Meshell Ndegeocello and Samora Pinderhughes Share BAM’s Stage on October 23
A Friday evening of music in Hanif Abdurraqib’s poetry series pairs two distinctive artists at the Howard Gilman Opera House.

On Friday, October 23, 2026, the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Howard Gilman Opera House in Fort Greene will host an evening pairing Meshell Ndegeocello and Samora Pinderhughes. This event is part of Hanif Abdurraqib’s transdisciplinary poetry series, "I Guess It Was My Destiny To Live So Long." For Brooklyn music fans, the night offers an opportunity to experience two genre-crossing artists on the same stage, with ticketing and planning details that merit close attention.
Event Overview and Series Context
The performance is scheduled for 7:30 PM at 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217. The series, curated by poet and essayist Hanif Abdurraqib, brings this concert into a broader poetry-series context. Meshell Ndegeocello, a bassist, singer, and composer, is recognized for her work across soul, R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and rock. Samora Pinderhughes brings a multidisciplinary approach as a composer, pianist, vocalist, and filmmaker. Treat the two-artist bill as the basis for choosing the evening, rather than expecting a particular duet or song. The confirmed start is 7:30 PM; leave flexibility in plans afterward because an end time is unconfirmed.
Ticketing: Fees, Channels, and What to Expect
Tickets start at $35, but online and phone purchases add a $3 facility fee and an $8 handling fee per ticket, bringing the minimum to $46 before any additional charges. At the box office, the $35 starting ticket plus the $3 facility fee comes to $38 before any other applicable charges; the base ticket price itself stays the same. For example, a pair of tickets purchased online would total at least $92 before considering any further costs. Availability is confirmed at checkout, so it’s wise to act promptly if you have a preferred seating area. If you’re planning for a group or have specific seating needs, consider contacting BAM directly before purchasing.
Accessibility and Seating Considerations
BAM encourages patrons to reach out for accessible booking and accommodations. If you or a guest require wheelchair seating or other specific arrangements, contact BAM before buying tickets. Not every seat may be accessible, so confirming your needs in advance is important. For those with additional questions about mobility, assistive listening, or companion seating, BAM’s accessibility page provides further details and contact information.
Getting There: Transit and Arrival Tips
The Howard Gilman Opera House is located in the heart of Fort Greene, a neighborhood well-served by public transit. If you’re coming from elsewhere in Brooklyn or Manhattan, consider subway lines that stop at Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center or Lafayette Avenue. For those driving, street parking in Fort Greene can be unpredictable, especially on Friday evenings. If you’re considering rideshare or taxi, plan for potential traffic near showtime. Arriving early may help with both seating and settling in before the performance begins.
Planning Your Evening: Timing and Venue Policies
Ask BAM about door and check-in times when deciding when to arrive. If you’re coordinating with friends or planning a pre-show dinner in Fort Greene, factor in time for ticket pickup and security. Keep dinner and the trip home flexible rather than building them around an assumed intermission or finish time. If you have time-sensitive plans afterward, consider asking BAM staff about the evening’s schedule when you arrive. For those interested in the poetry series’ broader context, exploring BAM’s website or inquiring at the venue may provide additional background.
What to Confirm Before Booking
If you have questions about age suitability, group seating, or ticket transfer policies, reach out to BAM directly. This is a ticketed indoor performance. Keep the booking confirmation accessible and check BAM’s event page for updates before leaving home. If you’re interested in accessible services or have dietary restrictions for concessions, ask about available options in advance.
Before You Go
- Confirm ticket availability and total price before purchase.
- Contact BAM for accessibility needs or seating questions.
- Plan your transit and arrival time for a smooth experience.
Last verified October 10, 2026. Practical details can change; check linked official sources before making plans.