Kenneth Whalum is a Memphis-born singer, songwriter, saxophonist, and producer whose work bridges soul, jazz, and alternative music with emotional depth. He first made his name on the road with Al Green and Isaac Hayes before touring and recording with icons like Jay-Z, Maxwell, and the late D’Angelo, as a member of his band, The Vanguard. He’s contributed to albums including Maxwell’s Grammy-winning BLACKsummers’night (arranging horns and playing saxophone, including on the hit single “Pretty Wings,” which topped the Billboard R&B; chart and won the Grammy for Best R&B; Song), Beyoncé’s B’Day and Renaissance, Jay-Z’s American Gangster and 4:44, and Mac Miller’s Swimming.
Whalum co-produced and performed on Juicy J’s jazz album Caught Up in This Illusion, joined Trey Anastasio’s TAB Band, and serves as musical director for Ludacris. He’s collaborated with Robert Glasper on music featured in HBO’s Winning Time and the STARZ series Run the World. He joined Erykah Badu for her celebrated NPR Tiny Desk Concert and recently worked with breakout artist Sombr. A BBC Radio 1 session for Mary Anne Hobbs led her to call him “the next big voice in soul music.”
In 2025, he was the featured performer for Hermès’ Home Twist Home event in Los Angeles and appeared alongside pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter on Saturday Night Live. His forthcoming album This Might Hurt (early 2026) represents his most personal and fearless work yet.
Says the artist of this very special show: “This performance marks a return to a more intimate, voice-forward version of my sound — the space where the alternative-soul writing really breathes. I’m bringing the band I trust the most, and the set leans into the newer material that pushes past the edges of what people usually expect from me. It’s a chance to hear where the music is headed next, not just where it’s been.”
