Maiya Sykes will bring her captivating vocals to the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival when she performs with the Lao Tizer Band on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026 in High Point, NC. Known for her rich tone, dynamic range, and deeply expressive delivery, Sykes continues to captivate audiences with a style rooted in tradition while always moving forward.
FLUID MOTION
Many music fans first discovered Sykes during her memorable appearance on NBC’s hit singing competition The Voice in 2014. Competing on
Season 7, Sykes immediately stood out during the Blind Auditions with her powerful interpretation of Stay with Me, earning a four-chair turn from the coaches. She ultimately joined Pharrell Williams’s team, where she continued to showcase her remarkable vocal control and soulful artistry.
Before stepping into the national spotlight, Sykes had already developed an impressive musical foundation. A classically trained vocalist, she grew up immersed in a wide range of influences, from jazz and gospel to soul and contemporary music. Known for her rich tone, dynamic range, and deeply expressive delivery, Sykes continues to captivate audiences with a style rooted in tradition while always moving forward.
VOCALLY FUTURISTIC
Following her time on television, Sykes continued expanding her career beyond the competition stage, working as a vocalist, producer, and collaborator. In recent years, she has explored the connections between jazz and popular music. In 2024, she performed as a featured vocalist with the Brazosport Jazz Orchestra, bringing her powerful voice to a jazz-focused concert setting.
Sykes also appeared as a guest vocalist on Still Blooming, the 2025 album from Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. The project is a collection of jazz standards and contemporary interpretations with guest vocalists, including Sykes’ contribution to the ensemble’s jazz-centered sound. Her recent work also includes collaborations that highlight her versatility as a modern soul vocalist. Through projects that explore neo-soul, funk, and contemporary R&B, Sykes has continued to push beyond genre boundaries while maintaining the emotional honesty that defines her performances.
