Harold Smith, Didgeridoo with Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-04-04 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts, 736 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States
PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series is extremely proud to present a unique performance featuring celebrated didgeridoo player Harold E. Smith with accompaniment by Philadelphia’s own Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble.
Mt. Airy’s own Harold E. Smith has carved out a rare and remarkable niche as Philadelphia’s premier didgeridoo player—perhaps the only one. The didgeridoo, an ancient Aboriginal instrument traditionally made from eucalyptus hollowed by termites, produces a deep, resonant tone that Smith transforms into an astonishing range of sound: meditative drones, pulsing rhythms, even playful barks.
A lifelong jazz musician, Smith discovered the didgeridoo nearly three decades ago, blending world music traditions with the improvisational spirit of jazz. His performances have taken him from Philadelphia’s Sedgwick Cultural Center to collaborations with acclaimed artists such as Byard Lancaster, Steve Turre, and Badal Roy. His self-released album, In the Valley of Sacred Sound, earned praise from DownBeat magazine for the “surprising versatility” of his didgeridoo sound—at once earthy, spiritual, and sonically rich.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Smith began as a jazz drummer, studying with the legendary Elvin Jones and performing alongside innovators like Sam Rivers and Joe McPhee during New York’s avant-garde loft era. A knee injury in the early 1990s ended his drumming career but opened the door to a new creative path. The didgeridoo became his voice—an instrument through which he channels both ancient traditions and contemporary jazz innovation.
Today, Harold E. Smith’s performances are more than concerts—they are transcendent journeys into rhythm, sound, and spirit. Smith, along with Apreggio, will fill the Clef Club stage with boundless musical energy and will undoubtedly immerse you in the soul and very essence of contemporary jazz innovation.
TICKETS HERE

Farid Barron - The Father Quest
2026-04-19 15:00 - 17:00
Farid Barron hit the big time early in the band of trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, studied with Barry Harris, trained in the Russian (Chopin) school under Emmett Vokes –
Bill Evans’ college roommate, and toured with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra before succeeding Sun Ra in the keyboard chair of the Sun Ra Arkestra.
Barron’s playing easily traverses the jazz tradition from stride, bebop and beyond. Tomas Peña writes, “Barron’s exceptional sense of timing, phrasing and timbre puts him on the same level as piano players such as Art Tatum.”

Soundscapes in Conversation
2026-04-23 18:00 - 20:00
Soundscapes in Conversation (Get Tickets)
Meet the Artists Shaping the Future of JazzApril 23, 2026 | Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts
Join us for Soundscapes in Conversation, a rare opportunity to go inside the creative minds of five extraordinary artists in residence for the Clef’s Soundscapes for Tomorrow: Stage One Residencies. This dynamic public conversation brings audiences face-to-face with the artists as they discuss new works in development, artistic lineage, cultural identity, and the ideas shaping the future of jazz.
Facilitated by Brent White, Valerie Gay, and Gerald Veasley, the evening offers an intimate, engaging exchange that invites the community into the creative process—before the music ever reaches the stage.
Meet the Clef’s Soundscapes for Tomorrow resident artists:

Papo Vázquez – NEA Jazz Master and Afro-Caribbean trombonist
Miguel Zenón – MacArthur and Guggenheim Fellow saxophonist and composer
Derrick Hodge – Two-time Grammy-winning bassist and composer
Tia Fuller – Renowned saxophonist, composer, and educator
Nabaté Isles – Grammy-winning trumpeter bridging jazz, media, and contemporary culture

Soundscapes for Tomorrow: Stage One Residencies is a two-year creative initiative presented by the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, designed to engage Philadelphia’s diverse audiences through bold new artistic voices, intergenerational dialogue, and community-centered exchange.
Whether you are a lifelong jazz listener, an emerging artist, or simply curious about how new music is born, Soundscapes Conversations offers a front-row seat to inspiration, insight, and the living legacy of jazz.
Major support for Soundscapes in Conversation and Soundscapes for Tomorrow has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

