"A classically trained diva who can stretch from Broadway, pop, soul and opera."  - The New York Times

Award-winning Broadway, pop, soul, and opera songstress, N'Kenge brings her electrifying voice and style to the Ferguson Center for an evening of some of her favorite songs. Performing with a small ensemble and guest dancer, N'Kenge will share her unique artistry in an up-close-and-personal program of song, stories, and glamour that you don't want to miss!

N'Kenge's numerous accolades and acclaim include performing in GRAMMY®, TONY®, and EMMY® award-nominated shows; headlining performances at such revered venues as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, the Vienna State Opera House, and in London's West End, and performing at the Commander-in-Chief Inaugural Ball for President Obama's historic inauguration.  A proud alumna of both the Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music, N'Kenge made her Broadway debut in Sondheim on Sondheim and returned to Broadway in 2021 in the revival of Caroline, Or Change. Her accolades continue with performing with such jazz greats as Ornette Colman and Wynton Marsalis, and she was multi-award nominated for leading roles in productions of both the Elton John/Tim Rice musical, Aida, and in Marion Caffey's 3 Mo' Divas. N'Kenge's producing credits include the new musical, The Dolly Sisters:  Icons of the Jazz Age; Lucky Numbers:  The Story of the Peerless Nicholas Brothers, and her upcoming new show as both producer and star, Dorothy Dandridge! The Musical.

Join the City of Newport News to celebrate city native and “First Lady of Song” Ella Fitzgerald during the 27^th Annual Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival. During April, the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center and CNU's Ferguson Center for the Arts will be alive with incredible national artists, all honoring Ella’s wide-ranging and ageless talents.