Texas Southern and Jazz greats Kirk Whalum and Joe Sample will partner up to present a Jazz Lovers Weekend as TSU has scheduled concerts on TSU’s campus for the first week of December. On Friday, Dec. 7th, at 7 p.m. in Sawyer Auditorium, Grammy winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum will embark on his inaugural Christmas tour aptly titled “A Gospel According To Jazz Christmas.” Known for his much celebrated recording and live performance series, The Gospel According to Jazz, which featured the chart topping gospel anthem, Falling in Love With Jesus and the 2011 Grammy winning ‘Best Gospel Song’, It’s What I Do, Kirk will share the stage with world renowned pianist Keiko Matsui and gospel phenom vocalist Amber Bullock. The package will also feature Kirk’s brother, vocalist Kevin Whalum and musical director, keyboardist and vocalist, John Stoddart.  The Joe Sample Orchestra at Texas Southern will present their U.S., premier concert of “Children of the Sun” on Sunday, December 9th at 4 p.m in the Sawyer Auditorium.  “Children of the Sun” is a suite for Jazz Orchestra composed by Dr. Joe Sample. The audience will be privileged to other "never before heard" releases. The concert is free to the public. The Gospel According to Jazz - Floor Seats 21.99 The Gospel According to Jazz - Balcony 11.49