Smooth Operator LA pairs vocalist Jessica “Jaye Nicole” Phillips with a band of veteran musicians who have shared stages with George Benson, Slave, Christina Aguilera, and Ike Turner. Led by percussionist Tony Young, the band recreates the cool, sensual sound of Sade with every instrument played live.
Sade is one of the most distinctive acts in popular music. Formed in London around vocalist Sade Adu, the band broke through with the 1984 album Diamond Life and “Smooth Operator,” won the Grammy for Best New Artist, and went on to sell tens of millions of albums worldwide. Records like Promise, Love Deluxe, and Lovers Rock made Sade the soundtrack of countless evenings, and the music still defines elegance in soul and R&B.
Sade’s sound depends on restraint and feel, and that takes experienced players. Smooth Operator LA’s members bring national touring and recording experience, including stages shared with:
Jaye Nicole Phillips brings the warmth and control Sade’s songs require, from the low, unhurried phrasing of “No Ordinary Love” to the slow build of “Is It a Crime.” The band supports her with saxophone, percussion, and the deep grooves that make the catalog feel effortless.
This is a show designed for atmosphere. Buyers get:
Sade has not toured since 2011, which means a generation of fans has never had the chance to hear these songs live. Demand for the catalog remains strong, and a polished live tribute gives your audience an evening of Sade’s music that the band itself is not currently offering.
Smooth Operator LA has become a repeat booking in Southern California, returning to the Bornemann Theatre in San Marcos for multiple engagements, including a Valentine’s Day show and a third appearance by popular demand in 2026. The band also performs at wineries, casinos, corporate events, and private celebrations.
Sade emerged from London in the early 1980s with a sound unlike anything on the radio: jazz-tinged, soulful, and understated. Across six studio albums, Sade Adu and her bandmates built a catalog that has stayed timeless for four decades.
Smooth Operator LA is a Southern California band fronted by Jaye Nicole Phillips and led by percussionist Tony Young. Its musicians bring national touring and recording backgrounds, and the band performs at theaters, wineries, casinos, and private events.
For buyers who want a refined, adult evening of music, a live Sade tribute delivers a mood few other acts can match.
Smooth Operator LA is TSE’s featured Sade tribute. TSE’s booking team can also recommend other Sade and smooth soul tribute options when routing, format, or budget call for it. Recommendations are based on:
TSE’s booking team will recommend the best fit based on your event details.
While this is our top Sade tribute act, TSE Entertainment works with a range of high-quality Sade tributes nationwide.
That means you are not locked into a single option. We help match the right act to your event based on practical factors that actually affect success.
We have booked hundreds of tribute acts nationwide, and every option we recommend is vetted and event-proven. If Smooth Operator LA is not the perfect fit, we will quickly suggest comparable options that are.
Pricing for Smooth Operator LA depends on date, location, set format, and production needs. Southern California engagements typically route most efficiently.
Valentine’s Day and spring and summer winery dates book early. Contact TSE’s booking team for a current quote and availability.
The band combines a vocalist with the right warmth and control for Sade’s material with veteran musicians who have shared stages with George Benson, Slave, and others, all playing live.
Yes. The music suits receptions, dinners, and upscale events, and the band offers flexible set formats with professional sound and lighting.
Yes. Weddings, anniversaries, and private celebrations are a natural fit for Sade’s romantic catalog.
Sade has not toured since 2011, so many fans have never heard the music live. A live tribute brings that experience to your audience.
Adults who love smooth soul, R&B, and quiet storm music, along with date-night crowds and upscale event audiences.
Pricing depends on date, location, and production needs. Contact TSE’s booking team at 800-765-8203 for a current quote.
Ready to bring Sade's music to your event? Call TSE Entertainment at 800-765-8203 or use the button below.
