They Share the Same Birthday. Now They’re Sharing the Same Stage!

About the Concert

Join us at the Katz Jewish Music Center at MMAE on Sunday, October 25, for a special Double Birthday Concert celebrating David Pearl and Jack Gruber — two talented musicians who share the same birthday and a love of jazz!

Jack Gruber and his trio will share the stage with David Pearl’s Summon The Sparks, bringing together two distinct but intersecting musical voices. Expect grooves, adventurous improvisation, atmospheric textures, unexpected turns and music that doesn’t always stay inside the lines.

Come celebrate with us for a night of great music, good vibes and a birthday party done the jazz way!

Jack Gruber & David Pearl In Concert

Want a sneak peak of the show? Check out previous performances from both Jack and David below:

About The Artists

The Jack Gruber Trio
Born to two musicians in Washington, D.C.’s thriving jazz scene, Jack Gruber took up piano at the age of eight and quickly developed a passion for improvised music. He attended Paul Carr’s acclaimed Jazz Academy of Music and was selected for the sole piano chair of the Maryland All-State Jazz Band while in high school.

Gruber continued his musical education at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and the Manhattan School of Music, where he received his master’s degree. Throughout his studies, he had the opportunity to learn from acclaimed musicians including Allyn Johnson, Bruce Barth, Taylor Eigsti, Jaleel Shaw, Reggie Workman and George Cables.

Since completing his formal education, Gruber has performed alongside numerous prominent artists, including Jim Cammack (bassist for Ahmad Jamal), Herb Scott, Erena Terakubo and Malik Washington. His performances have taken him to renowned venues and festivals, including The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, Strathmore, Keystone Korner, the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival and the Silver Spring Jazz Festival.

As a bandleader, Gruber has performed his original compositions at venues throughout the Washington, D.C., and New York City areas. His music blends jazz and pop influences, and he has written and performed in settings ranging from trios and quartets to string quartets and full orchestras.

Currently working toward his debut album, Gruber believes deeply in music’s ability to connect people and remains committed to expressing his humanity through his art.

David Pearl & Summon The Sparks
David Pearl is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator and bandleader whose work brings together drums, piano, voice and improvisation. Pearl has built a wide-ranging musical identity rooted in connection, curiosity and a desire to bring artists and traditions from different backgrounds into conversation.

He currently leads Summon The Sparks, his genre-blurring musical project that reimagines ancient melodies through modern improvisation, atmospheric textures and contemporary rhythmic language. His playing draws naturally from jazz, rock, funk, R&B, folk and experimental music while maintaining a voice that is distinctly his own.

Often described as an old soul with fresh ideas, Pearl is known for his versatility, musical sensitivity and ability to move fluidly between styles without losing the spirit of the music. At the center of his work is a belief in music as a meeting place — one that can transcend genre, culture and expectation.

Event Details

When: Sunday, October 25, 6:30pm
Where: Katz Jewish Music Center at MMAE
Tickets: $20 in advance | $25 at the door

Please note this event is BYOB.

See more upcoming programs on our Events page.