Special EFX All Stars featuring Chieli Minucci - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-04-25 19:30 - 21:00
Special EFX All Stars featuring Chieli Minucci – Jazz Cultural Voices
PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series is proud to present the Grammy-nominated jazz-fusion group the Special EFX All-Stars to the Philadelphia Clef Club stage for an electrifying and genre-blending jazz and soul performance. A major force in contemporary jazz and world music for over four decades, Special EFX is led by guitarist, composer, and producer Chieli Minucci. His smooth, melodic guitar style shines on hits like “Meant to Be” and “Cool Summer,” both Billboard chart-toppers. A three-time Emmy Award winner, Chieli has also recorded with icons from Celine Dion to Lionel Richie and continues to define the sound of modern fusion.
A two-time Grammy winner and ten-time nominee, Eric Marienthal is one of the most respected saxophonists in contemporary jazz. A former member of Chick Corea’s Elektric Band, he has performed and recorded with legends from Elton John to Stevie Wonder and released 15 acclaimed solo albums. Eric’s expressive sound and global performances have made him a cornerstone of the smooth and modern jazz scenes.
Known as The Soul-Trumpeter, Lin Rountree is a leading voice in instrumental Soul and R&B, boasting 21 Billboard-charting singles—including four #1 hits. Blending jazz sophistication with soulful grooves, his work exemplifies the next generation of contemporary jazz innovation. Lin’s vibrant performances and chart-topping recordings have earned him a reputation as one of the genre’s most dynamic artists.
Award-winning vocalist Rebecca Jade has captivated audiences worldwide with her soulful voice and versatile artistry. She has toured with Sheila E., performed with Sir Elton John, and earned “Breakout Artist of the Year” honors from the Smooth Jazz Network. Blending jazz, soul, and R&B, Rebecca’s performances radiate warmth, power, and authenticity.
Keyboardist and composer Jay Rowe has been a vital part of the smooth jazz scene for decades, performing with artists including Marion Meadows and Kim Waters. A masterful improviser known for his dazzling solos and infectious energy, Jay brings both passion and playfulness to every performance.
Bassist David Livolsi combines the soul of R&B with the precision of jazz and the power of rock. His diverse collaborations span artists like John Scofield, Roberta Flack, and Najee. With a deep groove and expressive style, David anchors every ensemble with both finesse and fire.
Drummer and producer Joel Rosenblatt is celebrated for his dynamic performances with groups such as Spyro Gyra and Steps Ahead. Having toured and recorded worldwide, Joel brings an extraordinary rhythmic sensibility shaped by jazz, fusion, and world influences. His artistry drives every performance with both precision and passion.
Together, the Special EFX All-Stars embody the cutting edge of contemporary jazz, uniting world-class talent and decades of musical mastery. Their performance at the Philadelphia Clef Club promises an unforgettable evening of soulful melodies, electrifying grooves, and genre-defying creativity—showcasing the power, passion, and boundless spirit of modern jazz.
TICKETS HERE

Steve Green: 2026 Return of the Griot's Groove - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-05-09 19:30 - 21:00
Steve Green: 2026 Return of the Griot’s Groove – Jazz Cultural Voices
PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series is proud to present celebrated bassist Steve Green to the Philadelphia Clef Club stage for his immersive Return of Griot’s Groove program. Steve will lead the Clef Club audience through a musical journey through the origin of African American Music while reflecting on the historical and cultural experiences that birthed the creation of this great art form.
Philadelphia native Steve Green is a celebrated bassist whose career spans decades of collaboration with some of music’s greatest legends, including Patti LaBelle, Lou Rawls, Phyllis Hyman, and Teddy Pendergrass. From his early beginnings playing Latin rhythms with Santa Fe at age 14 to becoming the house bassist for Philadelphia International Records, Green’s journey has been one of exploration, innovation, and deep spiritual connection to sound. Influenced by the transcendent power of John Coltrane and his work with artists such as Dexter Wansel and the Tony Williams Lifetime Band, Green’s playing reflects both technical mastery and heartfelt expression.
Green now channels this wealth of experience into his visionary project, Return of Griot’s Groove—a multimedia celebration of African American music and its roots in the traditions of West African Griots. Through live performances, storytelling, dance, and video, the program traces the evolution of Black music from the primal drumbeats of Africa to the spirituals, blues, jazz, soul, funk, and hip-hop that have shaped global culture. It’s more than a concert—it’s a journey through history, sound, and spirit, illuminating how music became both a voice of survival and a beacon of resilience.
The performance features an exceptional lineup of artists, including Grammy-nominated trombonist and NEA Jazz Master Papo Vázquez, world-renowned trumpeter Terell Stafford, and acclaimed pianist and PEW Fellow Sumi Tonooka. Together with Green, these artists bring depth, energy, and authenticity to a performance that bridges generations and genres. Their synergy on stage evokes the heartbeat of a people whose creativity continues to inspire and transform the world.
Return of Griot’s Groove stands as a testament to the enduring power of African American artistry. It celebrates the rhythms, stories, and spiritual resilience that have defined centuries of cultural evolution. Whether you come for the music, the message, or the movement, you’ll leave uplifted—reminded that the groove of the Griot still lives on, connecting past and present through the universal language of sound.

