Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox turned the Fox Performing Arts Center into a roaring-’20s speakeasy on Aug. 30, reimagining modern pop hits with vintage swing, Motown, and jazz arrangements. The night carried special significance for Riverside as hometown vocalist Eva Mikhailovna, also known as Eva Stiles, returned as a featured guest on the international tour, joining a lineup of powerhouse singers and musicians.

The evening was emceed by LaVance Colley, whose sharp comedic timing and soaring vocals guided the show with ease. Colley, who began singing gospel at age three, has built a career blending gospel fervor, jazz versatility, and R&B heart into a style uniquely his own. His résumé includes backing Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, Diana Ross, and Shoshana Bean, among many others, as well as starring as emcee and lead singer for Postmodern Jukebox. From Osaka to Los Angeles, Colley’s performances have commanded attention with a voice described as both sensual and angelic, qualities that shone in Riverside as he kept the energy high and the audience engaged.

Tia Simone electrified the stage with her bold energy and soulful voice, blending her background in opera, jazz, and soul into a performance that radiated confidence and joy. Now a touring vocalist with Postmodern Jukebox and the powerhouse group DC6, Simone drew on her years of experience fronting bands and collaborating with artists such as Lady Gaga and Jon Batiste. Her set was both commanding and connective, lifting the room with a raw mix of grit and warmth.

Tatum Langley brought a different but equally dazzling energy. A Chicago-based vocalist with roots in both jazz and musical theatre, she showcased the kind of vocal agility that has carried her from cozy cabaret clubs to international stages like the Sydney Opera House and Royal Albert Hall. With her mix of charm, technical mastery, and story-driven performance, Langley balanced sophistication with charisma, reminding the Riverside audience why she has become a global staple of the Postmodern Jukebox lineup.

The band itself was just as much a star of the night. Anthony Castagna’s guitar work provided both subtle textures and bold solos, while Willie Ray Moore stunned during his drum solo, even taking a drink of water mid-rhythm without missing a beat. Grant Larcom carried the arrangements on piano with vintage flair, Steve Whipple held the groove steady on stand-up bass, Kyle Morgan brought warmth and power on saxophone, and Andrae Murchison’s trombone added depth and character to the ensemble. Together, they created the rich foundation that let the singers shine.

The most anticipated moment arrived when Riverside native Eva Mikhailovna took the spotlight. Her performance blended musicianship and showmanship, as she alternated between banjo and accordion while singing with a mix of confidence and vulnerability. Dancer Demi Remick added visual flair, sweeping across the stage with feather fans in a dazzling vintage-style routine that ended with her playfully wrapping Mikhailovna in the plumes. The collaboration underscored the spirit of Postmodern Jukebox: a mix of glamour, humor, and reinvention that turned Riverside’s Fox Performing Arts Center into a time-warped celebration.

Audience members responded with cheers and standing ovations, many dressed in dapper 1920s- and 1930s-inspired attire, leaning into the show’s invitation to step back in time. The Fox, with its ornate art deco interior, proved a fitting backdrop for the spectacle, reinforcing the illusion of a glamorous past reborn for a Riverside crowd.

Postmodern Jukebox, which changes lineups and arrangements from city to city, thrives on unpredictability. As Mikhailovna explained in a recent KVCR interview, “Every show feels different and you can learn something from it and just grow. Every audience I’ve seen says every time is better than the last.”