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RUTH NAOMI FLOYD is a gifted vocalist-composer who has been at forefront of creating vocal jazz settings that express Christian theology for over 17 years. As a leader, she has released several highly acclaimed recordings. Blessed with a soaring mezzo-soprano voice, critics have praised Ms. Floyd's music for its distinctive sound of progressive ensemble jazz that is seamlessly blended with explicit Biblical messages of unwavering faith in God.

PNC Arts Alive presents Jazz Cultural Voices.   The PNC Arts Alive Initiative has demonstrated a belief in the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts and a commitment to providing us with the funding that makes this event possible.

Monnette Sudler, Jazz│Guitarist│Composer│Vocalist│Recording Artist│Educator

Trombonist Papo Vázquez was born in Philadelphia and by the age of 22 had traveled the globe. In his 40-year career he has played with Slide Hampton, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Foster, Mel Lewis, Hilton Ruiz and toured Europe with the Ray Charles Orchestra.

Vázquez has always been deeply moved by jazz, and specifically cites the music of John Coltrane and J.J. Johnson as having most influenced him. His appreciation and knowledge of the indigenous music of the Caribbean provides him with a unique ability to fuse Afro-Caribbean rhythms, specifically those from Puerto Rico, with freer melodic and harmonic elements of progressive jazz.

PNC Arts Alive “Jazz Cultural Voices,” a series of 12 concerts and educational activities presented by the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts during the 2018-2019 season. A year-long, once a month for twelve months, on the third Saturday – Open House style of events utilizing PCC’s 200 seat concert hall, and use of multiple music studios. The new initiative was created with the intent to expose audiences to unique and surprising connections between many musical genre-crossing. Jazz Cultural Voices is designed for patrons to experience different cultures through music and educational activities.

“Jazz Cultural Voices Finale” Featured Musicians:

Sumi Tonooka
Papo Vazquez
Bobby Zankel
Monnette Sudler
Joseph Block/Dylan Band/Philadelphia Clef Club Community Big Band
Alfie Pollitt/George Bussey

Charles has perfected an extremely individual and distinctive sound which clearly sets him apart from other trumpet players. Characterized by a strong sense of tradition, he said in a recent Downbeat magazine interview about his approach to improvising that, “I like to rumble. I take the most difficult routes for improvisation. It’s easy to play a number of choruses effortlessly and never make a mistake, never break down. That’s no fun. You need to get in hot water by trying something out right from the jump, get yourself out of that, and move on to the next chorus.”

Alto & Soprano saxophonist and bandleader, Jaleel Shaw, won the 2014 Downbeat Critics Poll's for Rising Star Alto Saxophonist. He is a longtime member of the Roy Haynes Quartet, Tom Harrell’s “Colors Of A Dream” and has performed with Christian McBride, Jason Moran, the Mingus Big Band, Pat Metheny, Stefon Harris, Roy Hargrove, Chick Corea, Dave Holland, Jimmy Cobb and several others.

Sharing Successes through Performances

The Music Education Program of the Philadelphia Clef Club will present its student recital on Saturday, December 14, 2019 1:00-3:00 PM.

Michele Rosewoman, a vanguard and pioneering artist in her field, mines acoustic modern jazz, sophisticated funk, dynamic electric fusion and elements of Cuban folkloric music, to create a distinct musical experience. Her command and rich vocabulary elegantly expands the horizons and boundaries of jazz while remaining firmly rooted in tradition. With a more than 30-year history, Rosewoman stands out in her class as a visionary pianist, composer bandleader and gifted performer.

Jonathan Scales is one of the most innovative steel pannists on the planet, and is redefining and challenging traditional expectations of his signature instrument. In his hands, the sonic palette of an instrument often associated with cruise ships and tropical resorts is radically expanded to mimic the role of horns, piano, vibraphone or marimba due to his stunning, virtuosic technique. Scales’ mesmerizing compositions have captivated listeners and elevated him to the status of a true composer, forging new territory in the medium of instrumental music.

A musical journey through the origin of African American Music. Reflecting
on the historical and cultural experiences that birthed the creation of this
great art form. The groove of a people who were kidnapped and enslaved
but rose above the limitations of a system designed to destroy their spirit.
The Music, dance and poetry that would rise from the ashes of oppression
to captivate and change the entire world. Told in the tradition of the Griots
of West Africa. Combining live musical performances with video, dance and
poetry. The Journey of the Griots Groove is American History. The
Journey of the Griots Groove is our history.

Reginald Workman master class is made possible by grant awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, Wyncote Foundation and PECO Exelon Corporation.

Reginald “Reggie” Workman is recognized as one of the most technically gifted American avant-garde jazz and hard bop double bassists in history. He is a teacher, composer, and jazz advocate whose style ranges from Bop, Post-Bop and beyond.

PNC Arts Alive presents Jazz Cultural Voices.  The Philadelphia Clef of Jazz & Performing Arts has received this very prestigious grant award.  Just over 30 organizations in the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region were selected for bold thinking around increasing arts access and engagement and Jazz Cultural Voices was one.

“Through PNC Arts Alive, we continue to help invigorate local arts organizations while bringing new and exciting programs to our community,” said Joe Meterchick, PNC regional president for Philadelphia, Delaware and Southern New Jersey.  “The creativity and collaboration demonstrated by the local arts community is evident in the programs that will be introduced, while enabling new visitors and residents alike to experience a diverse range of exhibits and performances.”

