In an era where genre-bending music often feels forced, Toronto’s David Matisse, better known as akaMatisse, has found an organic sweet spot between classical piano and electronic beats. This Thursday, Oct. 24, Matisse, a Juno Award-winning musician, brings his acclaimed LowKey Concert series to Culture in Ivy City, promising a fresh take on the traditional piano bar experience.
The free event, presented by Paradise Cove, transforms the versatile Culture space into an intimate musical laboratory where Matisse will blend his classical training with R&B influences and lo-fi beats from 8 p.m. to midnight. The evening showcases how classical music can evolve while maintaining its core elegance.
“Paradise Cove is about creating exceptional experiences that challenge expectations while maintaining the highest standards of quality,” said Julious Grant, founder of Paradise Cove and chairman of Brand House Group. “Partnering with LowKey Concert Series aligns perfectly with our mission to support innovative artists who are pushing boundaries while respecting tradition – much like our approach to crafting premium spirits.”
Matisse, who made his name as one-third of the electronic music group Keys N Krates, has collaborated with industry heavyweights like Diplo and Steve Aoki. His classical background and admiration for film composers like Hans Zimmer sets this project apart from typical electronic music events.
“Our goal with LowKey is to create a space where the elegance of traditional piano mixes seamlessly with contemporary electronic sounds,” Matisse explained. “It’s a musical journey that bridges generations and genres, offering something truly unique in today’s music scene.”
The evening will feature a carefully curated lineup of local D.C. talent, including violinist Gabrielle Boguslaw, saxophonist Vernon Jones, bassist Big Zayyy from Noochie’s Front Porch Series, and 2024 Wammie Award-winning vocalist Amber Marie. Together, they’ll create a sonic landscape that bridges generational and genre gaps.
Culture, which opened in 2023 under the direction of Nü Androids, proves an ideal setting for this musical experiment. The venue’s ability to shift between nightclub and art gallery mirrors LowKey’s fluid approach to musical boundaries.
While the event is free, it’s restricted to those 21 and over, and advance registration through Eventbrite is required.
For those seeking a different kind of Thursday night out, this promises to be one of D.C.’s more intriguing musical offerings this fall.
The LowKey Concert takes place on Thursday, October 24, from 8 p.m. to midnight at Culture (2006 Fenwick St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002). For more information, follow @lowkeyconcertto or @akamatisse on Instagram.