Josh Lawrence – Still We Dream - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-05-16 19:30 - 21:30
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.
TICKETS HERE

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

Soundscapes for Tomorrow and PCC Diamond Year Anniversary & Awards Ceremony feat. Tia Fuller in Concert
2026-09-26 18:00 - 21:00
Soundscapes for Tomorrow: Stage One Residencies (Get Tickets)
A Signature Program of the Clef’s 60th Anniversary Celebration
Major support for Soundscapes for Tomorrow has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage
As the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts marks 60 years of cultural leadership, Soundscapes for Tomorrow: Stage One Residencies stands at the center of this historic milestone—honoring legacy, amplifying today’s voices, and investing boldly in the future of jazz.
This two-year creative residency initiative reflects the Clef’s enduring role as a national steward of jazz culture. Through five immersive artist residencies led by nationally and internationally acclaimed jazz artists, Soundscapes for Tomorrowinvites audiences into the creative process itself—where heritage, innovation, and community converge.
Residencies encompass the creation of new works, rehearsals, artist conversations, master classes, and public workshops—offering rare access to the ideas, influences, and collaborations that shape contemporary jazz.
The Clef Club 60th Anniversary Awards Celebration
The Clef Club’s 60th Anniversary Awards Celebration will be hosted by Senator Vincent Hughes and will feature a distinguished awards program recognizing the individuals whose leadership and artistry have shaped—and continue to shape—the Clef’s enduring impact.
Honors and Recognitions
Founders’ Legacy Award (Posthumous)
Honoring James “Jimmy” Adams, visionary founder of the Clef Club
Presented by Dr. Diane Turner,
Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University
Visionary Leadership Award
Honoring Dr. Bernard Watson, whose leadership and foresight were instrumental in the creation and construction of the Clef Club’s purpose-built facility in 1995
Presented by Dr. Ken Scott,
President, The Beech Companies
Soundscapes for Tomorrow Artistic Excellence Awards
Presented by Valerie Gay,
Chief Cultural Officer, City of Philadelphia
Honoring the 2026 Soundscapes for Tomorrow Resident Artists:

Tia Fuller
Papo Vázquez
Nabaté Isles
Derrick Hodge
Miguel Zenón

Selected through the Clef Club’s National Artist Advisory Committee, these artists represent a powerful spectrum of jazz expression—bridging tradition and experimentation, cultural memory and contemporary voice. Residency themes explore the reimagining of jazz through Puerto Rican Indigenous music, the evolution of new genres through cultural fusion, and the role of intergenerational exchange as a catalyst for artistic innovation.
A Defining Artistic Moment
The evening will include food and community gathering, culminating in a landmark artistic event:
Tia Fuller will present the world premiere of her commissioned Soundscapes for Tomorrow work—a moment that both celebrates creative culmination and signals the Clef’s next chapter of artistic leadership.
Program Impact & Access
All residencies culminate in world-premiere performances at the Clef Club, supported by livestreaming and professional video documentation to extend access to national and international audiences. To ensure broad participation, the Clef Club will provide complimentary tickets through local nonprofit partners, reinforcing its commitment to accessibility and community engagement.
Resident artists are supported through honoraria, travel and lodging, rehearsal space, access to multitrack recording studios, professional audio and video production, and the Clef Club’s historic jazz archive. A hybrid residency model—combining in-person and remote engagement—accommodates the demanding schedules of leading artists while stewarding resources responsibly.

A Legacy Forward
Together, Soundscapes for Tomorrow and the Clef’s 60th Anniversary Celebration reaffirm the organization’s mission to celebrate, preserve, and advance jazz through education, performance, and cultural engagement—positioning the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts as a national hub for artistic excellence, innovation, and inclusion.

Soundscapes for Tomorrow feat. Papo Vázquez World Premiere
2026-10-17 19:00 - 21:00
