Matthew Whitaker

Sat. Aug. 15: MATTHEW WHITAKER -7:30pm- Tix: $45.00 ($58.95 through Ticketmaster, $52.00 at the Birchmere Box Office) “The fleetness of finger, the touch and taste, the grit and grime when he needs it, the lightness and airiness when it’s called upon – Whitaker has it all.” — DownBeat Magazine “Matthew Whitaker is music. To see and hear him play is to know that divine talent exists. Beyond his innate musical abilities is a sheer joy and passion to create music.” — WBGO Matthew’s musical journey began at age three with a keyboard gift from his grandfather. He’s now an artist, captivating audiences globally and having appeared on notable T.V. shows like Showtime at the Apollo, the Today Show, Ellen, and a feature on 60 Minutes. Matthew’s latest album is titled On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute (released in 2024) and is his sincere seven-track homage to the pioneers of the Hammond B-3 organ who paved the way for him. Among them are “The Organ Grinder’s Swing” by Jimmy Smith; “Happy ‘Cause I’m Goin’ Home” by Charles Earland, “Pilgrimage” by Dr. Lonnie Smith, “In The Key of the Universe” by Joey DeFrancesco, and the festive “Expect Your Miracle” by gospel organist Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark of the Clark Sisters. Matthew is a versatile artist, starring, producing, and scoring the All-Arts Emmy-nominated documentary “About Tomorrow” and scoring the film “Starkeisha,” which is currently streaming on Hulu. He also appeared in and contributed music to the Emmy-winning Apple T.V. commercial “The Greatest.” Matthew made his musical director debut for the award winning “Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For.” A musical on the life of pianist and composer Billy Strayhorn, which premiered in Pittsburgh, PA, in the fall of 2023. He’s had guest soloist appearances with orchestras and symphonies including Aspen Chamber Symphony, under the baton of guest conductor, Marin Alsop, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, CN, Alexander Shelley, conductor. He also…