Trumpeter, Composer, and Bandleader

Brandon Woody is a Baltimore-born, Bach-endorsed trumpeter, composer, and bandleader whose music flows from the rich lineage of Black music, including jazz, gospel, improvisation, and beyond, to explore themes of love, resilience, and community. Hailed by The New York Times and Los Angeles Times as a rising force in contemporary jazz, Woody signed with the legendary Blue Note Records in November 2024 and released his debut album, For The Love Of It All, in May 2025. Featuring his longtime band Upendo — Troy Long (piano), Quincy Phillips (drums), Michael Saunders (electric bass), Imani Grace (vocals), and Vittorio Stropoli (aux synth) — the album showcases Woody’s ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Rooted in Baltimore, Woody has built his career from his hometown, drawing on its vibrant creative culture and community spirit. His work has received praise across major publications, with DownBeat highlighting his “rich and expressive” tone and the Financial Times noting the album’s emotional range “from gentle lyricism to swaggering virtuosity.” The Washington Post described Woody’s music as “staggeringly self-assured” and “radiating warmth, purpose, and a sense of place,” reflecting both the clarity of his artistic vision and his deep connection to his community.

As a performer, Woody has played venues and festivals including ATL Jazz Fest, The Shed, the August Wilson Center, the University of Maryland, Michigan State University, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Roots Picnic, the Walters Art Museum, Blue Note Tokyo, Montreal Jazz Festival, Hollywood Bowl, and San Francisco Jazz Festival, among others. He has performed with artists such as Terri Lyne Carrington, BADBADNOTGOOD, Danilo Pérez, Casey Benjamin, Marcus Gilmore, the Robert Glasper Black Radio Orchestra, Paul Russell, Derrick Hodge, Marc Cary, and Solange Knowles. Woody has also worked with international brands including Calvin Klein, Saucony, Reebok, Eames, Vogue Italia, Plain Jane, and Highsnobiety. His television appearances include Godfather of Harlem (MGM+), Lady in the Lake (Apple TV), and The Bride (Warner Bros.).

Dedicated to bridging generations through music, Woody has led masterclasses and workshops at institutions across the country. Through both his performances and community work, he uses music as a tool for healing, connection, and joy.

Drummer, Percussionist, and Composer

Dorien Dotson, a drummer, percussionist, and composer from Kinston, North Carolina, is based in the Raleigh–Durham area. A graduate of North Carolina Central University with a focus in Jazz Studies, he has developed a distinctive voice rooted in technical precision and expressive depth.

Beginning in the church, Dorien built a strong rhythmic foundation that has grown into a versatile career spanning jazz, funk, rock, soul, and classical percussion. He is equally at home on stage, in the studio, and in collaborative creative settings.

His performance and recording credits include Branford Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Jazzmeia Horn, Take 6, Al Strong, Lalah Hathaway, Christian Tamburr, Jane Monheit, and Clint Holmes, reflecting both his adaptability and musical command across diverse contexts.

Dorien has also contributed to multimedia and film scoring projects for Netflix, Hulu, and National Geographic, extending his work into visual storytelling. He continues to refine a sound that is sophisticated, versatile, and deeply rooted in musical excellence.