Join us for Session 5, Sunday, February 16, 2025, starting at 7:00pm with the Paul Carr Quartet featuring Billy Pierce; 8:30pm with Cyrus Chestnut and Ekep Nkwelle; and 10:00pm with Orrin Evans, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and Chris Potter.

Prepare for an unforgettable night as celebrated pianist and bandleader Cyrus Chestnut makes his Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival debut at 8:30pm, alongside dynamic vocalist Ekep Nkwelle. Known for his soulful, gospel-infused style and exceptional jazz craftsmanship, Chestnut has performed with legends like Betty Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, and Kathleen Battle, bringing a signature blend of gospel, blues, and jazz to stages worldwide. A Baltimore native with deep musical roots, he’s earned acclaim not only for his technical brilliance but for his ability to connect deeply with audiences. Don’t miss this powerful duo’s first-ever collaboration at the festival!

The Main Stage ticketing is divided into Sessions. Each Session is comprised of three power-hitting Acts. Seating is divided into groups which include Premium 4-seater tables, General 6-seater tables and then General theater seating.  ALL GENERAL SEATING TABLES ARE RESERVED FOR VOYAGER PASSPORT HOLDERS, so please purchase your all-access Voyager Passport in advance. You can pick up your Voyager Passports at the Box Office after 3pm on the first day of the festival. All proceeds from the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival directly support efforts of the Jazz Academy of Music.

About Cyrus Chestnut 

Born in 1963 in Baltimore, Maryland, Cyrus Chestnut’s musical journey began at a very young age. At just three years old, he started playing piano, and by six, he was performing at the Mount Calvary Star Baptist Church, where his father also played piano. His mother, a church choir director, fostered a strong connection to gospel music, which has remained a foundational influence throughout his career. By age nine, Chestnut was studying classical music at Baltimore’s prestigious Peabody Preparatory Institute.

In 1981, Cyrus Chestnut moved to Boston to attend the Berklee College of Music, where he earned a degree in jazz composition and arranging in 1985. During his time at Berklee, he was awarded numerous accolades, including the Eubie Blake Fellowship and the Oscar Peterson, Quincy Jones, and Count Basie awards, recognizing his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.

Chestnut’s early career saw him working with a number of legendary musicians, including Wynton Marsalis, Donald Harrison, Terence Blanchard, and Freddie Hubbard. One of the most pivotal moments in his career came when he joined jazz vocalist Betty Carter’s band in the early 1990s. His time with Carter significantly shaped his approach to jazz, with Carter famously advising him to “take chances” and “play things I’ve never heard.” This mentorship solidified Chestnut’s innovative and adventurous style.

As a bandleader, Cyrus Chestnut released his first self-produced album, There’s a Brighter Day Coming, followed by The Nutman Speaks and The Nutman Speaks Again in 1992, which earned him recognition in Japan with the Gold Disk Award from Swing Journal. In 1993, he signed with Atlantic Records, releasing Revelation (1994), The Dark Before The Dawn (1995), and EarthStories (1996). His work during this period solidified his position as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz, blending gospel, blues, and swing influences.

In 2000, Chestnut paid tribute to Charles Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, with a jazz interpretation of A Charlie Brown Christmas. This project allowed Chestnut to honor one of his early influences, Vince Guaraldi, whose music from the original Charlie Brown specials had deeply inspired him.

Chestnut’s 2001 album Soul Food, featuring Christian McBride, Lewis Nash, and guest artists such as James Carter and Wycliffe Gordon, was critically acclaimed and ranked among the top jazz albums of the year. He continued releasing notable records, including You Are My Sunshine (2005) and Genuine Chestnut (2006), the latter released by Telarc. Genuine Chestnut displayed his mastery of blending jazz with popular music, reinterpreting songs like Bread’s “If” with a distinct jazz flair, alongside original compositions such as the vibrant “Mason-Dixon Line.”

Throughout his career, Chestnut has remained a sought-after collaborator, performing with icons like Chick Corea, Benny Golson, Dizzy Gillespie, Kathleen Battle, Isaac Hayes, and many others. Whether as a sideman or a bandleader, Cyrus Chestnut’s music has always reflected a deep understanding of jazz’s rich history, combined with his own unique voice and a constant willingness to push boundaries.

Today, Cyrus Chestnut continues to tour the world, leading his trio and collaborating with artists from diverse genres, cementing his reputation as one of the foremost pianists and composers in modern jazz. His ability to seamlessly merge gospel, classical, and jazz influences has made him a singular force in the music world.