Jazz Prodigy Matthew Whitaker Comes To Ali Arts

The Historic Ali Cultural Arts is proud to present one of the most acclaimed new jazz performers in the world, Matthew Whitaker. The blind teen prodigy has been hailed by critics for his virtuoso style on the piano and the Hammond B3 organ. Whitaker was recently profiled on the Today Show and has been seen on a variety of TV programs including Ellen, CBS Sunday Morning and Good Morning Japan. Last year, he debuted his critically acclaimed first CD, Outta the Box, featuring a mix of original compositions and his take on the classics.

"We are thrilled to have this amazing talent return to The Ali," said Cherolyn Davis, program and facilities manager. "Matthew is a superstar in the jazz world, and an inspiration to millions."

Whitaker has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, SF Jazz Center, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Jazz Club and international venues in France, Italy, Morocco and Japan.

Whitaker was a winning participant in the "Amateur Night at the Apollo Child Stars of Tomorrow" and opened for Stevie Wonder's induction into the Apollo's Hall of Fame. He has also performed with Roy Ayers, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Rhoda Scott, Ray Chew, Christian McBride, James Carter, Jon Batiste, Cory Henry, Arturo O'Farrill, D.D. Jackson, Wayne Brady; Jazz Mafia Symphony and 'The New York Pops' Orchestra and many more.

The Historic Ali Cultural Arts
353 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Pompano Beach, FL 33060
954-786-7876

The Historic Ali Cultural Arts is located in the former home of the late Frank and Florence Major Ali, who had emigrated from Cuba and The Bahamas respectively. As the first African American business owners in Pompano Beach, Frank operated a barbershop and Florence, who was a skilled seamstress, cosmetologist and fashion designer, also operated her business in the building. This two-story property was built in 1933 and placed on the City of Pompano Beach Historical Register in 2016.

The City of Pompano Beach, Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and the Rock Road Restoration Historical Group preserve the northwest corridor history and culture by telling positive stories of the African American experience through performing arts, visual arts and intellectual work that educates and celebrates all people of color throughout history.

A Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a dependent district established by City government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the economic health of an area, and encouraging public and private investments in a CRA district. The CRA is governed by State Statutes, Chapter 163, Part III. The Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The funds are collected as property values increase and a portion of that increase is captured by the Agency. TIF raises revenue for redevelopment efforts without raising taxes.

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