Amped in the Park 2026

Six-time GRAMMY nominee Lakecia Benjamin is an alto saxophonist, MC, and bandleader known for her captivating live performances. Her acclaimed albums Phoenix and Pursuance: The Coltranes have firmly established her among jazz's foremost artists, with praise from The New York Times, The Guardian, and DownBeat. Phoenix earned her three GRAMMY nominations and an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Jazz Album. Named Alto Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalist Association and Jazz Scholar by the Library of Congress, Benjamin's prominence continues to rise. In 2024, she released Phoenix Reimagined (Live) on Ropeadope, featuring collaborations with John Scofield, Randy Brecker, and Jeff “Tain” Watts. Her performance was highlighted on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and received exceptional reviews during her debut on NPR’s Tiny Desk, further showcasing her exceptional talent. Phoenix Reimagined also received 2 GRAMMY nominations. Lakecia released original composition *Noble Rise,* nominated for the Best Jazz Performance GRAMMY, **in 2025. Her debut for ARTWORK Records is set for release in June 2026 with new singles coming soon!

Marielle Kraft writes the kind of indie pop that feels like a late-night FaceTime with your best friend — honest, infectious, and deeply relatable. A self-taught singer/songwriter now based in Nashville, Kraft has built a reputation for transforming personal moments into striking, universally resonant songs. Her confessional writing style — often likened to that of Taylor Swift and Maggie Rogers — has earned her prominent placements on Spotify and Apple Music editorial playlists, along with critical acclaim for her authenticity and lyrical clarity. Kraft’s dynamic live shows have become a hallmark of her career. She has performed on national tours, supported artists such as Mt. Joy, Ava Max, and GIRLI, and taken the stage at major festivals including Summerfest and Nashville Pride. Her performances — described by The Washington Post as experiences that “bring together a room full of strangers” — have cultivated a cult-like following that shows up both online and in person.

A master at combining genres, the New York Times says “his music suggests a three-way fusion of Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin and José Feliciano.” Experience the artistry of Raul Midón, a Grammy- nominated singer-songwriter and guitarist renowned for his seamless fusion of jazz, soul, Latin, and folk influences. Blind since infancy, Midón has crafted a distinctive sound characterized by his percussive guitar techniques, emotive vocals, and innovative "mouth trumpet" solos. His latest album, Lost & Found, showcases his introspective songwriting and musical versatility. Having collaborated with legends like Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, and Bill Withers, Midón's live performances are celebrated for their musical precision and heartfelt expression.

Best described as “Norah Jones meets Nancy Sinatra”, Tabitha Meeks’ feel good throwback music will make you bop your head, tap your toes and feel empowered all at once. Her piano solos and live shows are unmatched in fun vintage energy, and her catchy light-hearted songs will be stuck in your head for days.  You may have seen or heard her recently as Her music featured on Netflix, Hallmark, CBS, Peacock, Paramount +, Amazon Prime, Hutton Hotel, and more, “Girl of the Hour” featured on Spotify Editorial Playlist “Retro Pop” Feb 2025-present and was a Music City Mayhem Competition top 4 finalist 2025. She’s recently played Bonnaroo Festival, Musicians Corner Festival, and has also performed on iconic stages such as the Ryman Auditorium. Recently, her single “Ready For Christmas” has amassed 2 billion+ views throughout social media platforms. She recently released her debut album in February 2026.

Saxophonist and woodwind artist Brent Birckhead, hailing from Baltimore, captivates audiences with his fusion of traditional and modern musical styles. A Howard University alum (BME, MM), Birckhead has received accolades like "Best Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist" and "Outstanding Instrumental Jazz Soloist" by Downbeat Magazine, and "Best Alto Saxophonist" by Washington City Paper. He has performed with legends such as Lauryn Hill, Nas, George Duke, SWV, and Wale, showcasing his genre-defying talent. Birckhead’s debut album, released in 2019, highlighted his activist spirit and musical depth. His follow-up, "Cacao" (2024), acclaimed for its exploration of self-reclamation and societal themes, reflects his growth as an artist. Birckhead educates future musicians at Baltimore School of the Arts and Morgan State University, continuing to push the boundaries of jazz and contemporary music.

LADAMA is an ensemble of women musicians from across the Americas who, as well as performing as a touring band, strive to engage youth in their respective communities in the process of music-making, composition and audio production through collaboration and performance workshops. They are Mafer Bandola (Venezuela), Lara Klaus (Brazil), and Daniela Serna (Colombia). With rhythm and percussion driving their original compositions sung in Spanish, Portuguese and English they combine disparate, traditional roots music with pop. The result is a sonic experience through which we can view our future as a world that communicates across continents and cultures, with sound and story.  LADAMA has performed at TED, the Skoll World Forum, on ESPN, and at dozens of prestigious venues and festivals around the world. In January 2018 they were featured on NPR's All Things Considered which praised their "irresistible spirit and universal appeal." Their self-titled debut album (released through Six Degrees Records in 2017) reached #1 on both iTunes and Amazon's Latin Music Charts.