09/25/2026
It’s been a minute since we’ve turned Dear Mama’s dining room into a stage; so it’s obvious that we would ask friend and performer Du’Bois A’Keen to lead us into an evening of community celebration and connection.
TONIGHT!
Music begins at 5:15pm with a second set at 6:00pm, with brief interludes where we will turn the stage over to local non-profits NY Common Pantry and Uptown Grand Central to share their work.
Percentage of food & beverage sales during the performance benefits both these worthy charities. One drink minimum per seat, no cover.
Du’Bois A’Keen is a composer, recording artist, singer-songwriter, music director, and vocal arranger whose expansive catalogue spans gospel, R&B, soul, jazz, and concert music and we are thrilled to have him serenading us this evening.
In addition to his artist-scholar practice, A’Keen serves on faculty at Columbia University’s Climate School and School of Professional Studies in Sustainability Management.
Since he last graced the cafe stage, Du’Bois has
served as Creative Associate and Music Director for Matthew Rushing’s Sacred Songs for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, presented at New York City Center and the Whitney Museum’s Edges of Ailey. In 2026, he made his Lincoln Center debut at Alice Tully Hall as Founder and Director of the Harlem Gospel Ensemble and featured solo vocalist in Carrie Mae Weems’ Contested Sites of Memory, alongside Nona Hendryx, Carl Hancock Rux, Helga Davis, and Craig Harris.
Previously, A’Keen served as Associate Director of Music and Programming for the Mama Foundation for the Arts and Sing Harlem, headlining Red Rooster Harlem’s Gospel Brunch and performing at Glamour’s Women of the Year tribute to Mary J. Blige and the Clooney Foundation for Justice’s Albie Awards.
His recent recordings include Sacred Songs Suite and the double-sided EP A’ LOVE NOTE, celebrated with his Apollo Theater Music Café debut alongside Sacred Groove, his 11-piece band.
Most recently, A’Keen premiered a new work commissioned by Duke Arts.
Learn more about the evenings partners
Du’Bois A’Keen
New York Common Pantry
Uptown Grand Central
