Philadelphia saxophonist Hiruy Tirfe's debut record, 10,000 Hours, has earned 4 out of 5 stars from DownBeat Magazine. From his early days in Upper Darby's public schools through the Kimmel Center Creative Music Program and University of the Arts, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees, Tirfe developed under Philadelphia jazz mentors Mike Cemprola, Mark Allen, and John Swana. His sound reflects deep technical mastery and creative innovation on the saxophone.

Working with artists like Patti LaBelle, The Roots, Solange Knowles, and DJ Jazzy Jeff has established Tirfe as a compelling voice in contemporary music. Beyond performance, he's moved into film and television scoring with projects like A Nashville Legacy, featuring Andrea Lewis and Pooch Hall. His contributions to Tye Tribbett's Grammy-nominated album All Things New showcase his ability to transcend genres while maintaining artistic integrity.

Lawrence Peryer: What was your first concert?

Hiruy Tirfe: My first concert was at the Kimmel Center For The Performing Arts in Philadelphia, and it was Javon Jackson and Jimmy Cobb's tribute to the legendary Miles Davis record Kind Of Blue. As a student of the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble (under the direction of Marc Johnson), the box office would often give us, the students, free tickets to their jazz series, so it was great to take advantage of that.

Lawrence: What instrument do you wish you could play?

Hiruy: Upright Bass.

Lawrence: What person, dead or alive, would you like to share a meal with (and which meal of the day)?

Hiruy: I would say, John Williams. I have always wanted to pick his brain when it comes to the world of composition.

Lawrence: Chess or checkers?

Hiruy: Snakes & Ladders.

Lawrence:  There's a band playing in Heaven tonight. Who is in it?

Hiruy:

Maurice White & Don Blackman - Vocals
Clyde Stubblefield - Drums
Leonard Hubbard - Bass
Chick Corea - Piano and Keyboards
Chuck Berry - Guitar
Don Myrick - Saxophone
J.J Johnson - Trombone
Clora Bryant - Trumpet

(editor's note: good lord!)

Lawrence: What is your theme song?

Hiruy: "The 6th Sense" - Common

Lawrence: Who is your musical hero?

Hiruy: Professional: Trane, Questlove, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Freddie Hubbard. Friends: Eric Whatley, Immanuel Wilkins, Benjamin St. Fort aka BYNX, Yesseh Furaha-Ali, Marlon Lewis.

Lawrence: What was your first paycheck related to music?

Hiruy: There was this club right outside of Philly called "The Rust Nail" that my band would perform at pretty regularly this one particular summer. Money wasn't a lot, but we thought we were rich.

Lawrence: When you were 15, your favorite artist, song, or album was:

Hiruy: The Roots.

Lawrence: What are some of the places you have saved on your phone's weather app?

Hiruy:  Philly, Orlando, Florida, LA, Vancouver, Chicago, West Chester, NY, Sugarland, Texas.

Lawrence: You are programming a music festival. What artists, dead or alive, headline Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night?

Hiruy: Friday - Earth, Wind, and Fire

Saturday - James Brown

Sunday - Grover Washington Jr

Lawrence: What artist is the most underrated or misunderstood?

Hiruy: Underrated has to go to Rapsody. She is so DOPE!

Lawrence: What was the last concert you saw?

Hiruy: Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals: The Malibu Tour live at the Mann Center in Philadelphia.