Sherman Irby is an acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and educator born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, who began playing saxophone at age 12 and went on to earn a B.A. in Music Education from Clark Atlanta University. After moving to New York, Irby became a fixture at Smalls and recorded two albums for Blue Note Records, Full Circle and Big Mama’s Biscuits. He has performed and recorded with an extraordinary roster of jazz legends, including Roy Hargrove, Marcus Roberts, Betty Carter, Elvin Jones, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and the Boys Choir of Harlem. A dedicated educator and mentor, Irby has served as an Artist-in-Residence at jazz camps and universities and founded Black Warrior Records, through which he continues to champion innovative jazz and emerging artists.

About Attucks Jazz Club

The region’s destination for jazz, the Attucks Jazz Club transforms the historic Attucks Theatre’s top-floor ballroom into an intimate, neon-lit haven for live music. With open cabaret table seating, a club bar and every seat just steps from the stage, audiences experience the music up close and personal. Featuring an impressive roster of jazz artists from around the country, the Attucks Jazz Club monthly series delivers the energy of a true jazz club, the way it was meant to be heard. Presented by Virginia Arts Festival and SevenVenues.

Curated by acclaimed jazz pianist John Toomey, the Attucks Jazz Club series brings some of the most exciting players in jazz to Norfolk. A favorite among local jazz fans, Toomey is a dazzling pianist and is joined by accomplished jazz bassist Jimmy Masters at each performance. Toomey’s namesake trio plays with each featured guest artist on the Attucks Jazz Club stage.