Samuel Prather’s Groove Orchestra

“CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS”

Samuel Prather is an exciting and multifaceted pianist, drummer, and vocalist born and raised in Washington DC. He’s equally comfortable in Jazz, Funk, Gospel, Brazilian, Latin, Neo-Soul, and R&B. On the groove side he has worked with Raul Midon, Fred Yonnet, and 76 Degrees West and on the jazz side he has shared the stage with Hugh Masekela, Cyrus Chestnut, and Pharoh Saunders to name a few. Samuel studied with Lafayette Gilcrest, Allyn Johnson, Charlie Young, and Charles Covington on his way to finishing the graduate program at Howard University. He won a student downbeat award in 2012 for his work with the Howard University Jazz Ensemble and currently leads his own critically acclaimed ensemble Groove Orchestra.  G.O! combines danceable grooves with the harmonic elements of jazz in a unique high-energy package that has been featured at the Funk Parade, DC Jazz Fest, and the Howard Theater. As of 2019 he’s led 4 albums as a bandleader, and played on another 20 as a sideman with lots more on the way. Raised in the church and schooled in Jazz, he made a Christmas album that honors both.