Marvin Gaye: A Tribute to the Prince of Soul on Saturday, March 14, Reimagined by Pittsburgh Finest Music Talents Led by Musical Director Jerome O. Kirkland, Jr.

 

Photo Credit: Collage by Kiearra Williams; Photo by Jim Britt (Public Domain) and Randall Coleman

Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) is excited to present Marvin Gaye: A Tribute to the Prince of Soul on Saturday, March 14. This tribute concert features Marvin’s legendary catalog reimagined by Pittsburgh’s finest vocalists and musicians, led by music director Jerome O. Kirkland, Jr. The event includes a VIP Reception from 6:00pm - 7:00pm and the concert from 7:30pm - 9:00pm.  Since 2020, KST’s annual Tribute Concerts have built a strong following, bringing together an extraordinary lineup of local artists to honor musical legends. This year’s concert follows 2024’s spectacular WHITNEY and past crowd-pleasers Simply the Best: A Tina Turner Tribute Concert and R.E.S.P.E.C.T.: An Aretha Franklin Tribute Concert. In October 2025, KST invited fans to vote for the next artist to be celebrated. With overwhelming support, Marvin Gaye rose to the top as this year’s honoree. From What’s Going On, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, to Let’s Get It On, his music transcends the boundaries of rhythm and blues.  Beyond his chart-topping hits, Marvin Gaye used his music as a vehicle for social commentary, addressing topics like civil rights, police brutality, environmental justice, anti-war and Black power. Revisiting Marvin Gaye’s catalog today, KST is honored to celebrate not only his musical brilliance but also the ways Black artists have shaped cultural and social change through sound. This concert features vocalists Lyndsey Smith, Twan Moore, Cam Chambers, and Kenny Stockard. The band includes Dennis Garner, Jr., Chuck Anderson, Gary Howard, and Jerome O. Kirkland, Jr., who is also the music director. Sarah Gilmer, KST’s Programming Manager, notes, “Kirkland stands out to KST for his commitment to level up the local music scene. Supporting Pittsburgh-rooted talents also reflects the care we have to our community.”  Kirkland shares how the vocalists and band members are selected based on their talents: “When I think of Marvin, the first word that comes to mind is ‘Soul.’ With these artists, there is nobody that I know of who is more soulful than the ones selected. I trust them to do Marvin Gaye the justice he deserves.” This year, KST’s Co-Production Manager J.R. Shaw is crafting a special and specific stage and lighting design that draws inspiration from the ones of past Marvin Gaye performances. He incorporates retro LED elements that evoke the ’70s, featuring geometric patterns and a clean visual aesthetic. “The goal is for fans to experience the timeless aesthetic of the era with the benefit of modern production techniques”, says Shaw. Concertgoers who pay at the $65 level or above can enjoy one drink ticket, light refreshments at the VIP reception, and early seating. Guests can mingle with fellow Marvin Gaye fans and chat about their favorite memories of his music.

Marvin Gaye: A Tribute to the Prince of Soul Saturday, March 14, 2026  |  6:00pm – 7:00pm VIP Reception  |  7:30pm – 9:00pm Concert Kelly Strayhorn Theater  |  5941 Penn Ave. Tickets for Marvin Gaye: A Tribute to the Prince of Soul : VIP Reception+ Early Seating: Pay What Moves You: $65 – $85; General Admission: Pay What Moves You: $35 – $45, and can be reserved here.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Blessed to share this gift of music, Jerome O. Kirkland, Jr. (Music Director, Keys) has lit up stages with artists from Donnie McClurkin to Billy Porter. A multi-genre writer, producer, and instrumentalist, he brings versatility and fire to every performance. As a sought out Music Director, his goal is to craft electric, heartfelt arrangements that ignite the room—and leave audiences buzzing long after the final note.

Lyndsey Smith (Vocalist), the "Goddaughter of Soul," is an award-winning vocalist delivering a powerful fusion of Rock ‘n’ Roll and Soul music. Her transformative voice, forged through personal pain and triumph, consistently uplifts her audience. Lyndsey’s magnetic and unforgettable performances showcase powerhouse vocals, sultry delivery, and electric stage presence, inspired by legends like Etta James and Tina Turner.

Twan Moore (Vocalist) is a true Soul Singer with a smooth voice. His peers and fans have named him “The Silky Soul Singer”. Originally from Chicago, he now resides here in Pittsburgh. He has a five octave vocal range and is a very versatile vocalist. He’s a Recording Artist with his own original music.

From New Kensington to stages nationwide, Cam Chambers (Vocalist) is a musician built by church roots and live performance. After forming a band in college, he’s released multiple projects, collaborated across genres, toured nationally, and has lit up Pittsburgh's music scene since 2013. With jazz in his blood, Cam brings tradition, versatility, and energy to every stage he touches.

Kenny Stockard’s (Vocalist) love for music and his calling to be a musician was inspired by his grandpa. As a young boy, Kenny watched his grandfather lead worship at a small church in St. Louis, and he knew he wanted to use his voice to lift people’s hearts in the same way. His aim is to make songs that help people seek the good in life.

Dennis Garner Jr. (Drums) is a professional musician and music producer. Dennis carries a vibrant passion for cultivating creative performance opportunities for the Pittsburgh music community. In 2009 he founded Live City Entertainment, a centerstage production agency & an artists development hub. Dennis is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, a 4x Local champion of the Guitar Center Drum-Off competition, and K-12 Teaching Artist Team Lead for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust arts education department.

Chuck Anderson (Bass) is a Pittsburgh-based multi-instrumentalist who began performing professionally at 19. While studying at Central State University, he served as drummer and percussionist for the Grammy-nominated CSU Chorus under Dr. William Henry Caldwell and performed for seven years with gospel artist Jonathan Dunn. He has played internationally in Italy, Sweden, Norway, Japan, China, and the UAE, and has shared the stage with artists including Branford Marsalis, Frank McComb, and Raheem Devaughn. Chuck also leads Chuck8301 Music.

Gary Howard (Guitar) picked up the guitar at age nine and taught himself how to play—never taking a single lesson. This natural talent has led to a remarkable career, playing alongside many professional touring acts and local bands over the years. For 25 years, Gary has been the reliable guitarist for the popular band House of Soul. In a new venture, he has established an exciting Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Show band. When he's not performing, Gary is the proud owner of Smoove Recording Studio, where he continues to contribute his expertise to the music world.

ABOUT KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER

Named after 20th century entertainment legends Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, both natives of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) is a home for creative experimentation, community dialogue, and collective action rooted in the liberation of Black and queer people. We welcome our home to all who uplift Black, Indigenous, people of color, and queer voices. KST is an institutional arts anchor in Pittsburgh’s East End that has served the community for more than two decades. Since launching KST Presents programming in ’08, KST has been Black-led, fostering radical imagination for Black and queer arts, culture, and community in Pittsburgh by cultivating BIPOC and/or queer artists, entrepreneurs, and arts administrators, developing their careers, and shifting narratives around Black possibility.