Kirk Whalum travels the world playing concerts in venues of all kinds, but he brings his talents – and his friends – home to Memphis with a music series entitled Kafé Kirk beginning October 7 at the Halloran Centre.
Part of the On Stage at the Halloran Centre series, Kafé Kirk is Whalum’s synthesis of genres and combination of words and music, composed to create an exciting entertainment experience. During his time spent playing jazz, gospel, pop and world music, Whalum has amassed an extensive array of contacts among performers. The format for Kafé Kirk will include dialogue and musical performance by Whalum and special guest artists
Jazz vocalist Lindsey Webster will kick off the series with her appealing mix of soul, R&B and jazz. A native of Woodstock, NY, Webster released her first album in 2013 and has been consistently present in the top rankings of the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts since 2016. Her latest album “Love Inside” debuted at number 1 on iTunes Jazz.
Whalum, who received a Beale Street Note on Sept. 12, has worked with artists ranging from Barbra Streisand to Babyface, Al Jarreau to Quincy Jones, and Whitney Houston with whom he toured for seven years. He appears on over 200 albums and 30 of his own solo recordings, including his Gospel According to Jazz series.
A Grammy winner for Best Gospel Song in 2011, Whalum is also an ordained minister with a Masters of Arts in Religion from Memphis Theological Seminary. “The ‘kirk’ is Scots Gaelic for church and I truly hope to make this new music series deeply meaningful,” said Whalum.
The October 7 show opens at 6 p.m., with a student ensemble from the Visible Music College preceding Webster. Tickets range from $45-$75 and can be purchased at Orpheum-memphis.com.
