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Art of Jazz: Brandon Woody's UPENDO

Sunday, February 1, 2026

4 pm - 5:30 pm EST

Image courtesy of the artist

Tickets 
Season subscription: $160
AKG member season subscription: $140
General admission (single concert): $45
AKG member general admission (single concert): $40 
Lipsey Auditorium, Knox Building


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Brandon Woody is a Baltimore-born, Bach-endorsed trumpeter, composer, and bandleader whose music flows from the rich lineage of Black music, including jazz, gospel, improvisation, and beyond, to explore themes of love, resilience, and community. Hailed by The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times as a rising force in contemporary jazz, Woody signed with the legendary Blue Note Records in November 2024 and released his debut album, For The Love Of It All, in May 2025. Featuring his longtime band Upendo—Troy Long (keys), Quincy Phillips (drums), and Michael Saunders (bass)—the album showcases Woody’s ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Rooted in Baltimore, Woody has built his career from his hometown, drawing on its vibrant creative culture and community spirit. His work has received praise across major publications, with DownBeat highlighting his “rich and expressive” tone and The Financial Times noting the album’s emotional range “from gentle lyricism to swaggering virtuosity.” The Washington Post described Woody’s music as “staggeringly self-assured” and “radiating warmth, purpose, and a sense of place,” reflecting both the clarity of his artistic vision and his deep connection to his community.

As a performer, Woody has played venues and festivals including ATL Jazz Fest, The Shed, the August Wilson Center, the University of Maryland, Michigan State University, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Roots Picnic, and the Walters Art Museum, among others. He has collaborated with artists such as Terri Lyne Carrington, BADBADNOTGOOD, Danilo Pérez, Casey Benjamin, Marcus Gilmore, the Robert Glasper Black Radio Orchestra, Paul Russell, Derrick Hodge, Marc Cary, and Solange Knowles. Woody has also worked with international brands including Calvin Klein, Saucony, Reebok, Eames, Vogue Italia, Plain Jane, and Highsnobiety. His television appearances include Godfather of Harlem (MGM+), Lady in the Lake (Apple TV+), and The Bride (Warner Bros.).

Dedicated to bridging generations through music, Woody has led masterclasses and workshops at institutions across the country. Through both his performances and community work, he uses music as a tool for healing, connection, and joy.

 


Accessibility

The Stanford and Judith Lipsey Auditorium is located on the second floor of the Knox Building and can be accessed by the elevator across from the Family Room. There is accessible seating along both sides of the Auditorium, as well as in the two back corners. Assistive Listening Devices and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing are available upon request. To schedule an ASL interpreter for an event, please submit a request at least two weeks in advance. The closest restrooms are on the first floor of the Knox Building in the same hallway as the Moog Inc. Visitor Services Desk.

SPONSOR

The Art of Jazz series is presented by HUNT Real Estate.

HUNT since 1911