Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance.
(Doors open at 5pm for dinner/Seating begins at 6:15p for the first show & 9:00p for the second show)
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Twenty-five years. Multiple genres. Iconic superstars. It’s safe to say Shedrick Mitchell
has accomplished his dreams, and then some. Starting in a church in St. Louis where his
grandfather, and later his father, was the Pastor his first experience playing the piano
proved to be exactly what was needed. What seemed to be a chore at nine years old
became the ultimate training ground to grow into many different musical styles for the
future.
Moving to New York City presented new opportunities to study with famed pianists,
Mulgrew Miller and John Hicks who encouraged Shedrick to attend The New School
(Mannes School of Music). He thrived on the abundance of musicians who played at the
highest level: Kenny Kirkland, Oscar Peterson, Harrold Mabern and countless others.
New York City was a breeding ground of musical genius expressed through jazz music.
After the untimely passing of Kenny Kirkland, it was Mulgrew Miller who recommended
Shedrick for Kenny Garrett’s band. Touring internationally for the first time gave him a
broader perspective of jazz music and eventually led to him recording on Kenny Garrett’s
album, “Simply Said”.
Following his work with Kenny Garrett, Shedrick went on to work with many jazz greats
including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Christian McBride, Terrance Blanchard, Antonio Hart,
Johnny Griffin, Dianne Reeves and others. But, it was in 2003 that Shedrick was asked
to accompany one of the greatest voices of our time, Whitney Houston. Shedrick toured
with Ms. Houston for nine years on many different platforms including major television
award shows, The Oprah Winfrey Show and even royal audiences in many countries.
What may be equally impressive is that he continued to perform and record jazz music
and play at his local church in between tours.
Opportunities continued to pour in. Several years later, Shedrick collaborated with the
legendary Stevie Wonder, music and business mogul Jay-Z and R&B/soul star, Maxwell.
During these years, many career highlights included the Super Bowl XL half-time show
with Stevie Wonder, the American Gangster soundtrack and VH-1 special, ‘Storytellers’
with Jay-Z and co-producing Maxwell’s recordings, “Black” and “Summers,” while
currently serving as his Music Director.
Considering all of these invaluable experiences, receiving the request to accompany “The
Queen” Ms. Aretha Franklin, was nothing short of extraordinary. For two years,
Shedrick graced the stage with Ms. Franklin. Their performances included an appearance
on Late Show with David Letterman performing songs from her last recording, “Aretha
Sings the Great Diva Classics,” and one of the highest honors, performing at the White
House for President Barack Obama.
Both Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin had a special affinity for Shedrick’s
musicianship. When he accompanied them on piano or organ, they enjoyed the freedom
his playing allowed, returning them to their gospel roots.
Twenty-five years later, having received four Grammy Awards and recorded over 200
records encompassing styles as diverse as classical, new age, rock, jazz, country, gospel,
R&B/soul and reggae, the journey continues. In June 2020, Shedrick will release his
second solo recording, “Time – Reflections – Distance”, which he hopes will speak to the
challenges we all face today.
After having achieved success as a musician, arranger and producer, Shedrick enjoys
imparting his knowledge and experience into the next generation of musicians as a
teacher, mentor and coach. In all of this, he has managed to stay grounded in his
foundation. On any given Sunday you will likely find Shedrick Mitchell at church,
playing the piano and organ, simply doing what he loves most.