Plenty of singer-songwriters over the years have had their words held up as poetry: think Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Joan Armatrading, David Berman. But leave it to an artist as potent and unpredictable as Meshell Ndgeocello to amplify the poetry intrinsic in popular songs we all know and love. That’s the message on Synonym, Ndegeocello’s third album for the storied Blue Note label, which she’s celebrating for one night only at BAM.
The album brings Ndgeocello together with a constellation of starry vocalists in a playlist of favorite songs. Recorded with an all-star band, and emphasizing Ndgeocello’s role as a player and producer, Synonym includes new takes on “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me” with Cynthia Erivo, “Don’t You Want Me” with Cat Power, “Islands in the Stream” with Chaka Khan, and more.
A stretch for Hanif Abdurraqib’s poetry series? Not at all: from the start, I Guess It Was My Destiny To Live So Long has been about showing us where poetry intersects with our everyday lives, always close at hand in the things we love. Opening the evening is Samora Pinderhughes, a composer, pianist, vocalist, filmmaker, and multidisciplinary artist known for striking intimacy, carefully crafted and radically honest lyrics, and high-level musicianship.
The album brings Ndgeocello together with a constellation of starry vocalists in a playlist of favorite songs. Recorded with an all-star band, and emphasizing Ndgeocello’s role as a player and producer, Synonym includes new takes on “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me” with Cynthia Erivo, “Don’t You Want Me” with Cat Power, “Islands in the Stream” with Chaka Khan, and more.
A stretch for Hanif Abdurraqib’s poetry series? Not at all: from the start, I Guess It Was My Destiny To Live So Long has been about showing us where poetry intersects with our everyday lives, always close at hand in the things we love. Opening the evening is Samora Pinderhughes, a composer, pianist, vocalist, filmmaker, and multidisciplinary artist known for striking intimacy, carefully crafted and radically honest lyrics, and high-level musicianship.
ONSALE DATES
Tue, Aug 25 at 1pm
BAM Members and Patrons
Thu, Aug 27 at 1pm
General Public
BAM Members and Patrons
Thu, Aug 27 at 1pm
General Public
UPCOMING Performances
VENUE
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets start at $35
Please note: All single ticket online and phone orders are subject to a $3 facility fee and an $8 handling fee per ticket. All orders at the box office are subject to a $3 facility fee per ticket.
BAM Bundles are subject to a $3 facility fee and a $4 handling fee per ticket.
BAM Members and Patrons get first access and save 20% on single tickets.
All ticket buyers (including BAM Members and Patrons) can create a BAM Bundle (three or more performances) to get 30% off their package.
Please note: All single ticket online and phone orders are subject to a $3 facility fee and an $8 handling fee per ticket. All orders at the box office are subject to a $3 facility fee per ticket.
BAM Bundles are subject to a $3 facility fee and a $4 handling fee per ticket.
BAM Members and Patrons get first access and save 20% on single tickets.
All ticket buyers (including BAM Members and Patrons) can create a BAM Bundle (three or more performances) to get 30% off their package.
All performances will adhere to protocols developed in accordance with New York State regulations and in consultation with medical professionals for the safety of our artists, audiences, and staff.
Leadership support for
BAM's strategic initiatives provided by the
Jerome L. Greene Foundation 
Leadership support for
BAM programming provided by
Leadership support for
BAM's strategic initiatives provided by 
Leadership support for
Next Wave 2026 provided by the
National Endowment for the Arts
