
CYRUS CHESTNUT
A masterful jazz pianist and Baltimore native, Cyrus Chestnut balances his lithe technical skill with a robust, soulful style that speaks to his deep gospel roots and love of swinging hard bop. Raised in the church, he learned how to infuse his swinging, classically trained style with a warm gospel sound, a style that first marked his work as a sideman, backing legendary vocalists Jon Hendricks and Betty Carter, as well as with instrumentalists like Donald Harrison and Wynton Marsalis. Expect a unique and unforgettable show as he takes the stage at Keystone Korner Baltimore.
Cyrus Chestnut ~ piano
Tim Green ~ saxophone
Obasi Akoto ~ bass
Eric Kennedy ~ drums
Tickets: $35.00 ~ $45.00 +fee
Streaming: $15.00 +fee
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ALLAN HARRIS
Celebrate Black History Month with a powerful performance that honors the resilience, creativity, and legacy of Black Americans. Join us for Harlem After Dark: An Uptown Jazz Party, a vibrant tribute to Harlem’s golden era, featuring world-class musicians, dynamic tap dance, and soulful performances by Allan Harris, Maya Azucena, and AC Lincoln.
This electrifying evening celebrates the enduring legacy of Harlem’s jazz icons while embracing the energy of today’s music scene, making both productions must-see events that highlight the profound impact of Black history and culture.
Tickets: $25.00
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JOE GRANSDEN
Trumpeter Joe Gransden brings warmth, virtuosity, and joyful swing to his celebration of the music of Chuck Mangione, honoring one of jazz’s most beloved melodic voices. Known for his rich tone, effortless lyricism, and deep respect for the tradition, Gransden captures the soaring optimism and emotional clarity that made Mangione’s compositions timeless—while infusing them with his own dynamic phrasing and modern energy.
This tribute is less imitation than interpretation: a heartfelt homage that revisits iconic melodies and grooves, inviting audiences to rediscover the beauty, accessibility, and sheer joy at the heart of Mangione’s music through Gransden’s distinctive trumpet voice.
Tickets: $44.00
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ALLEN PAUL
WDNA is proud to announce February’s Jazz Encounters featuring pianist, band leader, composer, and recording artist Allen Paul performing in WDNA’s intimate Jazz Gallery. Known for genre-crossing arrangements, and a spirit of connecting audiences with the moment, he brings a feeling of joy and wonder into every performance. Allen will be joined by Brandon Lee Lewis on drums, and Mikailo Kasha on bass.
Allen’s captivating, high-energy performances blend elements of jazz, pop, gospel and world music into a harmonious and unpredictable whole that captivates and delights. Having performed in some of South Florida’s most prestigious venues, he works as a solo artist, accompanist, collaborator, and musical director, and has been evolving for over 25 years as a musician since his beginnings as a classical pianist at the University of Miami. He has performed alongside artists such as Chantae Cann, Anthony David, Raheem DeVaughn, Mike Phillips, and countless others in the jazz, R&B and gospel/Christian genres.
Tickets: $47.03
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Sérgio Santos Mendes was born in Niteroi, Rio de Janiero, Brazil on February 11, 1941. S a child he attended the local conservancy with hopes of becoming a classical pianist. As his interest in jazz grew, he started playing in nightclubs in the late-1950s just as the jazz-inflected derivative of samba known as bossa nova emerged.
Mendes formed the Sexteto Bossa Rio, recorded Dance Moderna in 1961, toured Europe and the U.S., recorded with Cannonball Adderley and Herbie Mann, played Carnegie Hall and then moved to the States in 1964, cutting two albums for Capitol and Atlantic Records.
Sergio would join the Musicians Union, Create Brasil 65, change the name later to Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66, opt not to record Tito Puente’s “Oye Como Va” which would become a hit for Carlos Santana, release “Mas Que Nada” that would take them platinum. He would record “Look Around” and their fourth album “Fool On A Hill”.
His breakout success was with the performance of Burt Bacharach’s “The Look of Love” at the 1968 Academy Awards telecast, ultimately becoming the biggest Brazilian star in the world at the time. He would go on to record for Elektra, Bell, A&M and Concord record labels, collaborate with Stevie Wonder, reunite with Lani Hall on the Bond “Never Say Never Again” soundtrack, record with will.i.am and The Black Eyed Peas, Jill Scott, India Arie and others on his Timeless project, win several Grammys over the course of his fifty-five releases and be twice nominated for an Academy Award for the Look of Love and his contributions to the 2011 film “Rio”.
Bandleader, pianist, composer, arranger and songwriter Sergio Mendes died on September 5, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. He was 83.
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