V. Shayne Frederick is an acclaimed Philadelphia-based jazz vocalist, pianist, composer, and educator. Celebrated for his remarkable vocal range—spanning from a rich baritone to a soaring countertenor—he has been described by DownBeat as “soulful” and praised by local outlets as one of the region’s premier jazz vocalists. His distinct musical style is deeply rooted in jazz, soul, and classic balladry, frequently featuring intricate, self-produced arrangements.
On Nov. 13th, The Philadelphia Museum of Art will be hosting, “Friday Nights: Pepperpot”. This event will celebrate the musical and culinary traditions of Philadelphia through the story of pepperpot soup, a local dish with its history rooted in the colonial-era marketplaces of this city.
During this event, V. Shayne Frederick will present highlights of the role of African American entrepreneurs in this cultural tradition through a newly commissioned musical performance, historical interpreters recreating the atmosphere of the marketplace, projections of imaginary “portraits” of these unsung chefs, and gallery talks in the American Art galleries.
Organized in partnership with ArtPhilly and in conjunction with the exhibition A Nation of Artists. This program is the second iteration of Pepperpot, which was first organized by V. Shayne Frederick as part of ArtPhilly’s What Now: 2026 festival. It honors the legacy of Philadelphia Jazz Project’s visionary Homer Jackson.
