FREE | Saturday, Sept 20, 2025 9:30 p.m. | Forsyth Park

Sponsored by JodyJazz

JodyJazz 25th Anniversary Celebration with Kirk Whalum

World-renowned Savannah-based mouthpiece maker, JodyJazz Inc., celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year with a special performance by saxophone legend, Kirk Whalum.

Kirk’s Memphis, TN, gospel roots and big 1980s initiation into the thriving Houston, TX, nightclub scene have forged Kirk Whalum’s unique, big, rich tenor sound.  “Discovered” by jazz pianist Bob James, in Houston, he brought Whalum on tour with him, which led to five successful albums with Columbia Records. Including Cache, Kirk’s first #1 album.  He is a 12-time GRAMMY Award nominee, and his song, “It’s What I Do,” won the 2011 GRAMMY Award for Best Gospel Song.  

Kirk became an in-demand session player for legends including Barbara Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones, and most notably, Whitney Houston.  It is his sax that is heard on Houston’s mega-hit “I Will Always Love You.”  

An ordained minister, Kirk earned an M.A. degree in Religion, and in this spirit, he serves his community when his touring schedule allows.  He hosts a daily 15-minute podcast, “Bible In Your Ear”.  He also serves as a music professor at Visible Music College in his hometown of Memphis.