Singer’s ‘Strong,’ intimate show

Some young women might think a paralegal job in Manhattan is a pretty good gig. But for Whitney Nichole, it didn’t take long for the lack of a creative outlet to get under her skin. She soon quit her job, assembled a band, and hit the New York City scene.

“I played every hole in the wall I could find, including a strip club,” said Nichole.

Five years later, the singer/songwriter is on a West Coast tour to back her debut full-length studio album, “100 Strong.” She brings her brand of melodic pop to Sonoma’s Keating Wine Tasting Room for a 7 p.m. show on Friday, Feb. 11.

After tackling NYC, the native of Redding moved back to California, explored the West Coast and landed in San Francisco. Since then she’s won songwriting competitions in San Francisco as well as an honorable mention for her song “Hard Enough” in the West Coast Songwriters International Song Competition.

For the new album Nichole worked with producer Adam Rossi (Megan Slankard, Luce, Brad Wolfe) in a New Orleans recording studio. “It was pretty freakin’ gorgeous in there,” she said. “I’m talking a real fancy pants studio. I walked in and thought ‘should’ve worn my heels.’”

The songs, she said, “they move, they grow, they connect with people and have a unique relationship with every person who hears them.”

Nichole’s tunes are influenced by rock, country and soul, and her performance has been likened to that of Sara Bareilles, Adele, Ingrid Michaelson and Carrie Underwood. Even the name Joni Mitchell has been invoked.
The Keating Wine Tasting Room is located at 23564 Arnold Drive. There is no cover for the show, but guests must be 21 or older. For more call 939.6510.