"Breathtaking pyrotechnics that burst with pure joy."

–All About Jazz

Kersten Stevens—Queen of the Violin—is a genre-defying artist and composer whose electrifying, luminous performances turn every stage into a sanctuary. A Yale alumna and six-time winner of Amateur Night and Showtime at The Apollo, she has shared the stage with Christian McBride, Faith Evans, Regina Carter, Kim Burrell, and Keyon Harrold. Explore the journey behind the sound that’s moved icons like President Barack Obama, Dionne Warwick, Babyface, Usher, and Denzel Washington.

See Her Live

Step Into Her Story

Soul. Sound. Updates.

LIVE, SHE’S UNSTOPPABLE

Kersten ignites every stage—jaw-dropping, spirit-shifting, unforgettable. From City Winery to The Apollo, she turns first-time listeners into lifelong fans. Discover why.

Shows + Live Videos

a queen

on the rise

Kersten’s much-anticipated album, QUEEN RISING, is a bold declaration of voice, vision, and purpose. At its core is a magnetic collaboration with 9x GRAMMY-winning bassist Christian McBride, whose roles as co-producer, composer, and arranger elevate the project to new heights of creativity and soul. McBride performs on all eight tracks and co-wrote four original compositions with Kersten: “Queen Rising,” “Release the Grace,” “Beginnings and Endings,” and “You’ve Been Crowned.” The pair also reimagined three standout tracks—“Someday We’ll All Be Free,” “Fantasy,” and “Best Part”—with fresh perspective and emotional clarity.

QUEEN RISING is not just an album—it’s a reclamation of power, a celebration of joy, and a sonic offering rooted in Black brilliance, improvisation, and emotional truth.

Hear the Queen Rise

Onstage with Kersten

Being onstage is sacred. Kersten creates space for presence, purpose, and connection—where music doesn’t just play. It testifies. Step into the experience.

Seen. Heard. Celebrated.

NEW ALBUM WITH CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE

“The violin queen rises up with a new album”

Featured on WBGO
GRAMMY HOUSE NYC

Kersten joins fellow voting members of the Recording Academy for a weekend of connection and advocacy.

Go Behind The Scenes
news12 NEW JERSEY

Kersten joins Della Crews for a live performance and interview in Spotlight New Jersey.

Watch. Now
THE RECORDING ACADEMY

As a voting member, Kersten joins countless creators and professionals who celebrate music year-round.

Learn More
47th KENNEDY CENTER HONORS

Following the award ceremony, Kersten jammed with Kamasi Washington, Trombone Shorty and more!

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Apollo Spring Benefit 2025

As a six-time Amateur Night champion, Kersten returns to The Apollo to celebrate the Soul of American Culture.

See the Highlights
67th Grammy Awards

Dreams do come true! Kersten attends the Grammy Awards for the first time.

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VOGUE MAGAZINE

The Apollo Celebrates 90 Years With Usher, Babyface, and a Star-Studded Concert

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