Jeff Knoettner's Tribute to Thelonious Monk (Jazz Matinee) - Jazz Cultural Voices Concert Series 2025
2025-02-23 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts, 736 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States
Jeff Knoettner has performed widely, including with his own group (jeffjazz trio). He’s played at festivals nationwide, including at Delaware’s own renowned Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, where he’s played with bands that opened for performers like Buddy Guy, B.B. King, BWB, and Grammy- and Emmy- winner Arturo Sandoval. And for over 25, years, he’s been pianist for The Cartoon Christmas Trio, whose holiday tunes pack the house in scores of venues.
As a performer and composer, Knoettner is inspired by a host of musicians – from early influences (those big band albums, Maynard Ferguson, Chuck Mangione) to current performers like Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, and The Yellowjackets.
Many kudos to PNC Arts Alive

PNC Arts Alive Year 16:
PNC Arts Alive a multi-million dollar funding initiative of The PNC Foundation, designed to support visual and performing arts organizations and make the arts accessible to all audiences. At its core, PNC Arts Alive recognizes the inherent value of a vibrant arts and cultural sector – both here in our community and more broadly – as a reflection of our shared cultural heritage and individual experiences; a vital pathway for the exploration of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and a significant driver of our regional economy. Since its debut in 2009, PNC Arts Alive has provided $15 million in funding to support more than 300 art exhibitions, interactive installations, performances, festivals, and pop-up arts experiences, all benefiting 2+ million community members here in Greater Philadelphia.

Vijay Iyer - Jazz Cultural Voices Concert Series 2025
2025-03-15 19:30 - 22:00
THE VIJAY IYER TRIO

Composer-pianist VIJAY IYER has carved out a unique path as an influential, shape-shifting presence in 21st-century music. His deeply interactive, powerfully expressive musical language is indebted to the composer-pianist lineage from Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk to Alice Coltrane and Geri Allen, the creative music movement of the 60s and 70s, and rhythmic traditions of South Asia and West Africa. As MinnPost recently observed, “twining composition and improvisation is rightfully his most celebrated métier.” He has released twenty-six widely praised albums; received three Grammy nominations, numerous national and international prizes, and a MacArthur Fellowship; composed for orchestras, soloists, and chamber ensembles; and collaborated with poets, filmmakers, choreographers, and music-makers from across the planet. But Iyer’s artistry finds perhaps its purest expression in his most celebrated group, the Vijay Iyer Trio, praised by NPR as “truly astonishing” and by The New York Times as “one of the best bands in jazz.”

Over the years this pivotal ensemble has nurtured a remarkable roster of now-revered young musicians. The first longstanding iteration of Iyer’s trio, featuring bassist Stephan Crump and wunderkind drummer Marcus Gilmore, became one of the definitive ensembles of the 2010s. Their three groundbreaking albums – Historicity (ACT, 2009), Accelerando (ACT, 2012), and Break Stuff (ECM, 2015), received universal acclaim in the jazz and mainstream press, each one winning multiple awards for best album, best jazz group, and best pianist, and cementing a place for Iyer in the modern musical firmament. Their repertoire juxtaposed memorable covers of “Galang,” “Human Nature,” and “The Star of a Story” with Iyer’s intricate, soulful compositions.

In 2021, an all-star incarnation of Iyer’s trio with bassist Linda May Han Oh and drummer Tyshawn Sorey released Uneasy (ECM), which was named one of the best jazz albums of 2021 by Pitchfork, The New Yorker, NPR, the Boston Globe, and numerous other publications. The group’s riveting 2024 follow-up Compassion (ECM) was named one of the best albums of 2024 by The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, NPR, The Wire, and The Denver Post, and was hailed by Forbes as “a masterful work that overflows with beauty, feeling, warmth and sensitivity.” These two discs are the work of an ensemble that bears some resemblance to that earlier band—retaining Iyer’s attraction to dark colors, elliptical shapes, and plunging momentum—but there’s a more pronounced expression of equal say among the musicians, along with a powerful sense of shared purpose and a stratospheric level of attunement. The two newer recordings are also, in their titular implications and references, more overtly political, featuring Iyer’s compositions “Children of Flint,” “Combat Breathing,” and the memorial tributes “Arch” (for Archbishop Desmond Tutu), and “It Goes” (for Emmett Till).

