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 (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 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.
GET TICKETS

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.
GET TICKETS

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.
Get Tickets

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
