Free outdoor concert by Brandon Woody

About Brandon Woody

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. The album showcases Woody’s ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Rooted in Baltimore, Woody has built his career from his hometown, drawing on its vibrant creative culture and community spirit. 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.

As a performer, Woody has played venues and festivals including Newport Jazz Festival, ATL Jazz Fest, North Sea Jazz Festival, the August Wilson Center, the University of Maryland, Michigan State University, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Roots Picnic, the Walters Art Museum, Blue Note Tokyo, Montreal Jazz Festival, Hollywood Bowl, and San Francisco Jazz Festival, among others. He has performed 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.).

Dedicated to bridging generations through music, Woody has led masterclasses and workshops at institutions across the country. Through both his performances and community work, he uses music as a tool for healing, connection, and joy.

About NIA JUNE

NIA JUNE is a published poet, filmmaker, arts educator, dancer, and author of Paper Trails of the Undying. In 2020, she was recognized by Baltimore Magazine as Best Poet of Baltimore and in 2023, Best Filmmaker of Baltimore. Her directorial debut, A Black Girl’s Country, featured in national and international film festivals and was acquired by the Baltimore Museum of Art as a part of their permanent collection. JUNE’s award-winning film, The Unveiling of God, featured in multiple film festivals and exhibitions, including The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century which traveled to Baltimore, MD, St. Louis, MO, Frankfurt, Germany, and Cincinnati, OH. Collectively, her film works have been taught in various schools and universities including Merritt College in Oakland, CA, Columbia College in Columbia, SC, and University of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University, and Coppin State University in Baltimore, MD. In 2022, JUNE was a highlighted emerging filmmaker in Breaking Codes, a series presented by Parkway Theatre and the Andy Warhol Foundation. Beyond her personal projects, JUNE has directed and produced documentaries for organizations such as Health Care for the Homeless and The Medicine Show. JUNE received the Black Arts District’s 2022 Women of Impact Award for her contributions to the Baltimore art community. In 2023, she was awarded the Rubys Artist Grant and in 2024 became a Saul Zaentz Fellow and grant recipient. NIA JUNE is a proud native of Baltimore and it shows at the center of her work.

About Kirby Griffin

Kirby Griffin is a self-taught filmmaker and photographer from West Baltimore. He specializes in visual storytelling, short films, music videos, and portraits, often centering on Baltimore’s culture, arts, and local artists. His work spans various aesthetic and documentary projects, from capturing live music to directing and shooting narrative shorts that explore themes of healing, history, and community. His work is now in the collection of the Baltimore Museum of Art in the collaborative films A Black Girl’s Country (2019) with Nia June and The Unveiling of God / a love letter to my forefathers (2023) with Nia June and APoetNamedNate.

About APoetNamedNate

APoetNamedNate, West Baltimore born, boasts a diverse artistic background as a poet, music producer, songwriter, creative director, filmmaker, author, curator and fashion and retail consultant. Renowned for his poetry productions, including the esteemed Charm City Slam, helping bring together both nationally ranked and amateur poets, fostering a space for authentic poetry experiences. With two notable short films serving as the co-director and executive musical producer of The Unveiling of God / a love letter to my forefathersand as the creative director and music producer of A Black Girl’s Country, showcased internationally in museums, schools, and universities. A Best Filmmaker of 2023 honor in Baltimore Magazine alongside his film collective and his book, Anticipational Love Poems, a sobering rumination of love, desire, and conflict is currently available everywhere books are sold. APoetNamedNate is here using his gifts and creativity to impact Baltimore and beyond through artistic storytelling and innovation.