Led by Questlove and Black Thought, The Roots were named “one of the greatest live bands around” by Rolling Stone. This musically versatile crew has become one of the best-known and most respected in the business, winning four Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album for Wake Up!, Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for “Hang in There” (with John Legend), and Best Group or Duo R&B Vocal Performance for “Shine.”

Bassist, composer and educator Christian McBride has performed with greats like Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, Pat Metheny and Milt Jackson, among others, moving freely among the worlds of R&B, pop-rock, classical and hip hop. He is a six-time Grammy winner and Artistic Director of the Newport Jazz Festival. McBride is also the host and producer of The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian on SiriusXM and NPR’s Jazz Night in America. With A Christian McBride Situation, McBride and company explore the bassist’s experimental side, playing an original musical mix McBride has described as “avant free-funk.” Members of the group are Christian McBride (leader and bass), Patrice Rushen (keys), Alyson Williams (vocals), Ron Blake (sax), and Jahi Sundance and DJ Logic (turntables).