december 25, 2026friday
december 26, 2026saturday
Celebrating the cherished Charlie Brown Christmas album by Vince Guaraldi, pianist and composer Cyrus Chestnut brings a distinctive voice to jazz, combining the warmth of his gospel roots with classical precision, blues feeling, and adventurous improvisation. Raised in Baltimore, he began playing piano in church as a child—a foundation that continues to shape his expressive, deeply swinging approach.
Over a career spanning more than three decades, Chestnut has performed and recorded with Betty Carter, Jon Hendricks, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Marsalis, and Aretha Franklin, while building an extensive catalog as a leader. Equally compelling in solo, trio, and larger ensemble settings, he brings spontaneity, humor, and a generous musical spirit to stages around the world.
His HighNote album, Rhythm, Melody and Harmony, reached No. 1 on the JazzWeek chart and held the position for three weeks. He is SOPAC’s 2026 Giants of Jazz honoree, recognized for his contribution to the music.
A Steinway Artist and dedicated educator, Chestnut teaches at Howard University, sharing his experience and encouraging the individual voices of a new generation of musicians.