Formed in Baltimore in 1992, American R&B group Dru Hill rose to fame with hits like Tell Me, In My Bed, and How Deep Is Your Love. Known for their soulful harmonies and defining 1990s sound, the group spans over three decades, featuring members like Sisqó.
Chris Botti is a Grammy-winning jazz trumpeter and composer from Portland, Oregon. Known for his romantic sound blending jazz and pop, he gained early acclaim touring with Paul Simon and Sting. He has released numerous chart-topping albums, including When I Fall in Love and Impressions.
Najee is a Grammy-nominated saxophonist and flautist from New York known for his crossover jazz and R&B sound. Gaining prominence with his 1986 debut Najee's Theme, he has released numerous chart-topping albums and collaborated with Prince, Chaka Khan, and Stevie Wonder.
Philadelphia native Bilal is a progressive R&B and neo-soul singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his versatile voice. His acclaimed albums include 1st Born Second and Airtight's Revenge. He won a Grammy for Kendrick Lamar's These Walls and frequently collaborates with major artists.
Harlem-born R&B singer and producer Keith Sweat pioneered the new jack swing movement. He launched his career with his 1987 triple-platinum debut album, Make It Last Forever, featuring the hit I Want Her. Known for iconic slow jams like Twisted and Nobody, he also formed the supergroup LSG.
Grammy-winning R&B singer and songwriter Avery*Sunshine, born Denise White in Chester, Pennsylvania, studied piano at Spelman College. Known for her chart-topping hit Call My Name, she has earned multiple awards, four top 20 Billboard hits, and international acclaim.
Will Downing is a renowned R&B baritone known as The Prince of Sophisticated Soul. With a 30-year career, 21 albums, and his own record label, he is known for hits like A Million Ways and Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This with Rachelle Ferrell. He also hosts The Wind Down radio show.
Harlem-born producer Teddy Riley pioneered the new jack swing genre. Known as the King of New Jack Swing, he achieved platinum success with groups Guy and Blackstreet, famously producing the chart-topping hit No Diggity. He has also collaborated with Michael Jackson and Mary J. Blige.
Grammy-winning bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding is known for her cross-pollinated contemporary jazz approach. Born in Portland, Oregon, she became the youngest faculty member at Berklee College of Music. She has released acclaimed albums like Chamber Music Society, Radio Music Society, and the Grammy-winning Twelve Little Spells.
Frank McComb, born in Cleveland, Ohio, is a soul and jazz vocalist, keyboardist, and producer. Renowned for his authentic artistry and powerful vocals, often compared to Donny Hathaway, he has collaborated with Prince, Chaka Khan, and Branford Marsalis. His album "Straight From The Vault" won a SoulTracks Readers Choice Award. He received an Indie Soul Award for "We Were Made For Us" and was honored with an Indie Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026.
Brownstone, signed to Michael Jackson’s MJJ Epic in 1993, is best known for “If You Love Me” (Nicci Gilbert-Daniels), sampled by Tory Lanez, Future & Metro Boomin.
Merriweather Post Pavilion
