Meshell Ndegeocello: People's Playlist

GRAMMY-winning bassist, singer, and songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello cut her teeth on Washington D.C.’s explosive go-go circuit in the 1980s and was one of the first artists signed to Madonna’s Maverick Records label, which released her landmark neo soul album Plantation Lullabies in 1993.  

Ndegeocello built a career as an uncompromising artist whose deliriously funky and soulful work is a powerful commentary on race, gender issues, and LGBTQ+ rights.  

She’s released 13 albums as a leader and has amassed a distinguished list of collaborators including Jason Moran, Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper, John Mellencamp, Madonna, Pat Metheny, Marcus Miller, Terence Blanchard, and The Blind Boys of Alabama. 

Returning following her sold-out nights devoted to No More Water/The Fire Next Time: The Gospel of James Baldwin, a theatrical multimedia performance inspired by the iconic essayist, novelist, and activist, she brings the same artistic depth and inspiration to her week as Resident Artistic Director. 

On April 30 and May 1, Ndegeocello presents "The People's Playlist," a program devoted to music that speaks to the tradition of protest during times of unrest and upheaval in America.