Meshell Ndegeocello and Makaya McCraven

Meshell Ndegeocello, born in Berlin and raised in Washington, D.C., is celebrated for her genre-defying music across jazz, blues, funk, and more. Known for her virtuosic bass skills and unique vocal style, she gained fame with hits like "If That's Your Boyfriend." Collaborating with artists such as John Mellencamp, she has been nominated for multiple Grammys, winning for Best Alternative Jazz Album with "Omnichord Real Book." She's contributed to projects like the Sun Ra tribute and collaborated with a wide array of musicians, continually challenging musical boundaries.

Makaya McCraven, an innovative drummer, composer, and producer known for blending jazz with 21st-century folk, is reshaping modern music. His impactful work, including "In These Times," has garnered acclaim from major publications and underscored jazz's vitality.