Kristine W Headlines Halloween Party at Cocktail

This Sunday, October 27, 17-time Billboard #1 dance music artist Kristine W will take the stage at Cocktail St. Pete’s Cock-o-ween party in St. Petersburg, Florida, delivering a high-energy performance that blends her iconic dance hits with reimagined covers of fan-favorite classics. Known as one of the greatest dance artists of all time, Kristine W is poised to ignite the crowd in a Halloween-themed live band show that promises to be both exhilarating and intimate.

Kristine W, who has been recognized as the 8th Greatest Dance Artist of All Time by Billboard magazine, has built her career on pushing the boundaries of dance music while staying connected to her roots in live performance. This weekend’s event will mark another chapter in her storied career, as she teams up with the Tampa-based DeLeon Band for a special show curated specifically for the Cock-o-ween celebration.

“I’m very excited about this show,” Kristine W shares from her home in Las Vegas. “We’ve created a brand-new setlist just for this event, with input from David, the owner of Cocktail Nightclub. It’s going to be a mix of my biggest dance hits and some recognizable cover tunes to keep the party jumping.”

Among those hits, fans can expect to hear her newest single, a cover of Sade’s classic "Smooth Operator." Kristine’s rendition of the song, produced with Mark Matson, blends electro chill with jazz elements, maintaining the soulful vibe of the original while offering a fresh, modern twist.

Kristine’s connection to Sade runs deep. “I have been performing Sade since I put my first band together in college,” she explains. “Sade's drummer, Prescott Ellison, even auditioned for my Las Vegas show in the mid-'90s, and I hired him on the spot.” The cover of "Smooth Operator" has been a hit in clubs, and it’s already become a special request for Sunday’s performance.

The Cock-o-ween show will take place on an outdoor stage, where Kristine will be accompanied by her six-piece live band, delivering a “big sound” with plenty of energy. While Cocktail St. Pete is a more intimate venue compared to the large concert halls and festivals Kristine is accustomed to, the singer relishes the close connection that smaller spaces foster. “It’s a magical experience performing for a live audience, especially in a setting where you can really feel the energy of the crowd,” she says.

Kristine W’s performances have long resonated strongly with both the dance music and LGBTQ+ communities, and her upcoming show in St. Petersburg is no exception. The Cock-o-ween party arrives at a time when the Florida LGBTQ+ community has shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, particularly following the devastation caused by recent storms. “I’m in awe of the resilience of the Florida family,” Kristine shared. “They’re going through so much, and I want to be there for them, to make them smile with the power of music.”

With a career that spans over two decades, Kristine W has shown an uncanny ability to keep her music fresh and relevant. “I’m constantly writing new music and reproducing older hits to sound current,” she noted. “Dance music is always evolving, and I love the challenge of staying ahead of the curve.”

As for what’s next, Kristine W revealed that fans can look forward to new music soon. “I have a new album coming out in early 2025.” It will include collaborations with some of the biggest names in dance music. “I can’t wait to share it with everyone. But first, I’m ready to bring down the house at Cock-o-ween!”

Cocktail St. Pete is located at 2355 Central Avenue, Saint Petersburg. For more information on the Cock-o-ween party starring Kristine W, visit Cocktailstpete.com