UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State School of Music will host an extraordinary evening of jazz and blues at the State Theatre on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m. This performance is part of Penn State’s 2025 African American Music Festival, running Feb. 5–8. With the theme “The Spiritual and The Blues,” the festival celebrates the profound cultural legacy of African American music through an array of performances, lectures, and forums.
Headlining the Feb. 7 event are two acclaimed artists who epitomize the festival’s theme: jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut and blues guitarist and vocalist D.K. Harrell. Their performances will illuminate the deep spiritual roots and joyful resilience embedded in African American music traditions.
Cyrus Chestnut, a virtuoso pianist renowned for blending gospel, blues, and swing into his distinctive jazz sound, has performed with iconic artists such as Jon Hendricks and Wynton Marsalis. His ability to fuse technical mastery with heartfelt expression has made him a celebrated figure in contemporary jazz. D.K. Harrell, hailed as one of the most exciting emerging voices in modern blues, channels the spirit of B.B. King while crafting a sound uniquely his own. His critically acclaimed debut album, "The Right Man," reflects his ability to convey profound emotion and authenticity through his music.
This event is a centerpiece of the African American Music Festival, which highlights the contributions of African American musicians and their lasting impact on global music culture. The festival’s programming includes performances, interactive forums, and educational lectures designed to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Join us as we celebrate African American artistry and honor the enduring legacy of “The Spiritual and The Blues” through the dynamic performances of Cyrus Chestnut and D.K. Harrell.
Tickets are priced at $42 for adults and $10 for students, with fees included, and are available for purchase at the State Theatre. To learn more about Penn State's African American Music Festival, visit the festival website.