Niki Crawford brings funk, soul, pop and a new album to Winters – Daily Democrat

Niki J. Crawford and her band bring the heat with a high-energy soul get-down.

Last year, the singer, songwriter, bandleader and actress released her album, “The Second Truth,” at her debut performance at The Palms Playhouse.

Crawford will return to the club, located at 13 Main St. in Winters, on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($12 with student ID).

Crawford has a powerful and melodic voice. The singer/songwriter crafts poignant lyrics and creates music with a soul, funk and R&B sound listeners can feel.

Soul and funk singer, songwriter, bandleader Niki J. Crawford will return to The Palms Playhouse in Winters on Saturday, Aug. 17. COURTESY

Raised in the small country town of Springhill, Louisiana, Crawford has been singing since she was 6 years old. From her roots as the lead soloist in her hometown church choir to her latest album, “The Second Truth,” her talent has continued to evolve as one of the strongest voices in music.

Crawford and her band members have shared the stage and have played with Carlos Santana, Snoop Dogg, Al Green, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Aaron Neville, Macy Grey, Booker T Jones, The Roots, Chicano Batman, Galactic and Orgone. She has performed on various late-night TV shows such as Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, and Saturday Night Live, and lit up festival stages across the world like Bonnaroo, Wakarusa, California WorldFest, Utah Arts, Montreal Jazz, Summer Camp, Bear Creek, Long Beach Jazz Fest, All Good, High Sierra and Jam Cruise.

Crawford is also an actress. Last year, she appeared in the film “Revival!” a hip musical retelling of the Gospel of John.

Crawford can also be seen in Taylor Hackford’s “Love Ranch” with Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci, “Mr. Sophistication,” in which she plays herself alongside Tatum O’Neal, Harry Lenix and Rick Fox, and alongside Ginnifer Goodwin and Kevin Connolly in the hit comedy, “He’s Just Not That Into You.” Crawford has also guest-starred on television shows “Ally McBeal” and “Wanted,” and was a “Scarlett” series regular.

Even as her acting career grows, Crawford continues to write and perform, bringing her trademark aura of unconditional love and sensuality and the effortless ease of a veteran performer to her music.

Tickets are available at Pacific Ace Hardware in Winters, Armadillo Music in Davis, Davids’ Broken Note in Woodland, online via The Palms’ website and through Eventbrite, and at the door if not sold out.