World-class pianist and composer Sam Waymon will captivate audiences at the highly anticipated concert on February 16, 2024, at Kittredge Theatre. Waymon’s concert will honor of Black History Month and his Western North Carolina roots
Waymon, a celebrated figure in the world of music, has a career spanning decades, marked by his innovative approach to the piano and his ability to seamlessly blend various genres. Dr. Samuel Waymon is an award-winning film composer, songwriter, performer, singer, pianist, and brother of the late Nina Simone. Sam co-wrote many of Nina’s popular songs and toured with her band for her first 25 years as her manager, confidante and organist. He has shared the concert stage with such greats as Miles Davis, Odetta, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Quincy Jones, Donny Hathaway, Phyllis Hyman, Max Roach and many more, along with his sister Nina.
This exclusive performance promises to be an evening of musical brilliance, showcasing Waymon's extraordinary talent and his eclectic fusion of classic R&B, rock, soul and funk with infusions of blues and jazz. Supporting artists, who are well known in their own right in WNC include, Reggie Headen, Kelle Jolly, Will Boyd, Duane Simpson, Derrick Gardner, Connor Law, Quint Lange and Jason DeCristofaro. The WWC Advanced Jazz Ensemble will open the concert at 6:30 in the Kittredge Lobby.
The concert, at the intimate Kittredge Theatre, will feature a selection of Waymon's original compositions, as well as reinterpretations of classic tunes that have shaped his illustrious career. Attendees can expect a night of soulful melodies, intricate arrangements, and the unmistakable charm that defines Sam Waymon's style.
Event Details:
Date: February 16, 2024
Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: Kittredge Theatre, Warren Wilson College
Address: 701 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa, NC 28778
Tickets for this exclusive event are available for purchase here.
There are a limited number of WWC student tickets available at no cost. Please email [email protected] to reserve your seat.
Hosted in collaboration by Jason DeCristofaro, WWC Music Department, Amy Ager Office of Strategic Ventures, and Alumni Board member George Whitman IV.
Don't miss the opportunity to witness a living legend in action and experience the magic of Sam Waymon's musical journey.
About Sam Waymon:
Sam was a civil rights activist and marched in Philadelphia, Mississippi and Alabama. He sang at Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral; became friends with Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz; and marched, performed and protested at many anti-discrimination events across America.
Sam has composed music and acted in powerful films, documentaries and soap operas. He composed a song for the Academy Award-winning film “Philadelphia” directed by Jonathan Demme that starred Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks. In 1987 Sam was musical adviser and co-starred with Nick Nolte in the film “Weeds.” Likewise, he composed music for and starred in the movie “Ganja & Hess” directed and written by Bill Gunn, which won the Cannes Film Festival Award as one of the Ten Best Films of the Decade in 1973 and is now in the Museum of Modern Art’s Library Archives. Recently his composition “You’ve Got to Learn” can be heard in Spike Lee’s film “Da Sweet Blood of Jesus.”
Interested in Sponsoring this event? Visit this page. Please note Sam Waymon in the comments.