Soraya

BROOKLYN-BASED R&B • SOUL • JAZZ

Monday, November 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Tickets: $20 General Admission

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003
Directions

ABOUT THE BAND
Soraya is a Brooklyn-based R&B and soul band bringing together seasoned musicians, expressive vocals, and a shared love of the timeless traditions of soul, rhythm and blues, and jazz. Rooted in classic sounds and energized by contemporary influences, the group combines warm melodies, rich harmonies, compelling musicianship, and deep grooves into a distinctive live experience.
The band’s collective sound reflects the individual journeys of its members—artists whose experience spans live performance, touring, recording, education, and collaboration across multiple musical styles.

MEET THE MUSICIANS
Leslie De’Jesus — Vocals
Leslie brings soulful expression and melodic warmth to Soraya’s vocal sound, helping shape the band’s character and connection with its audience.

Shawn Sabb — Vocals
Shawn adds vocal depth, versatility, and a strong sense of soul, complementing the group’s arrangements and live performance energy.

Khadri Smith (Khadri Kareem) — Guitar
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Khadri began studying violin at age eight and moved to guitar at ten. His performance history spans R&B, classic soul, jazz, rock, and smooth jazz. He has played with groups including Chill Factor, Lifeline, North-Winds, Stock Exchange, Acoustic Black, and The Players Club, and toured with R&B artist Chandra Simmons. His playing is grounded in classic soul and shaped by a love of expressive jazz and smooth grooves.

Bill White — Guitar
Bill White is a guitarist, vocalist, composer, producer, and educator with a wide-ranging career in R&B, soul, funk, jazz, and rock. His performance credits include Chaka Khan, Hall & Oates, Daryl Hall, Me’Shell NdegeOcello, Patti Austin, Freddie Jackson, Average White Band, Bernie Worrell, Ray Chew, Lonnie Liston Smith, Bobby Lyle, Chico Freeman, David Murray, Dave Koz, Alex Bugnon, Brian Jackson, Onaje Allan Gumbs, and Gordon Chambers. He holds a master’s degree in education and has also worked as a music educator, teaching guitar, bass, piano, and music theory.

Ron Small — Bass
Ron provides the low-end foundation that anchors Soraya’s sound, connecting the rhythm section to the band’s melodies and harmonies with a steady, soulful groove.

Ron Thompson — Piano & Keyboard
Ron Thompson is a versatile pianist and keyboardist whose musical work spans jazz, R&B, soul, blues, and contemporary music. His performance associations include Hugh Masekela, Tom Browne, Tom Scott, Mikki Howard, Vivian Sessoms, Paula Atherton, Cheryl Pepsii Riley, Alyson Williams, The Main Ingredient, Blue Magic, Rose Royce, and Musique. His broad musical experience brings harmonic depth, expressive keyboard work, and soulful color to Soraya’s sound.

Tony Lewis — Drums
Bronx-born drummer, recording artist, producer, and educator Tony Lewis brings more than five decades of musical experience. A graduate of LaGuardia High School of the Arts, he earned an early place in the McDonald’s All-American High School Jazz Band and performed on The Merv Griffin Show with Dizzy Gillespie. His performance and recording associations include Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Sting, Little Richard, Sam & Dave, Cyndi Lauper, The Temptations, Rakim, and MC Lyte. His versatility and command of groove help drive Soraya’s dynamic sound.

EXPERIENCE THE SOUND OF SORAYA!
Brooklyn’s own Soraya unites soulful vocals, accomplished musicianship, and decades of musical experience. Blending classic R&B, soul, jazz, and contemporary grooves, the band delivers a live experience rooted in tradition and driven by passion.
REAL MUSICIANS. REAL SOUL. ONE UNFORGETTABLE SOUND.

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY Executive Artistic Director, Crystal Field

Soraya

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Executive Artistic Director, Crystal Field