Josh Lawrence – Still We Dream - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-05-16 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts, 736 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States
Josh Lawrence – Still We Dream
PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series is proud to present trumpeter, composer, and bandleader Josh Lawrence on his Still We Still Dream album tour. The album, released in August, is “set of conversations—between Thelonius Monk and Frédéric Chopin, between past and present, between the real and the imagined.”
Lawrence has earned critical acclaim and is acknowledged as a “preeminent voice among young composers” (Downbeat 2017). Throughout his musical career, marked by numerous accolades and prestigious commissions, Lawrence has made significant contributions to the jazz continuum.
His artistic journey is illuminated by awards from institutions such as the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, American Composers Forum, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chamber Music America, Come Hear North Carolina, and Festival of New Trumpet Music.
As a trumpeter, Lawrence has recorded several solo albums with Posi-Tone Records, and co-led two albums with the Fresh Cut Orchestra on Ropeadope Records. He has received three Grammy Award nominations, two for his collaborations with pianist Orrin Evans’ Captain Black Big Band and Smoke Sessions Recordsand one for his work on bassist Adam Blackstone’s album “Legacy (The Instrumental Jawn).” Lawrence’s musical versatility is evident in his contributions to recordings by renowned artists like Erykah Badu, Boyz II Men, Caleb Curtis, Matt Davis’ Aerial Photograph, Lizanne Knott, Brian Marsella’s Imaginarium, Jonathan Michel, Peter Nelson, New Faces, Jazmine Sullivan, Laurin Talese, and Tarbaby.
A lifelong learner, Lawrence studied under the tutelage of legendary pianist Barry Harris and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and a Master’s degree from the Juilliard School in New York. His time spent with Harris helped to inspire Still We Still Dream:
“That impulse grew from my time studying with Barry [Harris], who could take a melody from Bach and recast it in the voice of Bud Powell. To Barry, there were no barriers between jazz and classical music—only ideas, sound, and the expressive potential of the piano. That philosophy guided these quintet arrangements, which seek not to fuse genres but to let musical traditions encounter each other on open terms.”
This performance offers an intimate glimpse into Josh Lawrence’s ever-evolving artistry — a blend of technical mastery, emotional depth, and fearless exploration. Through Still We Still Dream, Lawrence and his ensemble invite listeners to experience the fluid conversation between genres, generations, and dreams themselves. It’s a celebration of jazz’s living tradition, reimagined with vision, reverence, and boundless creativity.

Music Legends Matinee featuring the music of Miles Davis, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-05-17 15:00 - 17:00
PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series and The Philadelphia Clef Club are proud to present an elegant afternoon of jazz with a very special Music Legends Matinee, a tribute to three of the most enduring voices in American music: Miles Davis, Elvis Presley, and Whitney Houston as interpreted by Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble.
This performance honors the artistry and influence of these iconic performers through thoughtfully reimagined arrangements and soulful interpretation. Drawing from the rich traditions of jazz, rock ‘n‘ roll, and R&B, the ensemble brings renewed depth and freshness to beloved classics while preserving the emotional power and timeless appeal of these legendary artists.
Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble offers audiences a graceful journey through the golden era of American song, blending nostalgia with musical sophistication. Perfect for jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike, the concert celebrates the legacy of these trailblazing artists in an intimate and engaging setting.
Formed in 1979 by bassist Warren Oree, Arpeggio’s repertoire includes original and standard compositions ranging from soft, contemplative melodies to energetic, dancefloor-ready orchestrations.
The beloved house band of the Friday Night Jazz series at The Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill, PA, Arpeggio has also shared their creative energy at jazz festivals and concerts throughout the United States, Brazil, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean while releasing nine full-length albums throughout their storied career.
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of swing, rock, soul, and timeless melodies on Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts.
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Music Legends Matinee featuring the music of Duke Ellington, Ray Charles and Nat King Cole - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-06-07 15:00 - 17:00
PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series and The Philadelphia Clef Club are proud to present an elegant afternoon of jazz with a very special Music Legends Matinee, a tribute to three of the most enduring voices in American music: Duke Ellington, Ray Charles and Nat King Cole as interpreted by Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble.
This performance honors the artistry and influence of these iconic performers through thoughtfully reimagined arrangements and soulful interpretation. Drawing from the rich traditions of jazz, soul, and R&B, the ensemble brings renewed depth and freshness to beloved classics while preserving the emotional power and timeless appeal of these legendary artists.
Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble offers audiences a graceful journey through the golden era of American song, blending nostalgia with musical sophistication. Perfect for jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike, the concert celebrates the legacy of these trailblazing artists in an intimate and engaging setting.
Formed in 1979 by bassist Warren Oree, Arpeggio’s repertoire includes original and standard compositions ranging from soft, contemplative melodies to energetic, dancefloor-ready orchestrations.
The beloved house band of the Friday Night Jazz series at The Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill, PA, Arpeggio has also shared their creative energy at jazz festivals and concerts throughout the United States, Brazil, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean while releasing nine full-length albums throughout their storied career.
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of elegant big band jazz, soul, and timeless melodies on Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts.
