Doors: 6:30pm Show: 7:30pm           Tickets: $20 advance, $25 doors

Advance tickets can only be purchased online-we do not sell advance tickets at the venue. Refunds are not available within 48 hours of the event. Tickets do not guarantee seating during shows at the Royal Room. 

We are now accepting reservations for diners! After purchasing tickets, please visit the Reservations page to book a table. Table reservations require advance tickets, and are only for guests who plan to dine at the Royal Room.  We do not take reservations over the phone. Seating for non-diners is first come, first served. Please arrive early to guarantee a seat!

Featuring: Elnah Jordan, Julia Francis, Sheila Kay and more…

The Blues have long been a rally cry transforming personal and collective hardships – stemming from racial injustice and systemic oppression – into a musical language of resistance and essential expression. Rooted in field hollers and call-and-response, these songs provided emotional resilience and solidarity within Black communities. Continue the journey with us as we explore historic and current ideations of this truly American art form.

Born and raised in Ohio, Elnah Jordan’s musical journey began as a child in her church choir, where her passion for singing was discovered. This early experience laid the foundation for a life dedicated to jazz, blues, gospel, and R&B, taking her from the streets of San Francisco to clubs, Broadway theatre, and even award nominations such as the Jazz Vocalist of the Year in 1986.

Elnah’s remarkable portrayal of Bessie Smith in Jon Hendricks’s ‘The Evolution of the Blues’ and performances in productions like ‘Street Dreams’ earned her accolades including the prestigious Cabaret Gold Award. She has opened for renowned artists like Gil Scott-Heron and Bobby Blue Bland, further solidifying her reputation in the industry.

Having settled in Seattle, Elnah has become a beloved figure in the local music scene. She has graced stages throughout the Pacific Northwest, including notable venues like Egan’s Ballard Jam House, The Royal Room, and the New Orleans, among others. Her collaboration with pianists like Eric Verlinde showcases a captivating blend of blues, jazz, gospel, and rhythm & blues, all delivered with a large measure of soul.

Elnah’s ability to connect with her audience, interpreting the vibe and energy of the room, sets her apart as a performer. Her music serves as a communal celebration, offering a tonic for modern times. Whether belting out Bessie Smith or summoning the spirit of Nina Simone, Elnah Jordan remains true to her roots, embodying the essence of American ethnomusicology. Her ongoing growth and appreciation for music reflect her dedication to her craft, making her a must-see performer for music lovers everywhere

A born singer, Julia Francis during her time has moved through the worlds of classical choral works and musical theater to jazz, blues and rock and roll. Her 2020 EP, When You Get What You Want was written in her home studio in South Seattle. When the time came to track the record, Francis turned to acclaimed producer Steve Fisk (Nirvana, Ben Gibbard, Car Seat Headrest) and mastering engineer Rachel Field (Pearl Jam, Thunderpussy). In December 2019 they settled into Seattle’s Avast Recording for a three-day session, playing live in one big room and cutting most of it in single takes. Joining Francis in the studio were Darren Loucas (guitar), Mark Lutwak (keys), Mike Peterson (drums), and Rebecca Young (bass). Carrie Akre (Hammerbox) contributed vocals on “Drawers”, and Tendai ‘Baba’ Maraire (Shabazz Palaces) played congas on the title track. Her first new music following a decade-long hiatus, When You Get What You Want surges and swells, shimmering with the ghosts of Laurel Canyon. A collection of songs that explore the ways we can rid ourselves of the conditioning that keeps us from following our bliss, this is a record that speaks directly to the listener. “I hope these songs make people feel seen”, explains Francis. “My aim is transformation.”

Julia’s next musical project came soon after in a full-length live album, released in September 2021. And just like listening to literal thunder and lightning, to hear Julia Francis Live at the Royal Room is to understand a study of dualism. On its face, the raucous record is two halves. The LP’s first five songs come from a session in February 2020 and are played live in front of an audience pre-pandemic. It came in a time when no one really yet knew the words “Corona Virus.” The sonic electricity surges throughout the room. But the LP’s final four songs were recorded on the same stage in September 2020, six months after everyone knew what COVID-19 meant. Francis summons spells to fill the room again. For Francis, rock ‘n’ roll is both a lifestyle and a way to a larger sense of spirituality.

Sheila Kay is a seasoned vocalist with over 20 years of professional experience captivating audiences with her soulful voice. Born in Galesburg, Illinois, and raised in Seattle’s vibrant Central District, Sheila’s musical journey began at an early age, driven by her unwavering passion for performance. While she initially explored a career in broadcasting and communications, spending three dynamic years as a live radio personality at KRIZ, her heart was always set on music.

Sheila Kay appeared on The Day With Trae to discuss her upcoming video shoot for her latest song, “Black Voice Crying Out.” In addition to her culinary pursuits, Sheila is deeply involved in musical theater, having appeared in productions such as “All Shook Up,” “All Together Now,” and Intiman’s “Black Nativity.” Her extensive theater background includes roles in “The Color Purple,” “Ragtime,” and “Shrek The Musical.” Alongside her performing career, Sheila is a host with Sista’s Rock the Arts, advocating for local artists and the power of artistic expression in healing communities. Recently, she completed her first music project and is currently working on a music video. Sheila’s dedication to music extends beyond the stage as she continues to share her love for Jazz, R&B, and Blues at various venues across the Puget Sound area. Excitingly, she has also founded her own business, “Inspirational Productions,” dedicated to promoting shows and events that uplift humanity.