WPFW 5th 50th Year Benefit Concert & Film

A inaugural film and some tunes. Join WPFW for our 5th Fiftyith-Year benefit concert with a film. A inaugural film and some tunes. Join WPFW for our 5th Fiftieth-Year Benefit Concert with a film. The afternoon starts with a screening of Cody Valentine’s (a.k.a. WPFW’s DJ Cody V, The Music Bed) debut film, Purple Velvet Planet and a few words from the director himself and ends with a performance by the brilliant recording artist and trumpeter Brandon Woody. Director Cody Valentine blends the duality of his love for music and storytelling, dropping us into a world where music is regulated, performances are monitored by the government, and musicians need registrations to perform in public venues. As an “undocumented” rapper with no credentials, our main character Light is a talent out of place. Speaking to many of the issues we are facing today, this film will appeal to music lovers, film aficionados, and everyone searching for ways to be more joyous in these troubling times. Purple Velvet Planet aspires to provide a path to personal peace amidst the chaos, through Valentine’s masterful blend of music and story. Born in Augusta, Ga, Cody Valentine has called the DMV home for the past 20 years. Purple Velvet Planet is a surrealistic journey of self-enlightenment, dropping us into a world where music is regulated, performances are monitored by the government, and musicians need registrations to perform in public venues. As an “undocumented” rapper with no credentials, our main character Light is a talent out of place. Speaking to many of the issues we are facing today, this film will appeal to music lovers, film aficionados, and everyone searching for ways to be more joyous in these troubling times. Purple Velvet Planet aspires to provide a path to personal peace amidst the chaos, through a masterful blend of music and story. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qd69fWFfxU&t=31s Entertainment will continue with a musical set by Baltimore bred and based, BlueNote recording artist, trumpeter, bandleader and composer Brandon Woody with his band Upendo & guest drummer. Brandon Woody is a Baltimore-born, Bach-endorsed trumpeter, composer, and bandleader whose music flows from the rich lineage of Black music, including jazz, gospel, improvisation, and beyond, to explore themes of love, resilience, and community. Hailed by The New York Times and Los Angeles Times as a rising force in contemporary jazz, Woody signed with the legendary Blue Note Records in November 2024 and released his debut album, For The Love Of It All, in May 2025. Featuring his longtime band Upendo — Troy Long (keys), Quincy Phillips (drums), and Michael Saunders (bass) — the album showcases Woody’s ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Rooted in Baltimore, Woody has built his career from his hometown, drawing on its vibrant creative culture and community spirit. His work has received praise across major publications, with DownBeat highlighting his “rich and expressive” tone and the Financial Times noting the album’s emotional range “from gentle lyricism to swaggering virtuosity.” The Washington Post described Woody’s music as “staggeringly self-assured” and “radiating warmth, purpose, and a sense of place,” reflecting both the clarity of his artistic vision and his deep connection to his community. Dedicated to bridging generations through music, Woody has led masterclasses and workshops at institutions across the country. Through both his performances and community work, he uses music as a tool for healing, connection, and joy.