Our annual celebration of silky-smooth jazz returns with laidback Motown grooves and soulful sax stylings. Known for a long string of timeless hits like “Brick House,” “Three Times a Lady,” “Nightshift,” and “Easy,” The Commodores are one of the most successful and enduring R&B and funk bands of the 1970s and 1980s. And, far from resting on any easy-listening laurels, this powerhouse remains a must-see live act. Co-headliner Boney James’ saxophone prowess and seductive fusion of jazz, R&B, funk, and pop has reshaped modern contemporary jazz. A four-time Grammy nominee and Soul Train Award winner, James has sold over four million albums and continues to defy genres, records, and expectations. The trifecta is perfected by legendary multi-instrumentalist, singer, and bandleader (and Prince’s go-to drummer) Sheila E., who opens the night in style. Get ready for a supremely smooth evening.

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Smooth Summer Jazz

Hollywood Bowl

Sheila E., the Queen of Percussion, kicks off the summer with a funk and soul dynasty spanning four decades. A musician extraordinaire, the drummer, percussionist, vocalist, and bandleader has been a defining force in R&B and pop since the 1980s. Unc funk rocker Leon Knight brings razorcut grooves and veteran musicologist DJ Spinna serves up his signature deep cuts between sets.

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Opening Night: Sheila E. + Leon Knight + DJ Spinna

Lena Horne Theatre

Grammy winner Sheila E., known as the Queen of Percussion, is a music luminary whose career includes being the first female percussionist honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Growing up in a musical Bay Area family, she drew influences from her father, the legendary Pete Escovedo, and godfather, Tito Puente, leading to collaborations with icons such as Prince, Diana Ross, Herbie Hancock and Beyoncé. Last year, she celebrated her first-ever salsa album, Bailar, featuring collaborations with Gloria Estefan and Rubén Blades, among others, earning her a Grammy win for Best Global Music Performance while continuing to inspire with her dynamic artistry and philanthropic work.

An Evening With Sheila E.

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

One of life’s constants for Sheila E. comes down to a simple phrase: follow the beat. And her impeccable inner rhythm is the pulse behind a trailblazing career that still knows no bounds.

Sheila E.

Events

Past events

Aug 30, 2026

Smooth Summer Jazz · Hollywood Bowl

Jun 4, 2026

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Opening Night: Sheila E. + Leon Knight + DJ Spinna · BRIC Arts & Media

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