Iyer’s ever-evolving trio conception, developed over 30 years with an enviable roster of state-of-the-art bassists and drummers, finds inspiration in the trio music of Ahmad Jamal, the Ellington/Mingus/Roach summit Money Jungle, Andrew Hill’s Smokestack, McCoy Tyner’s 1970s ensembles, the rhythm-section alchemies of James Brown, Fela Kuti, and the Meters, South Asian rhythmic forms, and the expressive nuance of chamber music. The results, over the span of his trio’s five pivotal recordings and hundreds of performances, have not only defied the old categories, but created entirely new ones.

Nnenna Freelon - Jazz Cultural Voices Concert Series 2025
2025-03-29 19:30
Nnenna Freelon
Multi GRAMMY® Award nominee Nnenna Freelon is known worldwide as a compelling and captivating live performer. Recently, Nnenna starred in the critically acclaimed show Georgia on My Mind: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles – no stranger to the music of the master singer – she toured with Ray Charles, as well as many other great jazz artists including Ellis Marsalis, Al Jarreau, George Benson, Earl Klugh, Take 6, and others.
Accolades and awards have abounded – performances at The White House, headlining the Asia Pacific Economic Summit for three hundred Presidents, Premiers and Heads of State, receiving the YWCA of North Carolina’s inaugural “Legend Award” for her outstanding artistry and her dedication to education, and so much more
Educating young people, both musicians and non-musicians, and students of all ages has propelled her advocacy – Nnenna toured the United States as the National Spokesperson for Partners in Education. Her master classes and workshops, from “Sound Sculpture” to the ground-breaking “Babysong,” instruct adults and children that you too can change the world – even one person at a time – with her anthem “One Child at a Time” found on her “Soulcall” recording. From Partners in Education to the United Way, Freelon has been a tireless advocate and fundraiser for education and arts causes.
Many kudos to PNC Arts Alive

PNC Arts Alive Year 16:
PNC Arts Alive a multi-million dollar funding initiative of The PNC Foundation, designed to support visual and performing arts organizations and make the arts accessible to all audiences. At its core, PNC Arts Alive recognizes the inherent value of a vibrant arts and cultural sector – both here in our community and more broadly – as a reflection of our shared cultural heritage and individual experiences; a vital pathway for the exploration of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and a significant driver of our regional economy. Since its debut in 2009, PNC Arts Alive has provided $15 million in funding to support more than 300 art exhibitions, interactive installations, performances, festivals, and pop-up arts experiences, all benefiting 2+ million community members here in Greater Philadelphia.

Nabate Isles - Jazz Cultural Voices Concert Series 2025
2025-04-05 19:30 - 22:00
Nabaté Isles is a Grammy-winning trumpeter as well as a composer and producer, born and raised in New York City. Nabaté’s second album called, En Motion, was released on Ropeadope Records on January 27, 2023. The album features the core lineup of Sam Barsh (also the album’s producer), Eric Harland, Kaveh Rastegar, David Gilmore and Rachel Eckroth & guests include James Francies, Ben Wendel, Victor Provost, Sasha Berliner and Badia Farha. Added featured performers on the album are Mumu Fresh, Kardinal Offishall and Chuck D.
Nabaté released his debut album called, ‘Eclectic Excursions’ in the Summer of 2018. The independent album was in the Top-50 in the JazzWeek charts for 6 weeks and is receiving critical acclaim. The album features a plethora of great musicians like Elzhi, Sam Barsh (who produced the album as well), Christian McBride, Nate Smith, Ben Williams, Johnathan Blake, Brad Jones, David Gilmore and others.
Many kudos to PNC Arts Alive

