On February 7 at 7:30 p.m., the State Theatre will host a captivating evening of jazz and blues as part of Penn State’s 2025 African American Music Festival, which runs from February 5–8. This year’s festival, themed “The Spiritual and The Blues,” celebrates the profound cultural legacy of African American music through performances, lectures, and forums. Highlighting the festival are two renowned artists who embody the spirit of this theme: jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut and blues guitarist and singer D.K. Harrell. Together, their performances will showcase the deep spiritual roots and joyful resilience inherent in African American music.

Cyrus Chestnut brings his soulful, gospel-infused jazz to the stage, blending technical mastery with heartfelt expression honed alongside legends like Jon Hendricks and Wynton Marsalis. Meanwhile, D.K. Harrell, hailed as one of the most exciting emerging blues artists, offers electrifying performances that channel the legacy of B.B. King while capturing his own life experiences. Harrell’s critically acclaimed debut album, The Right Man, and Chestnut’s celebrated career as a bandleader and recording artist ensure an unforgettable evening. This event promises to embody the vibrant connections between the spiritual and the blues, enriching the festival's mission to honor African American artistry past and present.