Before the opening matches of AVP Pro Beach Volleyball’s Week 5 session at the Intuit Dome, rising jazz artist Erisa Nicole set the tone with a soulful rendition of the national anthem that had the arena buzzing.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Writer
Before the opening matches of AVP Pro Beach Volleyball’s Week 5 session at the Intuit Dome, rising jazz artist Erisa Nicole set the tone with a soulful rendition of the national anthem that had the arena buzzing.
The San Diego native brought a smooth, jazz-infused style to her performance, showcasing not only vocal talent but deep emotional resonance. At just 24 years old, Erisa is already carving out her space in the world of music.
Raised in a musically rich household, she was exposed to a variety of genres from a young age. “I grew up listening to everything—from gospel and funk to jazz and classical. That blend is really part of who I am as an artist,” she shared in a previous interview.
Erisa earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Point Loma Nazarene University and is currently pursuing her master’s in music. Though she began playing the saxophone later than most, her natural talent quickly became evident. Over the past six years, she’s developed a signature sound that weaves jazz, soul, funk, and R&B into a cohesive and compelling experience.
Her performance résumé is already impressive. Erisa has graced the stage at the Long Beach and Oxnard Jazz Festivals, the San Diego County Fair with legendary bassist Nathan East, and Humphrey’s by the Bay. She also performed at the Juneteenth Celebration alongside Con Funk Shun, and at the Solo & Hill Jazz Fest with Adam Hawley.
A standout moment came when she showcased her skills on the iconic stage of Showtime at the Apollo.
In addition to her live performances, Erisa has released several singles that have earned praise from both critics and fans. With a growing following and undeniable presence, she’s proving herself as a force in the new generation of soul and jazz artists.