PNC Arts Alive Year 16:
PNC Arts Alive a multi-million dollar funding initiative of The PNC Foundation, designed to support visual and performing arts organizations and make the arts accessible to all audiences. At its core, PNC Arts Alive recognizes the inherent value of a vibrant arts and cultural sector – both here in our community and more broadly – as a reflection of our shared cultural heritage and individual experiences; a vital pathway for the exploration of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and a significant driver of our regional economy. Since its debut in 2009, PNC Arts Alive has provided $15 million in funding to support more than 300 art exhibitions, interactive installations, performances, festivals, and pop-up arts experiences, all benefiting 2+ million community members here in Greater Philadelphia.

Frank Butrey's Tribute to Wes Montgomery (Jazz Matinee) - Jazz Cultural Voices Concert Series 2025
2025-04-13 15:00 - 17:00
Frank Butrey graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Guitar Performance and Studio Teaching. He studied classical guitar under the expert tutelage of Dimitri Erdely. Frank studied jazz improvisation, composition and arranging with Basil Ronzitti, Ed Flanagan and Steve Giordano.
Frank led the Depot Street Jazz Quartet, performed with diverse ensembles such as 18 Strings (guitar trio), Reach (jazz quintet), and was featured as a guest soloist with Concourse, Basil Ronzitti, Bruce Johnstone, Floyd Williams, Mark Gridley, the Edinboro University and Allegheny College jazz bands, and many more.
Many kudos to PNC Arts Alive

PNC Arts Alive Year 16:
PNC Arts Alive a multi-million dollar funding initiative of The PNC Foundation, designed to support visual and performing arts organizations and make the arts accessible to all audiences. At its core, PNC Arts Alive recognizes the inherent value of a vibrant arts and cultural sector – both here in our community and more broadly – as a reflection of our shared cultural heritage and individual experiences; a vital pathway for the exploration of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and a significant driver of our regional economy. Since its debut in 2009, PNC Arts Alive has provided $15 million in funding to support more than 300 art exhibitions, interactive installations, performances, festivals, and pop-up arts experiences, all benefiting 2+ million community members here in Greater Philadelphia.

Clef plus CAPA - Youth Jazz Collaborative Concert-POSTPONED
2025-04-23 18:00
Under the musical direction of Dr. Jay Fluellan (CAPA Director) the evening will feature a dynamic mix of original compositions by Larry Price (Clef Club) and Dr. Fluellan, alogside deep-cut jazz standards.
*****POSTPONED*****

Nicholas Payton – Jazz Cultural Voices Concert CANCELLED
2025-05-10 19:30 - 22:00
CANCELLED – Nicholas Payton is an American trumpet player and multi-instrumentalist. A Grammy award winner, he is from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is also a writer who comments on subjects including music, race, politics, and life in America.
As a leading voice in American popular music, the Grammy Award-winning Nicholas Payton is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, producer, arranger, essayist, and social activist who defies musical and artistic categories. All the while, he honors the tradition of what he terms “postmodern New Orleans music,” as well as the spirit of Black American Music, of which he states, “There are no fields, per se. There are lineages.”

Alex Claffy feat. Kurt Rosenwinkel and Johnathan Blake - Jazz Cultural Voices Concert Series 2025
2025-05-31 19:30
Alexander Claffy is a jazz bassist, composer and arranger based in New York. He has played with artists including Jimmy Cobb, Louis Hayes, Harold Mabern, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Christian Scott and Joey Alexander. In addition to an album of standards, he has released a series of genre-defying compositions with his band simply known as Claffy.
Many kudos to PNC Arts Alive

PNC Arts Alive Year 16:
PNC Arts Alive a multi-million dollar funding initiative of The PNC Foundation, designed to support visual and performing arts organizations and make the arts accessible to all audiences. At its core, PNC Arts Alive recognizes the inherent value of a vibrant arts and cultural sector – both here in our community and more broadly – as a reflection of our shared cultural heritage and individual experiences; a vital pathway for the exploration of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and a significant driver of our regional economy. Since its debut in 2009, PNC Arts Alive has provided $15 million in funding to support more than 300 art exhibitions, interactive installations, performances, festivals, and pop-up arts experiences, all benefiting 2+ million community members here in Greater Philadelphia.

