Matthew Whitaker

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Matthew Whitaker, a prodigious talent in the world of music! 🌟

“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.” — WBGOM

Matthew's musical journey began at age three with a keyboard gift from his grandfather. Now, he captivates audiences worldwide and has appeared on notable T.V. shows like Showtime at the Apollo, The Today Show, Ellen, and a feature on 60 Minutes.

His latest album, On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute (2024), is a heartfelt seven-track homage to the pioneers of the Hammond B-3 organ. 🎵 Featured tracks include:

• “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
• “Expect Your Miracle” by Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark of the Clark Sisters

Matthew is not just a performer; he is also a producer and composer. He starred in the Emmy-nominated documentary About Tomorrow and scored the film Starkeisha, currently streaming on Hulu. He made his musical director debut for the award-winning musical Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For in Pittsburgh, PA.

He has collaborated with orchestras like the Aspen Chamber Symphony and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa. Matthew also created the musical score Finding Free for the Alvin Ailey Dance Company’s 2024-2025 season.

A passionate advocate for music education and accessibility for persons with disabilities, Matthew believes that music connects us all. He is a three-time ASCAP Foundation Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composers Award winner and has released three studio albums, with his fourth, On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute, nominated for Outstanding Jazz Album by the 2025 NAACP Image Awards.

Artist Website: matthewwhitaker.net
Instagram: @_mattwhitaker