BABY GRAND MEMBER TICKETS: $33.55
Craft cocktails and small plates begin at 6:00 pm. General Admission seating available on a first-come basis, with preferred seating for our Baby Grand members.
Join us for a magnificent night of musical celebration as Charlotte’s own Willie Walker & Conversation Piece pay tribute to two titans of contemporary jazz and soul: the smooth, bass-driven grooves of Wayman Tisdale and the rich, baritone warmth of Gregory Porter.
This special performance seamlessly bridges the worlds of instrumental smooth jazz and vocal soul. Expect an evening filled with Tisdale’s signature upbeat, melodic bass lines that redefined the instrument in contemporary jazz—featuring celebrated classics like “Can’t Hide Love” and “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now”—paired with the deeply moving, Grammy-winning storytelling and soulful sophistication of Porter’s modern anthems like “Liquid Spirit” and “Hey Laura”. Whether you are a fan of infectious, feel-good rhythms or powerful, vocal-driven jazz, this tribute promises a dynamic, front-row experience that honors the lasting legacies of both artists.
WILLIE WALKER & CONVERSATION PIECE
A definitive staple of the Charlotte music scene, Conversation Piece is a highly respected sextet known for their electrifying live performances, diverse repertoire, and loyal regional following for over a decade. Led by founder, bassist, and composer Willie Walker—whose versatile background spans electronic music production to extensive live collaborations with notable industry artists like Walter Beasley, Tom Browne, and Bob Baldwin—the band brings a brilliant, seasoned chemistry to the stage.
Composed of exceptional local talent including Carl Ratliff, Darryl Payton, Derek McCoy, Charlton Taylor, and Chris Whitley, the ensemble seamlessly shifts across jazz fusion, contemporary smooth jazz, and deep soul. With acclaimed independent albums like Inside My Mind and Live at 831 to their credit, as well as a history of delivering unforgettable, high-energy tributes on our stage, Willie Walker & Conversation Piece are perfectly primed to bring the music of Tisdale and Porter to life with unparalleled passion and groove.
