Where did the Blues come from — and what makes it real?

Fulbright Scholar and acclaimed jazz musician, composer, and educator Antonio Underwood brings his signature program What's Real, What's Not: The Blues to the Shepherdstown Opera House, tracing the African American roots and evolution of one of America's most foundational musical forms.

A Yale School of Music graduate and longtime member of the two-time Grammy Award-winning McCoy Tyner Big Band. Underwood has performed at major jazz venues worldwide alongside legends including Max Roach, Christian McBride, and Delfeayo Marsalis. He was also the first African American to become a George Lucas scholar in the Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television program at USC. He brings that depth of experience to bear in a program that is equal parts history, scholarship, and passion.

The program includes a live performance by Underwood accompanied by Tone Pulse, bringing the music to life on the Opera House stage.

This program is designed for all ages and stages: music lovers, Blues fans, students, history buffs, and more.

General Admission - All Ages

Doors open 1:30 pm

The historic Shepherdstown Opera House is a cozy theater that seats 100 — advance ticket purchase encouraged. Online sales end 1 hour before showtime. Beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks for sale during the performance (ID required for beer & wine purchase, no outside food or drinks please). Lobby, theater & restroom are wheelchair accessible.