 top square tables and one special 2 top rectangle, and there are 14 seats available.  Still very close to the stage, these seats provide an exceptional view and personal experience.  Table no. 7 is a 2 top rectangle that sits just to the right of the stage and back approximately 6 feet.  It is an extremely popular table.

The Platinum section of seats has a mixture of 4 top squares, two 3 high top rounds, and 9 drink rail seats that are bar height.  The total number of seats in the Platinum section is 37.  These are all excellent seats and reside in the main room.  Depending on a viewer’s personal taste, a table, a high top, or a drink rail might be the right choice, but they are all fabulous and unobstructed.

Gold seating is available in the bar area and can be considered first come, first serve general admission.  Most of the seats are unobstructed but depending how patrons sit at the bar or high tops, there might be a slight obstruction.   Standing room is permitted in the Gold section. The sound is excellent and most Gold level tickets are purchased by patrons that want to be near the bar specifically or by patrons wanting to be further away from the stage by design.  Please refer to our pictures to determine if this area is what you are looking for.  There are only several seats available and mostly Standing Room.

*TICKET DISCLAIMER:  The Music Room has a NO REFUND POLICY.  In the event of a cancellation/reschedule, The Music Room will always honor the purchased ticket for the same seat and same artist at the original price.  If a show is cancelled and not rebooked, ticket holder will be issued a credit towards any future show/event at The Music Room.  Ticket holder assumes all risks, hazards, and dangers.  Event subject to change.  No ticket required for entry.  Please bring I.D*