Cecil I. Walker Jazz Series: Brandon Woody's Upendo Tickets

Step into a vibrant evening with the Cecil I. Walker Jazz Series as Brandon Woody's Upendo takes the stage at The Clay Center in Charleston, West Virginia. Led by visionary pianist Brandon Woody, Upendo blends soulful melody with intricate improvisation, creating a modern jazz sound that resonates from intimate clubs to festival stages. In 2025, Upendo’s debut album For The Love Of It All arrived on Blue Note Records, signaling a bold new chapter for the ensemble and a rising wave of attention from critics and fans alike.

Brandon Woody, a recipient of notable press coverage from The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and the Financial Times, brings a seasoned yet adventurous approach to performance. The Upendo lineup includes Troy Long, Quincy Phillips, and Michael Saunders with guests Imani Grace and Vittorio Stropoli on select tracks. This Charleston stop is part of a broader 2025 tour that includes coast-to-coast dates in Portsmouth, Cambridge, Cape May, Baltimore, and the Monterey/L.A./San Francisco area, culminating in appearances at major jazz stages and festivals.

Secure your seats for an evening of masterful jazz storytelling and high-energy improvisation. We’ve got you covered with straightforward, no-fuss ticket access—just the way you want it before a night of exceptional music.

Upcoming tour highlights for Brandon Woody's Upendo include performances in Portsmouth (Apr 30, 2025), Cambridge (May 1, 2025), Cape May (May 17, 2025), Current Space in Baltimore (May 23, 2025), and the Clay Center in Charleston (May 27, 2025). The ensemble’s 2025 footprint continues with dates in the Monterey/LA/San Francisco region in June, then Washington, DC in July, and additional festival appearances such as the Monterey Jazz Festival. Stay updated on official show times, venues, and social updates via Brandon Woody’s channels.

Social media and official resources: follow Brandon Woody on Instagram at @brandonwoody, and check the official site for the calendar and social links. For a closer look at Upendo’s music, explore the debut album For The Love Of It All on Blue Note Records, featuring core members Troy Long, Quincy Phillips, and Michael Saunders, with guests Imani Grace and Vittorio Stropoli.