For more information on PNC Arts Alive and the grant recipients visit www.PNCARTSALIVE.com

ODEAN POPE’S SAXOPHONE CHOIR An abundance of musical pleasure awaits you as jazz giant Odean Pope’s Saxophone Choir featuring Pharaoh Sanders and James Carter, commands the Clef Club stage, on April 24 and 25, 2020.  The Saxophone Choir is formatted

ODEAN POPE’S SAXOPHONE CHOIR An abundance of musical pleasure awaits you as jazz giant Odean Pope’s Saxophone Choir featuring Pharaoh Sanders and James Carter, commands the Clef Club stage, on April 24 and 25, 2020.  The Saxophone Choir is formatted

ODEAN POPE’S SAXOPHONE CHOIR An abundance of musical pleasure awaits you as jazz giant Odean Pope’s Saxophone Choir featuring Pharaoh Sanders and James Carter, commands the Clef Club stage, on April 24 and 25, 2020.  The Saxophone Choir is formatted

ODEAN POPE’S SAXOPHONE CHOIR An abundance of musical pleasure awaits you as jazz giant Odean Pope’s Saxophone Choir featuring Pharaoh Sanders and James Carter, commands the Clef Club stage, on April 24 and 25, 2020.  The Saxophone Choir is formatted

An evening celebrating the musical ties of 3 cities: Philadelphia – Havana – New York
The 1980 landmark album Ya Yo Me Cure by Jerry Gonzalez identified the future of Latin Jazz. It re-contextualized Latin Jazz blending the best aspects of Afro Cuban rumba and Jazz through the lens of New York’s Central Park rumberos.

This evening at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, and in this installment of their Jazz Cultural Voices series Trombonist Steve Turre, joins Sonic Liberation Front and artists drawn from 2 generations celebrating this music and its impact on the current day.

Mr. Turre and all of the 14 artists assembled have performed or recorded with some of the iconic names in jazz, latin, and folkloric music. The evening will unfold as in permutations of the assembled artists to form something akin to a variety show.

PNC Arts Alive presents Jazz Cultural Voices.  The Philadelphia Clef of Jazz & Performing Arts has received this very prestigious grant award.  Just over 30 organizations in the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region were selected for bold thinking around increasing arts access and engagement and Jazz Cultural Voices was one.

“Through PNC Arts Alive, we continue to help invigorate local arts organizations while bringing new and exciting programs to our community,” said Joe Meterchick, PNC regional president for Philadelphia, Delaware and Southern New Jersey.  “The creativity and collaboration demonstrated by the local arts community is evident in the programs that will be introduced, while enabling new visitors and residents alike to experience a diverse range of exhibits and performances.”

For more information on PNC Arts Alive and the grant recipients visit www.PNCARTSALIVE.com

Sumi Tonooka will share jewels from three of her historical teachers. This Master Class is in three parts, essentially three mini lectures, discussing her work as a composer, pianist, focusing on essential lessons that she learned while studying with three great jazz musician composers, Bernard Peiffer, Dennis Sandole and MaryLou Wiillams. 

NEA Master and Grammy® Award nominee, Angel R. “Papo” Vázquez is a jazz trombonist with his own style, arranger, composer, and he is one of the key figures of Latin music. While still a teenager, he moved to New York City, performing in groups such as Conjunto Libre, in the band of Héctor Lavoe, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri and Willie Colón. Celebrating a career that now spans over four decades, in the jazz world, Papo has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Ray Charles, Slide Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie.

PNC Arts Alive presents Jazz Cultural Voices.  The Philadelphia Clef of Jazz & Performing Arts has received this very prestigious grant award.  Just over 30 organizations in the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region were selected for bold thinking around increasing arts access and engagement and Jazz Cultural Voices was one.

Postponed (New date to be announced)

Joey DeFrancesco is an American jazz organist, trumpeter, and vocalist. He has released more than 30 albums, including recordings with Miles Davis and Jimmy Smith. The Philadelphia Clef of Jazz & Performing Arts has received this very prestigious grant award.  Just over

The Nabate Isles Master Class is an educational project of the Philadelphia Clef Club, under the initiative PNC Arts Alive, “Jazz Cultural Voices” performance series.  

Tia Fuller is a saxophonist, composer, and educator, and a member of the all-female band touring with Beyoncé. Fuller is currently a faculty member in the ensembles department at Berklee College of Music. 

The Philadelphia Clef of Jazz & Performing Arts has received this very prestigious grant award. Just over 30 organizations in the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region were selected for bold thinking around increasing arts access and engagement and “Jazz Cultural Voices” was one.

PNC Arts Alive presents “Jazz Cultural Voices” concert series. The Philadelphia Clef of Jazz & Performing Arts has received this very prestigious grant award. Just over 30 organizations in the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region were selected for bold thinking around increasing arts access and engagement and “Jazz Cultural Voices” was one.

“Through PNC Arts Alive, we continue to help invigorate local arts organizations while bringing new and exciting programs to our community,” said Joe Meterchick, PNC regional president for Philadelphia, Delaware and Southern New Jersey. “The creativity and collaboration demonstrated by the local arts community is evident in the programs that will be introduced, while enabling new visitors and residents alike to experience a diverse range of exhibits and performances.”

For more information on PNC Arts Alive and the grant recipients visit www.PNCARTSALIVE.com

Reggie Workman is one of the premier bassists in jazz, performing in mainstream jazz as well as in the avant-garde scene, and a member of two of jazz’s most important groups: the John Coltrane Quartet and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. He