May, 2026
OMAGGIO A BILLIE HOLIDAY

Time
Event Details
Jazz Concert Rome May 8 2026: Tribute to Billie Holiday at Elegance Cafè Friday, May 8, 2026, the Elegance Cafè Jazz Club
Event Details
Jazz Concert Rome May 8 2026: Tribute to Billie Holiday at Elegance Cafè
Friday, May 8, 2026, the Elegance Cafè Jazz Club in Rome dedicates the evening to Billie Holiday with an intense, elegant and deeply emotional live performance.
On stage Oona Rea, together with Ettore Carucci, Stefano Nunzi and Andrea Nunzi, for a personal tribute to Lady Day to be experienced through listening, atmosphere and taste.
A special event for those who wish for a night of live jazz accompanied by dinner or drinks in a refined location.
The concert: what to expect from the evening
Those looking for jazz concerts in Rome on May 8, 2026 and wishing for an experience that goes beyond a simple live performance will find in this event a project of great expressive intensity. The tribute to Billie Holiday presented at Elegance Cafè is not conceived as a faithful reproduction, but as an authentic reinterpretation, built around the emotional value of her songs and the interpretative strength of one of the most fascinating voices of the contemporary scene.
Leading the concert is Oona Rea, a Roman singer and songwriter with a voice rich in soul, blues and folk nuances, capable of navigating Lady Day’s repertoire with respect, personality and balance. The setlist includes immortal songs such as God Bless the Child and Strange Fruit together with less frequently performed pieces, presented with arrangements that allow the melody to breathe and give new light to the lyrics.
The result is an evening that speaks to jazz lovers, but also to those who wish to be carried away by an intense, narrative and elegant listening experience. Each piece becomes a story, each musical passage a shade of atmosphere: intimate, deep, at times moving, always alive. This is the distinctive feature of the jazz concert Rome May 8, 2026 by Elegance Cafè: a tribute that preserves the soul of Billie Holiday while embracing a contemporary perspective.
The musicians on stage
The lineup
- Oona Rea – vocals

