Valerie: A Tribute to Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse’s songs are difficult to cover well because so much of their character lives in the phrasing, not just the notes. Valerie, led by vocalist Elsa Cedeño, leans into that soulful, expressive side of the catalog rather than treating the set as a straightforward impersonation. The band also gives the arrangements enough weight to make songs from Back to Black and Winehouse’s earlier work feel like a proper live set. At August Hall, the Saturday night timing makes this an easy Labor Day weekend pick, especially if you want something more focused than a festival or block party. Huney Knuckles joins as the special guest, adding another live element to the bill. For Winehouse fans, the appeal is hearing these songs performed with a full band and room to breathe, rather than simply hearing a playlist of recordings you already know by heart.