A New York Evening With Durand Bernarr

The Grammy Museum is thrilled to welcome Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr to National Sawdust in Brooklyn for a celebration and discussion moderated by music journalist Mesfin Fekadu about the release of his album, BERNARR, his creative process, and more, with a special live performance.

This event is part of the Grammy Museum’s New York City program series, which brings the Museum’s renowned education and public programs to the city. “A New York Evening With…” is generously supported by the Dawn and Brian Hoesterey Family Foundation. 

ABOUT DURAND BERNARR

Fresh off his 2026 Grammy-win for Best Progressive R&B Album for BLOOM, Durand Bernarr stepped into his next chapter with his fourth studio album, BERNARR., available now via DSING Records and Create Music Group Inc. Self-titled in tribute to his father, Bernarr Ferebee Sr., a sound engineer whose influence shaped the foundation of his sonic perspective, the project stands as both inheritance and elevation, a celebration of family legacy, musical lineage, and Durand’s evolution as a vocalist, writer and producer. BERNARR. is further elevated by a dynamic lineup of features including Big Sean, BJ The Chicago Kid, James Fauntleroy, Khalid, Sevyn Streeter and Vic Mensa. The all-star roster of producers include BongoByTheWay, Brian Alexander Morgan, Bryan-Michael Cox, Donnie Scantz, James Fauntleroy, Johntá Austin and Raphael Saadiq. Writers include b.kae, Bryan-Michael Cox, Choklate, Kandi Burruss, Miguel and Troy Taylor. Billboard boasts, “Bernarr isn’t merely gesturing at R&B greatness by tapping into that iconography — he fully achieves it across the full spectrum of rhythm and blues.”

Durand’s Grammy-win marked more than a career milestone; it became a cultural moment. His acceptance speech touched many, resonating far beyond the theater as he reflected on his 20-year journey as an independent artist and affirmed a simple, but powerful truth that being yourself is enough. The New York Times described the moment as “one of the most joyous moments of the Grammy pre-show,” as he accepted the honor for the “silky and self reflective BLOOM.” Immediately following the win, BLOOM experienced a spike on Spotify. The opening track, “Generous,” received a 1,195% increase in streams, while “Flounce” featuring GAWD rose 910%. “Overqualified,” nominated for Best R&B Song, jumped 570% on the streaming platform. The latter single also made its debut at #25 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. A defining body of work, BLOOM earned three GRAMMY nominations and was hailed by Billboard as “a towering achievement…An album that consciously expands the scope of Bernarr’s already wide ranging sound.” 

In support of BLOOM, Durand made his daytime television debut on The Tamron Hall Show with an interview and exclusive performance of “Overqualified,” and delivered a rendition of “Completed” for COLORSxSTUDIOS. The momentum carried into the YOU GON GROW, TOO TOUR and featured guests including Shae Universe, GAWD, Desz, Gene Noble, Jack Freeman, Charlie Vettuno and comedian Nore Davis. The star-studded audiences included Muni Long, Kandi Burruss, Ari Lennox, Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade, Jenifer Lewis, Danielle Brooks, and Teedra Moses.

Onstage, his live demand remains undeniable, marked by two sold out shows at Blue Note Los Angeles on April 29 and New York on June 18, in addition to a standout performance as part of Netflix Is A Joke on May 6, underscoring an artist in active expansion, equally compelling in the studio and on stage. His viral Tiny Desk concert, widely praised as “a masterclass in live performance,” introduced his dynamic stage presence to a global audience and remains a defining moment in his rise. Praised for his genre-bending brilliance and theatrical command, Durand is a creative force whose voice lives somewhere between classic soul tradition and fearless futurism. The Los Angeles Times proclaimed, “the Cleveland-born singer has built a devoted following on the strength of his elastic vocals, tongue-in-cheek lyricism dosed with healing affirmations and flamboyant live shows, which feel as indebted to Broadway as they are to R&B.” Often compared to legends like Luther Vandross, Little Richard, and Rahsaan Patterson, Durand’s artistry is defined by vocal mastery, sharp humor, and intuitive precision, a balance of technical excellence and emotional depth that continues to set him apart.

Durand Bernarr’s creative evolution has been recognized across his catalog, including his 2024 visual EP En Route, which earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album, further solidifying his place as one of the genre’s most innovative voices.

Check-In: 6:30pm

Show Time: 7:30pm

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