Mardra & Reggie Thomas

Name: Mardra & Reggie Thomas
Start: 2026-03-14T19:30:00-05:00
Location: Blue Strawberry STL

Schedule

Sat, 14 Mar, 2026 at 07:30 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Blue Strawberry STL | St. Louis, MO

Mardra & Reggie Thomas are back in St. Louis performing with their group for the first time on the intimate and vibrant stage of Blue Strawberry-one night only! Many of you know this talented jazz couple who have consistently delivered music that swings, whether in small ensembles or with larger orchestras. Their performances feature memorable songs and fresh arrangements that will truly move you.

Mardra Thomas is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition, her rich vocal style infusing every performance with solid swing and heartfelt storytelling. She graces jazz festivals, concert halls and premier clubs while also shining on the theatrical stage as a director. Mardra is renowned for her captivating portrayal of Billie Holiday, creating a musical and historical picture of the legend. She was nominated for Best Leading Actress in a Musical by Chicago’s Black Theatre Alliance’s Awards for her role in in “Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar & Grill” at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre.

As a featured vocalist with the esteemed Chicago Jazz Orchestra and a longstanding performer with the Birch Creek Jazz Orchestra of Door County, Mardra is a prominent figure in the jazz community. She has conducted vocal clinics for Jazz At Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington Festival, Michigan State University’s Jazz Vocal Program, Birch Creek Music Center’s Vocal Session in addition to adjudicating Vocal Ensembles for the esteemed Monterey Jazz Festival and the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition. She is featured on a number of recordings including the “Freddie The Frog” educational music book series, and on Matters Of The Heart, Standard Time and Fade To Blue with pianist, Reggie Thomas who just happens to be her husband.

Reggie Thomas is the pianist with The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra and leads his own Chicago-based group, Trio Nexus, known for their strong presence on the jazz scene. They are celebrated for their innovative and engaging arrangements. He recently retired as the Coordinator/Director of the internationally recognized Jazz Studies program at Northern Illinois University, he has also served as a Professor of Jazz Piano at Michigan State University and had a notable tenure as a Professor of Music at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville for over twenty years. Additionally, Reggie has for many years been an integral teaching part of Carnegie Hall’s NYO Jazz Orchestra and has consulted for Jazz at Lincoln Center, contributing to the Essentially Ellington Program and Band Director Academy.