WHITNEY: A Tribute Concert with Dwayne Fulton on Saturday, March 15
Celebrating Whitney’s legacy with some of Pittsurgh’s finest musicians.
Artwork by Kelly Strayhorn Theater from images by Randall Coleman and Public Domain
Get ready for an unforgettable night at Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) with a tribute concert honoring the unparalleled legacy of Whitney Houston on Saturday, March 15 from 7:30pm – 9:00pm. Led by Musical Director Dwayne Fulton, this musical celebration brings Whitney’s iconic hits to life, honoring her legacy with electrifying performances by some of Pittsburgh’s finest musicians. The VIP Reception from 5:30pm – 7:00pm offers early admission, reserved seating, light hors d’oeuvres, and a complimentary drink ticket for an enhanced experience.
With her soaring range, effortless grace, and unmatched vocal power, Whitney redefined global superstardom. Selling over 200 million records, earning 11 No. 1 singles, and winning 6 GRAMMYs, she remains one of the most iconic performers of the 20th century.
Back in August 2024, KST conducted an online survey and asked audiences to vote for the next star KST should honor in their annual tribute concert. The overwhelming, enthusiastic response showed a strong consensus—Whitney was the clear favorite.
Led by Musical Director Dwayne Fulton, this tribute concert features lead vocalists Mychole Starr, Chantal Joseph, Anqwenique, Anita Levels, and Kylie Edwards, supported by Katy Cotten, Delana Flowers, and Carmen Miller of the BGVs. Accompanied by musicians Claude Flowers (Bass), Paris Akins (Keys), J.R Jones (Drums), and Michael Davis (Guitar), the concert will journey through Whitney’s greatest hits in a night of celebration, remembrance, and musical brilliance.
Since 2020, KST has collaborated with Dwayne Fulton on a recurring series of tribute concerts honoring musical legends. From Black & Solid Gold: Hits of Magnificent Motown to the sold-out When Doves Cry Prince tribute, R.E.S.P.E.C.T.: An Aretha Franklin Tribute Concert, and Simply the Best honoring Tina Turner, these one-of-a-kind events filled KST with nostalgia, joy and laughter.
One of the biggest challenges—and sources of fun—that Dwayne experienced this time was finding artists who could capture the essence of Whitney’s singing:
“Whitney has a unique, pop-ish, clean, and even pristine sound, which is very hard to find. Many singers have strong, powerful, and heavy voices with some rasp, but they could possibly kill a Whitney song. What I want to do is be as authentic as possible and come as close as I can to find the clean sound that Whitney brings.”
Dwayne continues with his musical vision: “We want to preserve the integrity of her music. When we play an intro, the audience should immediately think, ‘Hey, that’s my song!’ Of course, we’ll also have some musical fun within that framework.”
At the VIP Reception, concertgoers can enjoy a specialty cocktail from TLC Libations and light hors d’oeuvres in the company of other Whitney fans and KST supporters. Celebrate the KST community and have early entry to the theater to secure preferred seating. The evening promises to be a powerful tribute to Whitney Houston’s sound and a celebration of Pittsburgh talent.
WHITNEY: A Tribute Concert with Dwayne Fulton
Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 5:30pm – 7:00pm VIP Reception | 7:30pm – 9:00pm Concert
Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
Tickets are Pay What Moves You, $35 – $65 per attendee, and can be reserved here.
ABOUT THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR
With over 30 years of experience as a pianist, music director, and composer, Dwayne Fulton understands the power of the arts. Dwayne is the founder and Chief Executive of Kingdom People Productions and The SouLyfe Cafe. Dwayne has accompanied Grover Washington, Jr., Roger Humphries, Sean Jones, and Nathan Davis. He has shared the stage with Keith Sweat, Guy, Fred Hammond, Bobby Jones, Kirk Franklin, The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Michael Bublé, and Stevie Wonder.
ABOUT KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER
Named after 20th-century entertainment legends Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, both natives of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) is a home for creative experimentation, community dialogue, and collective action rooted in the liberation of Black and queer people. We welcome our home to all who uplift Black, Indigenous, people of color, and queer voices.
KST is an institutional arts anchor in Pittsburgh’s East End that has served the community for more than two decades. Since launching KST Presents programming in ’08, KST has been Black-led, fostering radical imagination for Black and queer arts, culture, and community in Pittsburgh by cultivating BIPOC and/or queer artists, entrepreneurs, and arts administrators, developing their careers, and shifting narratives around Black possibility.