Xavier Smith’s Ladies of Soul Tribute

Rated “Brilliant” on New York Magazine’s Approval Matrix axis, Xavier Smith’s Ladies of Soul Tribute began initially as a cover song Xavier recorded and gifted his friends each Valentine’s Day, along with iconic album art meticulously recreated with Xavier morphing into the original. The love for these covers spread, and evolved into the tradition of assembling friends, musicians, and fans together each year to celebrate the songs.

This year’s image is a loving homage to Toni Braxton’s 1993 eponymous debut album

Previous guest performers have included Tony Award winner Lena Hall, The Rapture’s Luke Jenner, Stephin Merritt of the Magnetic Fields, Bright Light Bright Light, Broadway’s Cassondra James and Anastacia McCleskey, Joan As Police Woman, Adi Oasis, Rizo, Del Marquis of Scissor Sisters, Lake Street Dive’s Rachael Price, and Grammy-nominated singer Mykal Kilgore.