Southern Nights is an intimate songwriter series presented by BlackAmericana Fest, celebrating women songwriters, original music, and the heroines who shaped us. Curated by Dusky Waters, each evening centers storytelling, collaboration, and the living roots of American music—grounded in the South, expansive in spirit. Artists perform in the round, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the heart of their craft. The night culminates in a collaborative Southern Nights Superset, where all artists unite on stage to honor a shared musical heroine. On February 8, that tribute is dedicated to Aretha Franklin—the Queen of Soul, whose voice, power, and artistry transformed American music and gave generations a language for dignity, love, faith, and freedom. Tonight's featured artists include: Dusky Waters is a New Orleans–based Americana songwriter whose music carries the magic, grief, and resilience of the Mississippi River. A soulful multi-instrumentalist, she blends folk, gospel, pop, and roots traditions into performances that feel both intimate and electrifying. OffBeat praises her work as “beautifully crafted” with “clarion-call vocals.” She is the co-founder of BlackAmericana Fest and curator of the Southern Nights series. Marcella Simien is a two-time Grammy–nominated artist and a powerful voice at the intersection of Americana, Creole culture, and Black roots music. A native of Southwest Louisiana, her work honors the lineage of her Zydeco pioneer family while forging something boldly her own—songs that are socially conscious, spiritually grounded, and deeply personal. Her performances carry both reverence and revolution. Gina Leslie brings warmth, clarity, and emotional depth to every song she touches. Rooted in folk, soul, and singer-songwriter traditions, her music is intimate and resonant, inviting listeners into stories of love, resilience, and becoming. With a voice that feels both tender and assured, Gina creates moments of connection that linger long after the last note. Performing also artist include:  Conner McCready - drums Nelson Williams - upright bass Hannah Kreiger-Benson - piano Shows at 7:30pm & 9:30pm Doors at 7:00pm & 9:00pm Restaurant is Open 5pm - 10pm for dinner before or after your showtime: Advance Ticket Holders can now automatically make dinner table reservations for the Dining Room online via OpenTable.com ! Kind Reminder:  Snug Harbor does NOT serve the full menu inside the Music Room. We do offer cheese and charcuterie trays. In order to preserve the integrity, quiet and focus of our world class intimate performances, only the charcuterie, cocktails and soft drinks are available for table service inside the Music Room. However, we encourage you to arrive at least 90 Minutes prior to your showtime in order to enjoy full, relaxing dinner service in the Dining Room right next door, before getting seated in the Music Room for your ticketed showtime.