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Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival: Taylor G. & Peter Collins

  • Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center 2410 Wickham Ave Newport News, VA, 23607 United States (map)

Taylor G

Hailing from Newport News, VA, Taylor G. was born into music. Singing since she was a toddler, she honed her craft in school choirs, church, and under the mentorship of military music instructors. Inspired by legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse, Chrisette Michele, and Lauryn Hill, she blends jazz fusion with soul, creating expressive, genre-blurring music.

Taylor G.’s songs explore themes of perseverance, mental health, and self-discovery, aiming to connect and inspire. She has collaborated with artists like Crystal Aikin, Samara Joy, and Samoht, with a standout moment being her background vocals for Samara Joy. Overcoming imposter syndrome, she remains driven by her belief that music has the power to uplift and unite.

With aspirations to tour internationally and chart her original music, Taylor G. dreams of collaborating with Yebba, H.E.R., Samara Joy, and others. Offstage, she finds inspiration in nature, research, and art. Whether performing or creating, she stays true to herself—fearlessly pushing artistic boundaries while leading with love.

Peter Collins

Singer. Songwriter, and Musician, Peter Collins has emerged as a new force in music with a sound that is an eclectic mix of R&B, Soul, Pop, Folk and Jazz; in addition to breaking down traditional genre boundaries with a sincerity and tenderness that will take your breath away. Every note he sings tells a story as he masterfully weaves through soulful melodies.

New York born, Newark raised, Peter began singing very young, growing up in a musical family, and taking after his father who is also a singer. Peter developed ambitions to be a professional singer and musician while attending college as he utilized music as a means to cope and navigate challenges in his life. Peter began posting videos of himself covering songs on his various social media accounts and Youtube. Shortly after, people fell in love with him, his voice, and his music.

Peter’s voice has so many layers, and can do anything from his unmatched lyrical phrasing to his profound knowledge of his instrument. Peter is technically refined in vocals, he shows multiple dynamic skills, an immense breath support and stamina, vigorous head voice, expansive connected range, extreme agility, impressive control, and a good musicality. The way he is able to transfer from his chest to head voice is just mesmerizing.

Peter Collins is a master class that can’t be taught. He stands out as an artist, not just for having one of the most uniquely beautiful voices, but for a genuinely peaceful presence in his writing and performance. Peter’s rare, intimate acoustic performance is simply not one to be missed!

Check out Peter on Instagram and all social media at @petercollinsmusic

Tickets for April 25 are $30. You can also buy a pass for both April 25 and April 26 for $62. Seating is general admission.