Join MoAD & YBGF for a concert in the gardens with soul powerhouse Lady Wray and Oakland-born organist Sundra Manning.

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Nurtured in church, selected by Missy Elliott to launch her new label and now soaring into new musical realms, Lady Wray is a soul powerhouse making music on her own terms. As Nicole Wray she scored a top-five Billboard Hot 100 single while still a teenager, earning a gold record with “Make It Hot,” the title track of her debut album produced by Elliot and Timbaland. She’s been Lady Wray ever since, a regal title she wears with grace. Combining an almighty voice, revelatory lyrics, and a magnetic stage persona, the singer-songwriter continues to elevate her artistry while pushing the boundaries of soul and R&B. Lady Wray’s music reflects her appreciation for her family, her faith, and her renewed love for herself—all of which drive her acclaimed fourth album, 2025’s Cover Girl.

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Bridging the worlds of R&B, gospel, soul and jazz, Oakland-born organist Sundra Manning has been a major force in the Bay Area music scene for four decades.Her collaborations with R&B stars Ledisi and Lalah Hathaway have garnered Grammy Award nominations. A versatile instrumentalist and composer, she’s been sought after by a dazzling roster of luminaries, including Larry Graham featuring Prince, Raphael Saadiq, H.E.R., EnVogue, Meshell Ndegeocello, Walter Hawkins’ Love Center Youth Ministry, Martin Luther McCoy, Pete Escovedo, Nona Hendryx & Black Women Rock and many others. Increasingly focusing on presenting her own combo, she delivers a bracing jolt of funk whether she’s playing Hammond B3 organ, piano or keyboards, making bodies move and spirits soar.

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Pre-show music from KALW DJ Patrick King Most at 1pm.