CYRUS CHESTNUT

SMOKE / APRIL 23-27

Cyrus Chestnut’s expansive musical interests helped him achieve his distinctive touch on the piano. He was playing hymns and gospel music in his home church at the age of six, and began classically training at Peabody Preparatory Institute in his native Baltimore at nine. After completing his degree and winning several major awards at Berklee College of Music, Cyrus played with many greats, including Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath and Freddie Hubbard, though it was his stint with Betty Carter that encouraged him to expand his already wide horizons. Cyrus is known for his soulful swing and bop that engage his audiences, while his positive energy and humor also help to “wash the dust off of life,” as Art Blakey says. Cyrus is joined by bassist Dezron Douglas and drummer Willie Jones III.—KD