Upside Downtown Concerts & Art on Rotary Square

Weekly concerts on Rotary Square at Casa every Thursday night after work from 5pm – 7pm. Meet your friends, have a drink, grab a snack, and listen to local music in the downtown core. While you’re visiting, explore the galleries inside Casa, as it is always FREE.

This Thursday: Nuela Charles
Food Truck Guest: La Gloria

Known for her soulful vocals, introspective lyrics, and cinematic alternative-soul style, Nuela Charles has solidified her place as a powerhouse in the music industry. Blending James Bond-inspired strings, soul-infused rhythms, and a captivating stage presence, the Kenyan-born, Canada-based artist continues to captivate audiences around the globe.

In 2024, Nuela’s music reached an international stage with a prominent sync placement during the Paris Olympics, cementing her reputation as a sought-after voice for powerful and emotive storytelling. This milestone is the latest in a series of accolades for an artist whose music has been featured on major networks like ESPN, The CW’s Jane The Virgin and in over 15 sync placements to date.

Nuela’s journey began in Kenya, followed by her formative years in Switzerland and Canada. A move to the Bahamas at age 13 ignited her passion for singing and songwriting, and by 17, she was recording her first songs before returning to Canada to launch her career. Her 2012 debut album, Aware, introduced her as a force to be reckoned with, with the breakout single “Unfortunate Love” garnering steady support from CBC Radio and praise from tastemakers like KCRW, Soul Train, and Singersroom.

Her sophomore album, “The Grand Hustle” (2016), earned a 2018 JUNO Award nomination for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year, propelled by the single “Crumbling Down,” which topped the CBC Radio 2 Top 20 charts for seven weeks. Subsequent albums “Distant Danger” and “Melt” continued this streak, receiving JUNO nods in 2019 and 2020, putting Nuela alongside Canadian icons like Michael Bublé and Bryan Adams.

Nuela has graced stages across North America and Europe, including the renowned Reeperbahn Festival in Germany, a London debut, and a US appearance at the coveted “It’s A School Night” showcase, by invitation from KCRW’s Chris Douridas. She has also shared stages with musical legends like Ziggy Marley, Sam Roberts Band, Jann Arden, and Stars.

Her latest self-titled project, Nuela Charles (2022), delivered more of her fiery, genre-defying sound, and she shows no signs of slowing down. 2025 started off with new music with the release of “History,”, building to a highly anticipated album set for Fall 2025. With her ability to connect deeply with listeners and a sound that’s both nostalgic and modern, Nuela Charles is poised for a remarkable year ahead. Join her journey as she reshapes the boundaries of soulful artistry, delivering fearless and authentic music that resonates deeply in today’s ever-evolving landscape. https://www.nuelacharles.com/