After 18 years as a singer, songwriter, actress and all around performer, Nicole’s timeless artistry and unique identity in modern day Jazz is stepping up to the world stage. Nicole is no stranger to performing for international audiences as she has participated in events and concerts in U.K., Barcelona, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Maldives, U.S.A, Shanghai, Tokyo to name a few, however this residency is definitely a first for her, and a first for performers born and raised in the Philippines.
Beginning June 18 until July 12, 2025, Nicole will be the first Philippine-based recording artist/ performer to take an artist residency in the elite Café Carlyle, the live music venue inspired by its namesake in New York City, located in Carlyle & Co., a progressive private members’ club that’s part of the Rosewood Hotel Group, in Hong Kong.
“Café Carlyle Hong Kong brings an unrivalled line-up of international names and unmatched talent to Hong Kong’s most intimate stage. This June we’re thrilled to introduce our newest Resident Artist, Nicole Laurel Asensio, for her Café Carlyle debut.”
Café Carlyle
Café Carlyle is a seamless blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication, much like it’s newest resident artist Nicole who is as a versatile performer that mixes the uniqueness in her old-soul voice and current artistic flair The musical legacy in her veins makes for a fitting match for the artistic haven that holds musical heritage and prestige in it’s core.
Nicole will be taking the stage for a series of sixteen shows beginning on June 18 until July 12, 2025 accompanied by renowned international jazz musicians hailing from different corners of the globe.
Joining her and the band during the residency is Filipino multi-instrumentalist and record producer/ her co-writer Gabe Dandan.
For her forthcoming musical sojourn Nicole will take audiences through songs that span the ages as she relives the olden – golden days of jazz infused with a modern soulful groove and a multi-faceted setlist of timeless tunes
‘A powerhouse entertainer with a unique versatility in both sound and stage presence, Nicole’s a force to be reckoned with. If you’re not already familiar with her? Just you wait. It’s going to be a great Residency.’
– Francisco Ricafort, Director of Music & Artist Curation
“The process behind booking this gig is nothing short of a dream come true, pure fate… I don’t have a manager or company backing of any sort for my career, so whenever something like this happens, I really can’t help but get teary eyed and thank the Lord for it because it certainly is his doing. I had planned a short vacation to Hong Kong purely for leisure last February. The very same day I booked my flight, I serendipitously also received a message from my instagram inbox asking if we could arrange a call. Francisco (Director of Music and Artist Curation at the Carlyle HK) mentioned to me over the call that they were flying in artists from different continents for performances at the Cafe Carlyle, he mentioned that “Why not present a Filipino artist to Cafe Carlyle?” He then asked me to send in some videos to present… I didn’t expect anything at first but I received some positive news shortly after, just in time to catch the plane to Hong Kong and catch a show at Cafe Carlyle in person.
As soon as I stepped into the place, I could immediately feel the creative energies that filled the rooms, each corner curated to perfection, and the divine sound of the band filled the air, I didn’t even need a cocktail to immediately feel intoxicated. I feel truly blessed to have been able to witness such an abundant and generous performance from their resident then, Sarah Potenza, not only am I already a fan of her voice, she also sings for one of my favourite bands, “Post Modern Jukebox” how could it be that fate had it I would somehow get to share the same stage in a few months? I was stunned, mind-blown and thrilled to be inches away from a dream that was unfolding before my eyes and ears. Indeed, the pressure was on, but I take every moment as inspiration.”
– Nicole Laurel Asensio
“The club is known for its unique design, art collection and a focus on cultural and intellectual enrichment for its members.” One of the features to look forward to aside from the musical performances is a curated menu inspired by the artist’s heritage and stories.
“I am excited to see the culinary narrative the master chefs gave come up with to enhance the experience, It is exciting to see how they blend bits of heritage into an international array of delights, a thoughtful touch to make audiences feel extra special.”
“Every time I have the opportunity to sing in a different country, it gives me joy. I get to make this creative exchange of bringing a piece of my home and heritage with me and at the same time siphoning the soul of the place and infusing it into what inspires my music. I am most honoured and excited to share the stage with international musicians of a world class calibre and bring the talented Gabe Dandan with me as a musical co-creator and bridge between the familiar and the artistry yet to be discovered. I have a lot to learn from everyone around me.”
– Nicole Laurel Asensio