WHEN TALENT MEETS HEART: A MEMORABLE, SOULFUL JOURNEY

By Natasha U’Ren-Ashdown | @tasha.ua ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

From the moment you walked through the door, there was a sense of elegance and anticipation for Nina Pelton’s performance: A Little Love and a Whole Lotta Soul, at Crazy Coqs. She took the stage with her soulful renditions of Broadway classics, jazz, R&B, and love songs. She was joined by musical director Michael Roulston and her “sister in song,” Kellie Ishmael, whose tight harmonies and humour added texture and charm to the set.

A hidden gem in the heart of the city, Brasserie Zédel is a grand Parisian-style brasserie that also houses an American bar, a charming French café, and the ever-enchanting Crazy Coqs cabaret. The venue oozes old-world glamour, transporting you straight to 1920s France with its vintage posters, chandeliers, crisp glassware, red velvet curtains, and gilded detailing. Inside the intimate cabaret, low lighting, plush décor, and a black grand piano set the tone for an atmospheric evening. With a sold-out crowd sharing tables and sipping bespoke cocktails crafted for the scene, the warm energy was palpable as the music brought together an audience of all ages.

The intimate setting of Crazy Coqs was perfect for Nina’s warm and engaging performance. Nina took to the stage with quiet confidence and wasted no time, launching straight into song. From the first note, it was clear the audience was in for an evening of musical flair and emotional depth. The setlist flowed with ease, as Nina moved between classic and contemporary Broadway numbers, layered with touches of soul that made every performance feel both timeless and fresh. The energy built steadily throughout the night, with power and emotion rippling through the room. Her belting was controlled yet emotive, drawing focus without demanding it. Thoughtful lighting shifts, from stark spotlights to washes of red and blue, deepened the atmosphere and reflected the emotional tones of each number.

Between songs, Nina opened up to the audience with glimpses into her personal journey, sharing anecdotes that were equal parts touching and entertaining. She spoke of Crazy Coqs as the place where she made her debut, introducing her first-ever audition piece, before launching into a spirited rendition. Her stories touched on the songs that sparked her love for theatre, her move to New York, and performing at the city’s renowned 54 Below. Several numbers ended with misty eyes and moments of stillness, revealing her emotional connection to the music. Throughout, Nina struck a warm balance of sensitivity, wit, and quiet confidence, keeping the audience engaged and moved.

Answering the audience’s calls, Nina, Kellie, and Michael returned for an encore that brought the evening to a warm, celebratory close amid cheers and applause. Their effortless chemistry made the night feel less like a staged show and more like an intimate sharing of stories and song. It was a memorable evening, one I’d gladly recommend to anyone looking for a relaxed night of soulful music with a friend or partner.

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Photo Credit: Michael Kushner