The New York Times featured artist Brandon Woody started his musical journey at the age of 7. Since then, Woody has gone on to become an international artist, performing with his band Upendo, curating projects for major museums, film scoring, collaborating with international brands and performing at major venues and institutions around the globe. Woody uses music as a tool for healing, genuine connection and celebrating community. He has performed at venues and festivals such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Meyerhoff, Riverside Church, The Shed and many, many more. Brandon has played as a sideman with Paul Russell, Solange, Standing on The Corner, Klein, Lafayette Gilchrist, Jonathan Barber, Luther S. Allison and many others. Woody started his band UPENDO in 2017 while he was in college at Brubeck Institute and Manhattan school of music studying with Ambrose Akinmusire and Cecile Bridgewater. Since then, Woody has gone on to perform Nationally with regular concerts across the east coast. In 2021, Woody was named a Bach/Conn endorsed Artist and was named the Best musician to watch by the Baltimore Magazine in 2022. Woody works to share his knowledge and love for music with those who want to learn. In his spare time, Woody teaches private group lessons and masterclasses at institutions such as the Peabody Preparatory, University of Maryland, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Poly Technic Institute, Accent Pontiac and public schools such as Cecil Elementary, A Philip Randolph High School, Temple X Schools, and Highlandtown Elementary #215.