Brenda Earle Stokes is a talented jazz pianist, singer, and songwriter originally from Sarnia, now a longtime resident of New York City. She has collaborated with renowned artists such as trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, Broadway star Maurice Hines, and the acclaimed Diva Jazz Orchestra. Known for her engaging performances, Stokes combines her virtuosic piano skills, expressive lyrics, and a signature sense of humor, making her music accessible and enjoyable for audiences beyond just jazz enthusiasts.

Her latest album, Motherhood, released in May 2024, features 10 original songs that reflect the multifaceted experience of modern parenting. Drawing from her own experiences as a mother, the album explores themes such as joy, frustration, identity, and gender roles with candid and relatable lyrics. The project, developed during a residency at the Banff Center for Arts and Creativity and supported by a Canada Council for the Arts grant, marks Stokes’ Aeolian debut, where she will perform alongside acclaimed Canadian musicians Mike Downes, Rebecca Hennessy, and Ethan Ardelli.