Nedra Dixon Takes On Billie Holiday's Turbulent Legacy

By Steve Kraske,

Published August 18, 2016 at 3:06 PM CDT

The end of Billie Holiday's musical career is infamous because of her drug and alcohol abuse, not to mention her tumultuous relationships with men. That's the Billie Holiday that actress Nedra Dixon is taking on in her latest role. Dixon says that, despite the drama, Lady Day "left a legacy of song and style unlike any other."

Nedra Dixon plays Billie Holiday in 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill.' The play runs through Wednesday, August 28, at the Living Room Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri. For tickets call (816) 235-6222 or visit SpinningTreeTheatre.com.

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Luke X. Martin

As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.

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