Christian McBride is an eight-time Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. With a wealth of experience and talent behind him, McBride is the Artistic Director for several important jazz festivals and cultural institutions: Newport Jazz Festival, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Jazz Aspen Snowmass Summer Sessions, TD James Moody Jazz Festival, and National Jazz Museum in Harlem. A respected educator and advocate, McBride is also the Artistic Director of Jazz House Kids, the nationally recognized community arts organization founded by his wife, vocalist Melissa Walker.

In addition to consistent touring, McBride hosts NPR’s Jazz Night in America and The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian on SiriusXM. Whether behind the bass or away from it, Christian McBride is always of the music. From jazz to R&B, from pop/rock to hip-hop/neo-soul to classical, he is a luminary with one hand ever reaching for new heights and the other extended in fellowship—and perhaps the hint of a challenge—inviting us to join him.