Vocal Powerhouse Returns with Soulful Tribute Show
Acclaimed vocalist Mary Cross will return to Atlantic City’s Resorts Casino for her second consecutive year honoring the legendary Phyllis Linda Hyman on October 4, 2025, as part of the North 2 Shore Festival’s extended programming. The “Mother of Cool Smoke,” whose velvety contralto has drawn comparisons to the iconic artists she celebrates, offers audiences a choice between afternoon and evening performances that promise to transform The Screening Room into a sanctuary of classic soul.
The tribute expands beyond Hyman’s catalog this year to include special segments honoring Angie Stone and Roberta Flack, while also featuring the debut performance of Cross’ first dance single “Steppin’ 2Gether” alongside New York producer Stix Bones, creating a comprehensive celebration of timeless vocal artistry that bridges past and present.
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Contralto Vocalist Channels Legendary Singer
Mary Cross has established herself as one of the most authentic interpreters of Phyllis Hyman’s musical legacy through performances that honor the late vocalist’s technical brilliance and emotional depth without lapsing into mere imitation. Cross’ rich contralto voice naturally shares tonal qualities with Hyman’s distinctive instrument, allowing for interpretations that capture the essence of the original recordings while bringing fresh energy to the material.
“What makes Mary’s tribute so extraordinary is how she balances reverence for Phyllis’ artistry with her own musical identity,” said festival music director Thomas Klein. “She’s not attempting some superficial impersonation—she’s channeling the emotional truth of these songs through deep understanding of Phyllis’ approach while bringing her own authentic voice to the material.”
According to North 2 Shore Festival organizers, Cross “doesn’t just perform Phyllis Hyman’s repertoire; she channels her essence, bringing the legendary artist’s spirit back to the stage with reverence and passion.” This approach has earned her the nickname “Mother of Cool Smoke,” referencing the smoky vocal quality she shares with Hyman.
Expanded Tribute Honors Multiple Vocal Legends
While Phyllis Hyman’s catalog remains the cornerstone of the performance, this year’s tribute expands to include special segments honoring contemporary soul icon Angie Stone and piano-vocal legend Roberta Flack. This broadened scope creates a more comprehensive celebration of female vocal artistry across different eras and stylistic approaches within the soul tradition.
“The expanded format allows Mary to showcase the connections between these different vocal traditions,” explained Sarah Thompson, programming director. “By including Angie Stone and Roberta Flack alongside Phyllis Hyman, she creates this beautiful narrative about the evolution of soul vocals while highlighting the distinctive qualities that made each artist extraordinary.”
This curatorial approach transforms the performance from simple tribute into a more substantive exploration of vocal artistry and soul music’s development over time. The thoughtfully selected repertoire demonstrates connections between these artists while honoring their individual contributions to the tradition.
Original Music Debuts Alongside Tributes
Adding another dimension to the evening, Cross will debut her first dance single “Steppin’ 2Gether” with special guest New York producer Stix Bones joining her on stage. This premiere performance represents Cross’ evolution from interpreter to creator while maintaining thematic connection to the classic soul traditions being celebrated throughout the evening.
“The inclusion of Mary’s original music creates this beautiful arc from honoring the past to creating new expressions within the same tradition,” noted Maria Sanchez, festival director. “It demonstrates how these classic influences continue to inspire contemporary artists to develop their own voice while maintaining connection to the foundations laid by previous generations.”
According to The Jersey Shore Girl, this balance between tribute and original creation characterizes many of the festival’s most successful performances, which aim to honor musical heritage while demonstrating its continued vitality through fresh interpretations and new works.
Independent Artist Champions Authentic Expression
Mary Cross’ career path as an independent artist without major corporate backing adds particular resonance to her interpretations of these soul classics. Her commitment to artistic integrity over commercial considerations mirrors the values championed by many of the artists she celebrates, creating conceptual alignment between the performance approach and the material being presented.
“There’s something particularly powerful about Mary’s independent spirit,” said Klein. “She’s pursuing this music because of genuine artistic connection rather than commercial calculation, which creates this authentic alignment with the material that audiences immediately recognize and respond to.”
This independent approach extends to Cross’ band, 2NspireU, comprised of accomplished musicians who share her commitment to preserving the sophisticated musical values embodied in classic soul arrangements. According to New Jersey Stage, this dedication to musical excellence without compromise distinguishes many of the festival’s most compelling performances.
Atlantic City Programming Extends Through Year
Cross’ October performance exemplifies the North 2 Shore Festival’s expanded approach to Atlantic City programming, which extends beyond the main festival dates to include events throughout the year. This extended timeline allows for programming that serves both peak tourist season and provides cultural offerings for year-round residents and visitors.
“Atlantic City has this dual identity as both a tourist destination and a community where people live and work year-round,” noted Rodriguez. “Our extended programming calendar recognizes that reality by providing cultural experiences that serve both visitors and residents throughout the year.”
The October timing creates opportunity for autumn visitors to experience high-caliber performance during a traditionally quieter season. This approach aims to strengthen Atlantic City’s identity as a cultural destination with year-round appeal beyond its well-established gaming and summer attractions.
Screening Room Provides Intimate Concert Setting
The Screening Room at Resorts Casino, with its intimate scale and excellent acoustics, creates an ideal environment for experiencing the nuanced vocal performances and sophisticated arrangements that characterize classic soul music. The venue’s configuration ensures clear sightlines and optimal sound quality, allowing audiences to appreciate every detail of Cross’ interpretations.
“The Screening Room has this perfect balance of intimacy and professional production values,” explained venue director Robert Thompson. “It allows audience members to experience every subtle vocal inflection and dynamic shift while maintaining a connection between performer and audience that enhances the emotional impact of these deeply expressive songs.”
The venue’s location within Resorts Casino adds convenience for visitors combining the performance with other Atlantic City attractions and accommodations. This integration with the broader entertainment ecosystem supports the city’s development as a comprehensive cultural destination beyond gaming.
Performance Details and Ticket Information
Mary Cross’ Phyllis Hyman Musical Tribute offers two performance times on Saturday, October 4: a 3:00 PM matinee and a 7:00 PM evening show. Both performances take place at The Screening Room in Resorts Casino, located at 1133 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Tickets are available through the North 2 Shore Festival website and Resorts Casino box office, priced at $35 for general admission and $45 for VIP seating with meet-and-greet access.
The performances will feature the complete Mary Cross 2NspireU band, with special guest Stix Bones joining for selected numbers. Surprise guest appearances are planned throughout the evening, creating additional incentive for attending both performances for the most comprehensive experience.
Additional information about this and other extended North 2 Shore Festival events can be found on the festival’s official website, which includes comprehensive details about performances throughout Atlantic City during the summer season and beyond.
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