SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Toni Byrd is a world class recording artist, songwriter and one of the most unforgettable and versatile vocal artists around. In addition to all of her credits, add actress to her impressive list. Currently based in Atlanta, the Native Memphian was cast in a primary role, playing the character “Ida Belle” in the movie, “Lawless,” an American crime drama film directed by John Hillcoat with screenplay by Nick Cave and starring Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Guy Pierce, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowksa, Jason Clarke and Gary Oldman. Byrd recorded background vocals for the TV series pilot, “Still The King”, starring Billy Ray Cyrus and in December of 2016, under the historical Obama Administration, performed at the White House Tour. Byrd is the first female vocalist to perform at the legendary Pinewood Atlanta Studios (known for James Bond, Marvel and Pirates of the Caribbean movies) in 2014 for the kickoff gala celebrating the New American location in Fayetteville, Georgia. 

Byrd began her professional career in music in 1996 in Memphis, Tennessee. Her father, Lionel Byrd, who was a member of a 60’s musical group, The 4 Kings in Memphis Tennessee, did not restrict her to one genre of music. Byrd listened to gospel, jazz, R&B, pop, American Funk and Country Music. Byrd recalls hearing opera singer, Leontyne Price, singing in a commercial for the United Negro College Fund. “While growing up I never knew there were African American opera singers and found myself imitating the richness and clarity of this beautiful woman’s voice.” Byrd’s other influences include singers, Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson, Roberta Flack, Ella Fitzgerald, Karen Carpenter, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Barbra Streisand, Dionne Warwick, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, Anita Baker, Maysa, Yolanda Adams, Andre Crouch and The Hawkins Family, to mention a few. “I am thankful to my father and to those amazing icons who helped influence my early musical development and helped me find my own voice.”