MATTHEW WHITAKER
Matthew Whitaker, a visionary jazz pianist and organist, brings his prodigious talent to The Birchmere for a single evening performance. Born blind and gifted a keyboard by his grandfather at age three, Whitaker has since grown into an internationally celebrated artist, appearing on programs like *Showtime at the Apollo*, *The Today Show*, *Ellen*, and *60 Minutes*. His set will showcase his virtuosic command of the Hammond B-3 organ, drawing from his acclaimed 2024 album *On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute*—a seven-track homage to organ legends Jimmy Smith, Charles Earland, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Joey DeFrancesco, and gospel organist Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark. The album, nominated for Outstanding Jazz Album at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, exemplifies the “fleetness of finger, the touch and taste, the grit and grime” hailed by *DownBeat Magazine*. Beyond the concert, Whitaker is a composer and advocate: he scored the Emmy-nominated documentary *About Tomorrow* and the Hulu film *Starkeisha*, contributed music to Apple TV’s Emmy-winning commercial “The Greatest,” and made his musical-director debut for the Billy Strayhorn musical *Something to Live For*. He also composed for the Alvin Ailey Dance Company’s 2024-2025 season. A three-time ASCAP Foundation Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composers Award winner, Whitaker has collaborated with Jon Batiste, Christian McBride, Derrick Hodge, Ray Chew, Regina Carter, and Anderson .Paak. He passionately champions music education and accessibility consulting for persons with disabilities.
When: Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 7:30 pm.
Tickets: $45.00 general admission ($58.95 via Ticketmaster, $52.00 at the Birchmere Box Office, which is open from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on show nights).
Venue: The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305. Phone: (703) 549-7500.
Lineup: Matthew Whitaker (jazz pianist and organist), performing solo and with his trio as featured on his album *On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute*.
Note: Whitaker’s set is expected to draw heavily from his organ-tribute album, which includes tracks such as “The Organ Grinder’s Swing,” “Happy ‘Cause I’m Goin’ Home,” “Pilgrimage,” “In the Key of the Universe,” and “Expect Your Miracle.” He also incorporates original compositions and improvisations. The artist advocates for music education and disability accessibility; his consulting work with companies is part of his broader mission.