September 30
Downstage @ Highmark Mann

Experience the enchantment of jazz like never before with Highmark Mann's Jazz Under The Stars series! Taking place on the Presser Foundation Stage in the TD Pavilion, the series highlights contemporary jazz artists, a beloved subgenre for enthusiasts and the perfect introduction for newcomers. Jazz Under The Stars is curated by Highmark Mann's first ever Jazz Curator-In-Residence, Gerald Veasley.

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of jazz legend John Coltrane’s birth with a once-in-a- generation celebration. This year’s Jazz Under The Stars series will feature two contemporary jazz artists paying tribute to Coltrane 100. On August 20, smooth jazz saxophonist Marion Meadows will honor Coltrane’s musical and cultural legacy. On September 30, Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum, joined by his brother Kevin Whalum, will celebrate the 15th anniversary of his album Romance Language, a modern re-imagining of the beloved Coltrane recording. Both performances will feature Gerald Veasley, who stewards Coltrane’s legacy through his work as a bassist and curator in Philadelphia and beyond.

About Kirk Whalum

Forged from his Memphis gospel roots and his 1980‘s initiation into the thriving Houston nightclub scene, Kirk Whalum’s unique sound leaves an indelible imprint on each listener. And it was in Houston where jazz pianist Bob James “discovered” him. After moving to Los Angeles, Kirk became an in- demand session player for top artists such as Barbara Streisand, Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones and most notably, Whitney Houston. It’s his sax heard on the mega-hit, I Will Always Love You. His chart-topping For You and his Gospel According to Jazz series featuring the great George Duke and Jonathan Butler among others, in addition to his 30 plus solo projects, have rendered Whalum a singular artist. 

A twelve-time Grammy® Award nominee, Kirk won his first Grammy® Award (2011) for Best Gospel Song It’s What I Do (featuring Lalah Hathaway) alongside gifted songwriter, Jerry Peters. With a Brass Note on the Memphis Walk of Fame and a Star on the Nashville Walk of Fame, Tennessee has honored Whalum proudly.

His latest release Epic Cool! has been overwhelming received by fans and critics alike and has already garnered two #1 singles.  

About Kevin Whalum

No doubt some of you reading this are already familiar with jazz vocalist and entertainer, Kevin Whalum.  He is also an ordained minister, published writer, and motivational speaker.  A 30-plus-year veteran entertainer, he is known as one of the music industry’s most uniquely gifted performers. His shows are so inspiring that many people who have seen them talk about them for years afterward. His music has been played on Sirius/XM Radio for years.  He is also the brother of jazz legend, Kirk Whalum.

Kevin has worked with some of music’s most respected artists, including, but not limited to, his brother Kirk, Stevie Wonder, the late George Duke, Michael McDonald, Take 6, Marcus Miller, Lalah Hathaway, Kim Burrell, Wynonna Judd, Maysa Leak, and Jonathan Butler.

A native Memphian, Kevin is a proud graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta. He has lived in Chicago, Nashville, and now, he is back in his hometown. He is the father of brilliant and lovely identical twin girls, who are currently starting their careers.  Kevin’s latest release, Kevin Whalum LIVE: Organic Music is available on digital platforms. His yet unnamed new release is to be released in 2026.

About Gerald Veasley

Gerald Veasley’s musical odyssey has taken him to the top of the contemporary music world as a bassist, bandleader, composer, producer, educator, and curator. His performance as a six-string bassist has been top shelf, as his extensive body of work attests. Veasley has recorded or performed with many of the world’s top artists in Jazz, R&B and Gospel including Grover Washington Jr., Joe Zawinul, Kirk Whalum, Will Downing, Chuck Loeb, Maysa, Nnenna Freelon, Special EFX, Pieces of a Dream, McCoy Tyner, and more. Gerald Veasley is also the curator of the Unscripted Jazz Series at SOUTH Jazz Club and the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Gerald Veasley’s Bass BootCamp. Veasley also serves his community as President of the non-profit organization, Jazz Philadelphia. His life as a creative professional is clearly multifaceted. Indeed, he wears various “hats” yet he is motivated by a singular purpose – to translate his joy of music to the world – music without boundaries.

About Downstage @ Highmark Mann

Downstage @ Highmark Mann places both audience and artists together in the same space, on the Presser Foundation Stage in our TD Pavilion, for an up-close, under-cover, open-air setting. This intimate, in-the-round experience offers a new level of performance, engagement, and immersion. Downstage debuted in 2022, earning a 'Best of Philly' award from Philadelphia Magazine. Downstage @ Highmark Mann is presented in part by the William Penn Foundation.