Sade Adu (born Helen Folasade Adu on January 16, 1959, in Ibadan, Nigeria) is a British-Nigerian singer, songwriter, and style icon whose warm, velvety voice and understated elegance helped define the sound of sophisticated pop and soul in the 1980s and beyond. Raised in Essex, England, she studied fashion design before joining the Latin-soul band Pride, where her distinctive vocal presence led to the formation of the group Sade. Their 1984 debut album Diamond Life became an international phenomenon, earning critical acclaim and launching timeless hits such as “Smooth Operator” and “Your Love Is King.” Known for blending jazz, soul, R&B, and quiet-storm influences with emotional restraint and lyrical depth, Sade has earned four Grammy Awards, and has sold more than 75 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling recording artists of all time. Despite her fame, Sade has remained famously private, releasing albums sparingly and touring selectively, which has only deepened her mystique and enduring influence.  

Across two magical nights, The Velvet Note celebrates the birthday of Sade on January 16th and 17th. The eight-piece ensemble Band Adu brings mastery and musical fun to this celebration of Sade’s most beloved music. Audiences can’t get enough–reserve your seats now!