Saxophonist and former Jazz Messenger Javon Jackson, world-renowned poet laureate Nikki Giovanni, and celebrated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon stand on the shoulders of their ancestors in The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni, a meaningful meditation on struggle, sacrifice, resilience, liberation, and victory.

Giovanni, one of today’s finest poets and thinkers, makes a rare vocal appearance at this inspired evening of her favorite poetry, hymns, and Negro spirituals reimagined by Jackson as jazzy new compositions. “These songs are so important,” says Giovanni of the historic collaboration. “I’m out here putting water on the flowers, because they need a drink” (Broadway World).