Lady Wray at YBG Festival

Opening Set from Sundra Manning

Nurtured in church, selected by Missy Elliott to launch her new label and now soaring into new musical realms, Lady Wray is a soul powerhouse making music on her own terms. As Nicole Wray she scored a top-five Billboard Hot 100 single while still a teenager, earning a gold record with “Make It Hot,” the title track of her debut album produced by Elliot and Timbaland. She’s been Lady Wray ever since, a regal title she wears with grace. Combining an almighty voice, revelatory lyrics, and a magnetic stage persona, the singer-songwriter continues to elevate her artistry while pushing the boundaries of soul and R&B. Lady Wray’s music reflects her appreciation for her family, her faith, and her renewed love for herself—all of which drive her acclaimed fourth album, 2025’s Cover Girl.

Bridging the worlds of R&B, gospel, soul and jazz, Oakland-born organist Sundra Manning has been a major force in the Bay Area music scene for four decades. Her collaborations with R&B stars Ledisi and Lalah Hathaway have garnered Grammy Award nominations. A versatile instrumentalist and composer, she’s been sought after by a dazzling roster of luminaries, including Larry Graham featuring Prince, Raphael Saadiq, H.E.R., EnVogue, Meshell Ndegeocello, Walter Hawkins’ Love Center Youth Ministry, Martin Luther McCoy, Pete Escovedo, Nona Hendryx & Black Women Rock and many others. Increasingly focusing on presenting her own combo, she delivers a bracing jolt of funk whether she’s playing Hammond B3 organ, piano or keyboards, making bodies move and spirits soar.

Pre-show music from KALW DJ Patrick King Most at 1pm.

In partnership with KALW

Co-Presented by Museum of the African Diaspora

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Host or Publisher Yerba Buena Gardens Festival