From Broadway to BraveNation, Keith David Inspires the Next Generation at UNCP

Keith David moved through the rehearsal with the kind of calm confidence that only comes from decades of craft — smooth, unhurried, unmistakably iconic. For nearly 20 UNCP music students seated just steps away, it was surreal: a future Hollywood Walk of Fame honoree offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how a jazz set comes alive. And before the night was over, that quiet rehearsal would set the tone for a soaring performance at GPAC.

David arrived on campus Friday afternoon, greeting his band before settling into rehearsal. Word spread quickly that students were invited, and nearly 20 made their way into GPAC — some with notebooks, others simply soaking in every detail.

Sophomore Music Industry major Devonte Stackhouse was among the first to find a seat.

“Watching him work was unreal,” Stackhouse said. “And when he told us, ‘Never stop what you do until you reach your blessings,' that hit home. It made me want to push even harder.”

Moments like that are exactly why UNCP faculty encourage students to seize every chance to learn from working artists. Music Department Chair Joseph Van Hassel said watching David up close offered lessons no classroom can replicate.

“It was a pleasure and honor to meet esteemed actor and singer Keith David during his visit to UNCP,” Van Hassel said. “His willingness to share his time and encouragement with our students — and to welcome them into his rehearsal — is a great example of the special, potentially life-changing experiences students receive here.”

Musical theatre faculty member Piper Pack-Smith, who works closely with student singers, said the rehearsal gave students a rare, inside look at what true professionalism looks like.

“It was such an honor to take my students to watch an icon like Keith David in a small rehearsal with his band,” Pack-Smith said. “Students were thrilled to hear his words of encouragement and wisdom, and they learned so much about how to make a well-rehearsed set look inspiring and new. I'm grateful they had this opportunity — and even more grateful that they were willing to give up a Friday afternoon to learn from a pro.”

By the time David returned to the stage on Saturday evening, anticipation filled GPAC. Nearly 800 people gathered for the concert, which featured a 90-minute set of classic jazz and standards — including “Chimney Man,” the Broadway number that earned him a Tony Award nomination in Jelly's Last Jam.

Audience members described the performance as both electric and deeply moving.

“Not only were his vocals on point, in perfect pitch and demonstrating poignant artistry, his flare for the dramatic was on full display,” said Ken Mask, who drove from Durham for the concert. “Good artists entertain. Great artists enlighten. Keith David performed to a packed crowd and showed exactly why he is both.”

Members of the Student Government Association attended as part of an SGA night, taking the opportunity to unwind and enjoy time together.

“SGA was honored to have been invited to listen to the outstanding Keith David,” said SGA President John Squire. “As a Senate, we rarely get to have fellowship and enjoy events as a group. To experience such a prolific artist together was a real pleasure.”

GPAC Executive Director James Bass said the concert was special not only for the audience, but for the region. He noted that presenting artists like Keith David reflects GPAC's broader mission — to bring exceptional music, theatre and cultural experiences to southeastern North Carolina while also supporting UNCP's academic goals.

“Because of his heavy film schedule, Keith does not do very many jazz performances, so this was a very unique event for our area,” Bass said. “At GPAC, we work hard to bring high-quality arts programming to the communities we serve, but just as importantly, we want those experiences to inspire our students. For Keith to spend the quality time that he did with our music students, and to interact with them the way he did — it was very special.”

David's visit came at a landmark moment in his career. In July, he was announced as part of the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026, joining Miley Cyrus, Timothee Chalamet and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Before arriving at UNCP, he had just wrapped filming “My Friend Jim” with Rob Lowe, and he plans to release a jazz album later this year.

With more than 300 film, television and stage credits — including roles in Platoon, There's Something About Mary, Coraline, Mufasa and The Princess and the Frog — David has earned NAACP Image Awards, Screen Actors Guild and Tony Award nominations, and three Emmys. He is a classically trained graduate of the New York High School of the Performing Arts and The Juilliard School.

Looking back on the weekend, Bass said the experience underscored the purpose behind GPAC's work.

“Moments like this remind us why the arts matter,” Bass said. “Keith didn't just give a performance — he gave his time, his wisdom and his craft to our students. That kind of generosity stays with them, and it strengthens the connection between UNCP, our community and the artists who choose to share their gifts on our stage.”