A noted classical and jazz pianist born in New Zealand and now teaching in Texas will play two concerts this month to help support a homeless shelter established on the Island for the first time this past winter.

Charles Whitehead, a doctoral student and instructor at the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Texas Tech University, will perform the concerts in early July before flying to Scotland to play at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The first concert, drawing from the classical repertoire, is on July 9 at the Old Whaling Church. The second, an evening of jazz for a smaller audience, takes place the following night at a private home on Sengekontacket Road.

The All-Island Clergy Association began the Hospitality Homes program this past winter to meet a clear but quiet need: housing homeless individuals and families overnight during the coldest three months of the year. The church shelter program offered hot dinners, a place to bunk down and a good breakfast at one of three churches in Edgartown and Vineyard Haven every night of the week between Jan. 1 and March 31.

More than 150 Islanders volunteered, first going through a training program modeled on a shelter in Wareham. The shelters usually housed four to eight men and women in separate quarters each night. Organizers and volunteers believe the need will intensify this coming winter.

Mr. Whitehead will play selections from classical masters at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 9. He will be accompanied in part by Lia Kahler, a mezzo-soprano with long Island ties.

On July 10 he will play jazz standards and other pieces at the home of Marianne Goldsmith, off Sengekontacket Road, beginning at 8 p.m. Seating is limited to 50 guests, and those attending are asked to RSVP to 774-563-8219 by Sunday, July 3. Suggested donation is $25.

Before the July 9 concert, organizers will stage an auction for tickets to the second performance at the private home; there will be other items on the block as well. Tickets to the first concert may be purchased by calling 774-563-8219 or through mvhospitalityhomes@outlook.com. The cost is $20 in advance or $25 at the door.