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Pablo Batista Latin Jazz Ensemble
2026-06-13 19:30 - 21:00
PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series is proud to present an evening with master percussionist Pablo Batista and his Latin Jazz Ensemble at the Philadelphia Clef Club. Pablo has performed, recorded and toured internationally for 30 years with some of the biggest stars in rhythm and blues, jazz, Latin, pop and gospel. These included artists as diverse as Alicia Keys, Patti Labelle, Kirk Franklin, Jill Scott, Gerald Levert, Jeffrey Osborne, Phyllis Hyman, Teddy Pendergrass, Diane Reeves, Norman Brown, Manny Oquendo and Libre, Eddie Palmieri, and Musiq. A drummer of unusually diverse talents, he is highly regarded for his professionalism, tireless work ethic and ability to listen and integrate his playing into almost any style at the highest level of musicianship. He holds the rare distinction of having performed on Grammy-winning releases in jazz, R & B and gospel, but he has also been a guest with the Philadelphia Orchestra Percussion Ensemble.
Since 1991, he has received multiple Pennsylvania Council on the Arts grants and Pew Fellowships, studying in Cuba with masters such as Pello “el Afrokan,” Miguel “Anga” Díaz, and members of Ballet Folklórico Cutumba.
He has premiered major works including El Viaje (The Journey) at Temple Performing Arts Center and leads his 10-piece Mambo Syndicate. In addition to performing and recording, Pablo is a sought-after educator, teaching master classes at the Curtis Institute of Music and mentoring students in North Philadelphia.
Don’t miss this electrifying evening with Pablo Batista and his Latin Jazz Ensemble as part of the PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series at the Philadelphia Clef Club. Experience the fiery rhythms, soulful melodies, and world-class musicianship of one of the most accomplished percussionists of our time. Blending the traditions of Latin, jazz, and Afro-Cuban music, Pablo and his ensemble promise a high-energy, heartfelt performance that celebrates culture, creativity, and the unifying power of rhythm.
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Richard Hill - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-07-11 19:30 - 21:00
PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series is proud to present distinguished bassist and composer Richard Hill Jr. to the Clef Club stage. Richard has been a vital force in the Philadelphia music scene since his youth. A 2014 Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts award winner for bass, his impressive performance career includes collaborations with jazz luminaries like Wynton Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Frank Foster, Jackie McLean, Bobby Zankel, and Sumi Tonooka, alongside artists such as Robert Glasper, Bilal, Sharon Katz and the Peace Train, and Mickey Roker. His recording credits further showcase his versatility, featuring work with Javon Jackson, Jill Scott, Touch of Jazz Studios, and the Korean Broadcasting Network.
Bringing his deep musical passion to Delaware, Richard continues to perform actively with local artists including Gerald Chavis, Tony Smith, and Fostina Dixon. His significant contributions extend beyond performance; he served as the resident composing artist at Philadelphia’s prestigious Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Currently, Richard channels his expertise and dedication into music education passionately guiding the next generation of young musicians.
One of Hill’s early influences was the great 20th century giant Billy Strayhorn, “whose use of melodies really touches your soul.” And one of his first professional jobs as a musician was connecting with the music of another great – he worked at Philadelphia’s Annenberg Theatre in a production of Ain’t Misbehavin’, a musical based on the life and music of Fats Waller.
Hill’s current – and most personal – project is the dance of diversity, a suite that employs the “rhythms of the various micro communities in Wilmington.” Quoting the great Charlie Parker, Hill feels that “now is the time” for it. One of his great rewards is “seeing my past students becoming the light.”
Don’t miss this special night with Richard Hill Jr. and witness his incredible talent, original sounds, and deep passion for jazz in an evening that celebrates creativity, community, and connection. It’s sure to be a soulful, inspiring performance that reminds us why live jazz in Philly is something truly special.
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Music Legends Matinee featuring the music of Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Cash - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-08-30 15:00 - 17:00
PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series and The Philadelphia Clef Club are proud to present an elegant afternoon of jazz with a very special Music Legends Matinee, a tribute to three of the most enduring voices in American music: Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, and Johnny Cash as interpreted by Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble.
This performance honors the artistry and influence of these iconic performers through thoughtfully reimagined arrangements and soulful interpretation. Drawing from the rich traditions of jazz, R&B, and country, the ensemble brings renewed depth and freshness to beloved classics while preserving the emotional power and timeless appeal of these legendary artists.
Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble offers audiences a graceful journey through the golden era of American song, blending nostalgia with musical sophistication. Perfect for jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike, the concert celebrates the legacy of these trailblazing artists in an intimate and engaging setting.
Formed in 1979 by bassist Warren Oree, Arpeggio’s repertoire includes original and standard compositions ranging from soft, contemplative melodies to energetic, dancefloor-ready orchestrations.
The beloved house band of the Friday Night Jazz series at The Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill, PA, Arpeggio has also shared their creative energy at jazz festivals and concerts throughout the United States, Brazil, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean while releasing nine full-length albums throughout their storied career.
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of swing, soul, and timeless melodies on Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts.
GET TICKETS
