Kersten Stevens

Jazz violinist and composer Kersten Stevens—known as the “Queen of the Violin”—is a genre-shifting artist, a six-time winner of Amateur Night and Showtime at The Apollo, and a Yale University alumna who has shared the stage with acclaimed artists across genres, including Christian McBride, Faith Evans, Nicole Zuraitis, Damien Sneed, Regina Carter, and Keyon Harrold. 

She has performed for cultural icons such as President Barack Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, Angela Bassett, Babyface, Usher, Ray Charles, and Dionne Warwick. Known for electrifying performances that blend jazz, gospel, and soul with Black cultural storytelling, her shows consistently move audiences from first note to standing ovation. Kersten’s sound fuses virtuosic technique with soul-drenched improvisation and a deep sense of cultural expression. 

Her 2023 album QUEEN RISING, co-produced and performed with 9x GRAMMY® winner Christian McBride, debuted on the JazzWeek Top 40 and features original compositions and bold reinterpretations. She also celebrates the continued success of her single “Faith’s Hymn (Amazing Grace Remix)” and her earlier album INSPIRE ME—a pivotal collection of original and traditional worship songs performed with richly expressive jazz sensibility. INSPIRE ME was named Christian Contemporary/Gospel Album of the Year by the Independent Music Awards and received widespread acclaim. Kersten recently became a Recording Academy (The Grammys) voting member. 

“She has it all—funk, soul, gospel, Latin. You feel it.” —WBGO. 

“Each time is a discovery. This girl is bad.” —Christian McBride 

“She’s not coming. She’s here.” —Billy Kilson. 

Kersten isn’t just a performer. She’s an artist whose musical expression invites people in. If you ask her audience what they remember most, it won’t be the press or the guest list. It’s how the music made them feel.