KIEFER

Kiefer brings his distinctive blend of jazz improvisation, hip-hop beat-making, and groove-driven production to Songbyrd Music House with Shibo. Known for an expressive, soulful keyboard style and his “Over The Breaks” approach, Kiefer has developed a sound that moves between live jazz, programmed rhythms, and experimental hip-hop.

Raised in San Diego by aerospace-engineer parents who were also pianists, Kiefer Shackelford began studying music and piano at an early age. His father’s love of Blue Note jazz, along with Kiefer’s early fascination with Miles Davis, led him toward jazz performance. He later studied at UCLA under guitarist Kenny Burrell before signing with Stones Throw Records and releasing albums including Happysad, Between Days, and It’s Ok, B U. His collaborations have included Dr. Dre, De La Soul, Pete Rock, Anderson .Paak, Kaytranada, Terrace Martin, and others.

Kiefer’s Blue Note work includes the collective project FATHERS, featuring bassist CARRTOONS, drummer Nate Smith, and producer Kenneth Blume, as well as his solo album Memory Bomb. The album explores dreams, longing, ambition, and a shifting dreamscape through lyrical melodies, improvisation, and hip-hop-informed production. Kiefer developed the project with longtime collaborators CARRTOONS and Shibo, and incorporated a broad group of vocalists, rappers, and instrumentalists.

Shibo is the solo project of bassist and producer Erik Shiboski, a Bay Area native and longtime member of the Northeast Los Angeles music community. A friend and collaborator of Kiefer’s, Shibo co-produced Kiefer’s upcoming album and has contributed bass and production to projects by BROCKHAMPTON, Tkay Maidza, Jay Prince, Planet Giza, Nick Dorian, and others. His debut album, built around his distinctive musicianship and synth-based psychedelia, is scheduled for release later in the year.

When: Saturday, October 3, 2026

Showtimes: Doors at 7:00 PM. The page does not provide a separate performance start time.

Tickets: $25 or $28

Lineup: Kiefer, with supporting act Shibo

Genre: Jazz, alternative, and hip-hop

Ages: All ages

Venue: Songbyrd Music House, 540 Penn Street NE, Washington, DC

Run time: Not specified

Accessibility: Accessibility information is not provided.