Jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker grew up surrounded by music, first learning to play a small Yamaha keyboard at the age of three. Today at just 18 years old, Matthew is widely recognized for his versatility and musicianship.
Hailing from New Jersey, Matthew Whitaker first began playing music at the young age of three, after his grandfather gave him a small Yamaha keyboard. At the age of nine, Matthew began teaching himself how to play the Hammond B3 organ. Four years later, he became the youngest artist to be endorsed by Hammond in its 80-year history. He was also named a Yamaha Artist at 15, becoming the youngest musician to join the stellar group of jazz pianists.
He has toured the U.S. and abroad, performing before The Youth Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, and on other world renowned stages, including: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, SFJAZZ Center, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Monterey Jazz Festival, and Newport Jazz Festival; and at international venues in France, Italy, Germany, Indonesia, UK, Australia, Switzerland, Portugal, Japan, Spain, and Morocco.
Whitaker has performed with an array of outstanding musicians: Ray Chew, Christian McBride, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Rhoda Scott, Cameron Carpenter, Regina Carter, Jon Batiste, Cory Henry, Marc Cary, Arturo O’Farrill, James Carter, Roy Ayers, D.D. Jackson, The New York Pops Orchestra, and with Hamiet Bluiett and his Bio-Electric Ensemble.
Beginning at 6PM, Mix at Six is the series the Chicago Tribune said “ups the cultural ante considerably” features high energy, fast-paced programs after work and opportunities for audiences to engage with featured performers. Specialty cocktails and pop-up food truck fare will be available for purchase in the lobby.
The approximate run time of this performance is 60 minutes with no intermission.
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