SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Director
Meshell Ndegeocello
A Love Letter to the Bay Area: The People's Playlist w/ special guest Josh Lane
Meshell Ndegeocello
Thu, April 30, 2026
|Miner Auditorium
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In Meshell Ndegeocello’s own words: Explore the inspiration behind this week’s concerts.
On April 30 and May 1, Meshell 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. The concerts will also include special guest vocalist of Thee Sacred Souls, Josh Lane.
About Meshell Ndegeocello
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.
SFJAZZ MAGAZINE
› Meshell Ndegeocello's Love Letter to the People
These concerts are co-presented by

Personnel
Meshell Ndegeocello bass, vocals
Chris Bruce guitar
Chanelle Ignant guitar
Jake Sherman keyboards
Abe Rounds drums
Justin Hicks vocals, percussion
Josh Lane vocals
"The world needs more musicians like her; creatively restless and ambitious"
NPR Music
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