Fri Jun 20
Brandon Woody/Craig Alston Quintet
7:30PM / $10 - $25 | $1.50 Fees In-person Attendance
Brandon Woody/Craig Alston Quintet
Brandon Woody, trumpet
Craig Alston, saxophone
Charlie Reichert Powell, guitar
Koleby Royston, drums
Kris Funn, bass
Brandon Woody is a Baltimore-born, Bach-endorsed trumpeter, composer, and bandleader whose music flows from the rich lineage of Black music, including jazz, gospel, improvisation, and beyond, to explore themes of love, resilience, and community. Hailed by The New York Times and Los Angeles Times as a rising force in contemporary jazz, Woody signed with the legendary Blue Note Records in November 2024 and released his debut album, For The Love Of It All, in May 2025. Featuring his longtime band Upendo — Troy Long (keys), Quincy Phillips (drums), and Michael Saunders (bass) — the album showcases Woody’s ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
His work has received praise across major publications, with DownBeat highlighting his “rich and expressive” tone and the Financial Times noting the album’s emotional range “from gentle lyricism to swaggering virtuosity.” The Washington Post described Woody’s music as “staggeringly self-assured” and “radiating warmth, purpose, and a sense of place,” reflecting both the clarity of his artistic vision and his deep connection to his community.
Woody has collaborated with artists such as Terri Lyne Carrington, BADBADNOTGOOD, Danilo Pérez, Casey Benjamin, Marcus Gilmore, the Robert Glasper Black Radio Orchestra, Paul Russell, Derrick Hodge, Marc Cary, and Solange Knowles. Woody has also worked with international brands including Calvin Klein, Saucony, Reebok, Eames, Vogue Italia, Plain Jane, and Highsnobiety. His television appearances include Godfather of Harlem (MGM+), Lady in the Lake (Apple TV), and The Bride (Warner Bros.).
Craig Alston is Baltimore born and based multi-instrumentalist and composer specializing in woodwind, brasswind, keyboard and bass guitar in genres such as jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, hip hop and gospel. He is best known for his complex yet soulful sound on the saxophone. Craig has performed with notable musicians such as Lee Ritenour, Earl Klugh, Jonathan Butler, Brian Culbertson, Najee, Norman Brown Frank McComb, Dennis Chambers, Eric Robeson and Larry Willis; legendary groups such as the O'Jays, The Temptations and The Four Tops; as well as Soulful Symphony and the Cab Calloway Orchestra. He was the saxophonist for Fertile Ground and lead the Eubie Blake Legacy Band for over 7 years. Craig is endorsed by Antigua Winds Saxophone, Legere Reeds and Theo Wanne Mouthpieces.
Craig received the 2013 Jazz Journalists Jazz Heroes Award and was the winner of the 2011 Chick Webb Jazz Combo Competition. He is currently a Musical Director for multiple independent artists, a clinician and the woodwind teacher for OrchKids. Craig attended Morgan State University, majoring in music education. He would like to one day open a music school or cultural arts center in the Baltimore metropolitan area.
Showtime: 7:30 pm EDT
In-person seats: $25/$10 full-time students with valid ID
In -person attendees receive a link to the recording to view for one week. Advance ticket sales end 1 hr prior to show. Remaining tickets may be purchased at the door.
Streaming Cost is $15
The link will be revealed to live stream participants 15 minutes before the show
and will remain active thru June 27
Donations welcome
7:30PM / $10 - $25 | $1.50 Fees In-person Attendance