Event Description

Durand Bernarr is a GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter and creative visionary, earning his first GRAMMY Award for Best Progressive R&B Album for BLOOM. The album received three GRAMMY nominations including Best Progressive R&B Album, Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Here We Are” and Best R&B Song for “Overqualified,” establishing BLOOM as one of the most critically celebrated R&B projects of the year. The New York Times called Bernarr’s win “one of the most joyous moments of the GRAMMY pre-show,” spotlighting a career milestone shaped by a 20-year independent journey and a fearless commitment to authenticity.

Following the award win, BLOOM delivered immediate impact, with BLOOM surging on Spotify and earning widespread acclaim. Billboard praised BLOOM as “a towering achievement,” noting that it “consciously expands the scope of Bernarr’s already wide ranging sound,” further cementing his position as a leading voice in contemporary R&B. Known for genre bending brilliance and theatrical command, Bernarr blends classic soul tradition with forward looking artistry, drawing comparisons to Luther Vandross, Little Richard, and Rahsaan Patterson. His rise has also been recognized by Rolling Stone, who coined him an “Artist to Know.”

Bernarr’s influence extends far beyond a single release. He is a GLAAD Award winner for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist and a current nominee for Outstanding Music Artist, with a catalog that includes the GRAMMY nominated visual EP En Route. His live presence has been showcased on The Tamron Hall Show, COLORSxSTUDIOS, and a viral Tiny Desk concert hailed as a masterclass in live performance, while the YOU GON GROW, TOO! TOUR attracted star-filled audiences across the US and internationally.

Praised for genre bending brilliance and theatrical command, Bernarr blends classic soul tradition with fearless futurism. Often compared to Luther Vandross, Little Richard, and Rahsaan Patterson, he has been recognized by Rolling Stone as an Artist to Know. His catalog includes the GRAMMY nominated visual EP En Route, earlier projects Sound Check and DUR&, and standout performances on The Tamron Hall Show, COLORSxSTUDIOS, and a viral Tiny Desk concert praised as a masterclass in live performance.

Currently in the studio recording the deluxe edition of BLOOM, Bernarr continues to meet rising demand onstage, marked by two sold out Blue Note shows on April 29 and a standout performance at Netflix Is A Joke on May 6. Beyond music, he is the 2025 GLAAD Media Award winner for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist and a current nominee for Outstanding Music Artist, underscoring an artist whose cultural impact and live appeal continue to grow.

Robert Hubbard is the drumming sensation and the driving force behind Hubb’s Groove. Known for blending soul, jazz, R&B, and touches of gospel, he has cultivated a musical experience that is both smooth and high-energy, delivering performances that connect deeply. For Hubbard, music played from the heart is music that reaches the heart.

Hubb’s Groove began in 1996 in Cleveland, Ohio, originally performing under the name “Moments Notice.” In 2006, Robert rebranded the ensemble as Hubb’s Groove. The band has shared stages and collaborated with an array of renowned artists, showcasing a versatility that has become a hallmark of their performances and cementing their status as one of the region’s most sought-after ensembles.

Hubb’s Groove won the Cleveland Best Band award in 2019, and was named Best Jazz Band at The Cleveland Music Awards for three consecutive years—2022, 2023, and 2024. Robert Hubbard himself was recognized as a 2024 JazzFest Legend at Tri-C, further honoring his impact on the local and national music scene.

The current lineup of Hubb’s Groove includes James Blaque on bass, Matthew Horwich and Roger Maple on saxophone, George Granville and Gerrond Masson on keyboards, Robert Hubbard Jr. on drums, and vocalists Adrianna Miller and Mazhorell Johnson. Together, they weave a rich tapestry of sound that captivates audiences.

Robert Hubbard and Hubb’s Groove continue to raise the bar for live performance, bringing heart, precision, and joy to every stage. Their music celebrates both the traditions of jazz and soul and the possibilities of contemporary ensemble performance. Through their artistry, they have proven that a commitment to musical excellence and genuine connection can create experiences that linger long after the final note.