Kirk Whalum Songs of Change: Featuring Jazzmeia Horn, with Special Guest John Stoddart

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About The Artist

GRAMMY®-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum brings Songs of Change to the Rialto Theatre, a stirring program blending  jazz, gospel, and R&B to honor anthems of justice, unity, and resilience. Known for his soulful tone and spiritual presence, Whalum reimagines timeless works including Love Is the Answer, Keep On Pushing, Let It Be, and What’s Goin’ On. Together, these songs remind audiences of music’s power to inspire change across generations.

Forged from Memphis gospel roots and shaped by collaborations with legends like Whitney Houston, Quincy Jones, and Luther Vandross, Whalum has built a career defined by artistry and purpose. His Grammy-winning It’s What I Do and acclaimed The Gospel According to Jazz series established him as a singular voice in contemporary jazz. Joined by special guests, Whalum brings passion, storytelling, and virtuosity to this performance, timed just before Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The concert offers an unforgettable evening of reflection, hope, and music’s enduring power to shape history and bring people together.

Jazzmeia Horn

GRAMMY®-nominated vocalist Jazzmeia Horn brings her radiant blend of swing, soul, and spiritual intensity to Songs of Change. Celebrated for her fearless improvisation, powerful storytelling, and electrifying stage presence, Horn has been hailed by The New York Times as “a major jazz singer of her generation.” Her acclaimed albums — A Social Call, Love and Liberation, and Messages — showcase her mastery of jazz tradition infused with bold, modern vision. In collaboration with Kirk Whalum, she channels the music’s enduring spirit of hope, freedom, and transformation.

John Stoddart

Multi-talented vocalist, pianist, composer, and producer John Stoddart joins Songs of Change with his signature warmth and sophistication. A longtime collaborator of Kirk Whalum, Stoddart’s expressive voice and inspired arrangements have shaped several of Whalum’s most acclaimed projects, including The Gospel According to Jazz series and It’s What I Do, which earned a GRAMMY® Award in 2011. Known for his seamless blend of gospel, jazz, and R&B, Stoddart has also worked with Celine Dion, Al Jarreau, Take 6, and Lalah Hathaway, bringing soulful authenticity and uplifting artistry to every performance.

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