For a soul singer to be crowned a soul queen, naturally, she must first possess a mighty voice—one that can plumb the depths of heartbreak and rise to the pinnacle of bliss in a single set. The second requirement is a riveting stage presence that holds a full arena under her spell.

After that, it’s all up to the diva herself. Chaka Khan brought the funk, Anita Baker made us swoon, and Whitney Houston’s tragic beauty broke our hearts. Sade drips with elegance, while Adele keeps it raw and real.

And the woman who can channel them all in one spectacular concert? It’s Capathia Jenkins.

On April 21-22, Jenkins joins Sarasota Orchestra in a symphonic showcase, She’s Got Soul, celebrating the hits and legends of soul that formed the musical backdrop of her upbringing.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Jenkins made her Broadway debut in the Tony-nominated musical The Civil War in 1999 and starred in the Off-Broadway revival of Godspell the following year. Other notable Broadway credits include the Burt Bacharach revue The Look of Love and starring as Medda in Disney’s production of Newsies. Jenkins is also an accomplished television actor who has appeared on the hit shows 30 Rock, Law & Order, and The Sopranos, and her miraculous voice graces the film soundtracks for Chicago, Nine, and Legally Blonde 2.

Along with numbers such as Gladys Knight’s “Midnight Train to Georgia” and Toni Braxton’s “Un-Break My Heart,” Jenkins makes this concert a real party with groovy selections including Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” “Happy” by Pharrell, and “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. But the song she’s most excited to share with Sarasota Orchestra audiences is an original: She wrote “I Am Strong” during dark days early in the COVID pandemic as an affirmation to herself, her fellow performing artists, and anyone who hears her that we’ve got what it takes to make it through.

As a performer and songwriter, Jenkins has the soul queen’s ultimate hallmark: an unshakable belief in her sovereignty. Like the artists who came before her, Jenkins’ confidence endows her with the ability to lead by example and share a sense of empowerment with her fans. Whether she’s knocking your socks off or melting your heart, listen closely to the songs she sings to find an unapologetic “Here I am!” inside every line.

To learn more and purchase tickets to Pops: She’s Got Soul, visit Sarasota Orchestra’s website or call the Box Office at 941-953-3434. All programs and featured artists are subject to change.