- Ettore Carucci – piano

- Stefano Nunzi – double bass
- Andrea Nunzi – drums
H3 Oona Rea, a personal voice for Lady Day
Born in Rome in 1991 and raised in a family of artists, Oona Rea brings to the stage an intense, versatile and deeply communicative vocal style. Her approach naturally moves through jazz, blues, folk and rock while maintaining a strong expressive identity. She has collaborated with leading names of the Italian and international jazz scene, including Danilo Rea, Maria Pia De Vito, Paolo Damiani and Alfredo Paixao, and in 2019 she released her first solo album, First Name: Oona. In this tribute to Billie Holiday, her voice does not seek imitation: instead, it chooses the more challenging and fascinating path of sincere interpretation.
Ettore Carucci, pianistic elegance and jazz depth
Jazz pianist and composer, Ettore Carucci has a classical background and extensive experience gained through studies, festivals and high-level collaborations. After attending Siena Jazz and Umbria Jazz workshops, where he received scholarships, he studied jazz with masters such as Danilo Rea, Ray Santisi and Paul Schmelling. Throughout his career, he has performed with major Italian and international jazz artists and in 2005 played at the Blue Note in Milan with the Sonny Fortune Quartet. His refined and attentive piano style is the perfect harmonic core for a repertoire built on detail, silence and intensity.
Stefano Nunzi, a double bass that knows this repertoire closely
Stefano Nunzi is a key figure in the Roman jazz scene. A conservatory graduate, he deepened his jazz studies with musicians such as Paolo Ghetti, Marcello Sebastiani and Pietro Ciancaglini, later collaborating with artists like Nicola Conte, Maurizio Giammarco, Max Ionata and Amii Stewart. One detail makes his presence particularly meaningful in this evening: he performed in the musical Lady Day, dedicated to Billie Holiday. His solid and melodic double bass adds direct knowledge of this musical world to the project.
Andrea Nunzi, rhythmic sensitivity and great live experience
Andrea Nunzi, a drummer from the Marche region based in Rome, has built an intense and versatile career over the years, spanning jazz clubs, festivals, tours and collaborations with Italian and international musicians. He has shared the stage with artists such as Steve Grossman, Max Ionata, Alice Ricciardi, Maurizio Giammarco and Neffa. He also took part in the musical Lady Day with Amii Stewart, an experience that makes his contribution even more valuable in this tribute. His drumming supports without overpowering, builds dynamics, sustains the quartet’s flow and accompanies the voice with elegance.
Dinner and concert: a complete experience
At Elegance Cafè, music is never separate from the overall experience of the evening. This event is designed for those who wish to enjoy a dinner with jazz music in Rome on May 8, 2026, or choose a more flexible option, equally refined, with drink and concert.
Two options are available:
- Drink and concert option: € 30
- Dinner and concert option: two courses chosen à la carte from starters, first and main courses, with variable cost depending on selection
The cuisine is led by chef Marco Roselli, trained at ALMA and interpreter of a proposal that combines Italian roots and an international vision. The menu moves between seasonality, technique and identity, with particular attention to Creole and Cajun cuisine, without forgetting vegetarian and vegan options. Spices, depth of flavor and precision in cooking help make each dish consistent with the elegant positioning of the venue.
The beverage experience is also central. The cocktail bar is inspired by 1920s speakeasy culture, with original creations, homemade syrups, fresh juices, selected spices and a wide selection of spirits. It is the ideal choice for those looking for a jazz event with dinner in Rome, but also for those who prefer to enjoy a signature cocktail during the live performance.
The atmosphere of Elegance Cafè
Elegance Cafè is a recognizable destination for those who wish to experience jazz in an intimate, refined and truly listening-focused environment. Not just a jazz club in Rome, but a space where sound, service and comfort interact in harmony.
The venue is designed as an immersion: refined acoustics, warm materials, leather seating, stage visibility and a balcony that allows you to follow the concert without missing anything. The feeling is that of entering a place where every detail contributes to the quality of the evening.
For this reason, the event on May 8 is perfect not only for lovers of live jazz in Rome, but also for those looking for a different evening, an elegant dinner, a special date or a memorable occasion. The meeting between Oona Rea’s voice, Billie Holiday’s repertoire and the atmosphere of Elegance Cafè creates a refined, intense and deeply contemporary experience.
Practical information and reservations
Venue: Elegance Cafè Jazz Club
Address: Via Francesco Carletti, 5 – Rome
Opening: 6:00 PM
Dinner: from 7:00 PM
Concert: 9:30 PM
Available options:
- Drink and concert: € 30
- Dinner and concert: two courses à la carte, variable cost
Reservations:
https://www.elegancecafe.it/en/book-a-table/
Reservation is recommended, especially for those who wish to experience the concert with the dinner and concert option in one of the most atmospheric venues in the capital.
Jazz Concert Rome May 8 2026
Tribute to Billie Holiday
FAQ
Are there vegetarian/vegan options on the menu?
Yes, vegetarian dishes are available, and vegan options can be provided upon request.
Can I have dinner during the jazz concert?
Yes, each evening offers either a dinner + concert or a drink + concert option. We recommend booking in advance to secure your table.
Can I purchase a gift card?
Yes, gift cards are available for all scheduled events, except New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, tables are limited to ensure an intimate and high-quality experience.
How can I stay updated on upcoming events?
You can subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on the best jazz concerts in Rome and upcoming events at Elegance Cafè Jazz Club.
Is the venue accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, Elegance Cafè is accessible to guests with reduced mobility. Please mention any specific needs when making your reservation.
What time does the concert start?
The concert starts at 9:30 PM, but the aperitivo is available from 6:00 PM and dinner from 7:00 PM.