Warren Oree's tribute to Charles Mingus (Jazz Matinee) - Jazz Cultural Voices Concert Series 2025
2025-06-22 15:00 - 17:00
Warren Oree started the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble in 1979 and has been touring the world and performing with the group at jazz festivals in Europe, the Caribbean and South America ever since. His command and demand of his upright acoustic bass mesmerizes audiences, unaccustomed to hearing the wide, colorful array of sounds that he can extract – from frenetically bowing and knocking on the base, to delicately lifting it through the air in an ecstatic dance of digital delay. He has recorded and produced nine (9) albums, of mostly all original compositions. See Discography below” . He has also recorded with Hamiett Bluiette, Khan Jamal, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Gerald Veasley, Elliott Levin and other notable jazz artists. The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble consists of Warren Oree (acoustic bass); Umar Raheem (saxophones); Greg “Ju-Ju” Jones (drums); Doug “Pablow” Edwards (congas and percussion) and Frank Butrey (guitar).
Many kudos to PNC Arts Alive

PNC Arts Alive Year 16:
PNC Arts Alive a multi-million dollar funding initiative of The PNC Foundation, designed to support visual and performing arts organizations and make the arts accessible to all audiences. At its core, PNC Arts Alive recognizes the inherent value of a vibrant arts and cultural sector – both here in our community and more broadly – as a reflection of our shared cultural heritage and individual experiences; a vital pathway for the exploration of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and a significant driver of our regional economy. Since its debut in 2009, PNC Arts Alive has provided $15 million in funding to support more than 300 art exhibitions, interactive installations, performances, festivals, and pop-up arts experiences, all benefiting 2+ million community members here in Greater Philadelphia.

2025 Clef Prep Summer Jazz Camp
2025-07-07 09:00 - 2025-07-18 16:30
Jazz is a unique, interactive musical art form. Masterful jazz performances rarely just happen. They are the result of improvisational talent, practice, and carefully honed skills developed through education through the Clef Prep Jazz Music Education Program
Your musically inclined children can learn to be creatively adventurous and free through jazz education classes being taught by dedicated master-level professional musicians at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz.

The Love Supreme Weekend: Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary
2025-09-23 12:00 - 14:00
Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary
Director: John Scheinfeld Runtime: 1hr 39min
Join us for a free viewing of the celebrated 2016 documentary Chasing Trane, a powerful, definitive portrait of legendary saxophonist John Coltrane, set against the social, political, and cultural backdrop of his time. The film brings Coltrane to life as both artist and man—exploring the forces that shaped his journey and the revolutionary music that continues to inspire generations.

Featuring never-before-seen family home movies, rare studio footage discovered during production, and hundreds of archival photographs and global TV appearances, the documentary offers an intimate, multifaceted view of Coltrane’s life. His story is told through the voices of those who knew him best—collaborators like Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, and Benny Golson—as well as artists deeply influenced by his vision, including Common, Carlos Santana, Kamasi Washington, Wynton Marsalis, and President Bill Clinton.

Though Coltrane gave few interviews in his lifetime, his presence is vividly felt through words drawn from his writings and print interviews, spoken in the film by Academy Award winner Denzel Washington. Chasing Trane is a story of struggle and redemption, of deep spiritual searching, and of a musician whose work transcends all boundaries of race, faith, age, and geography—resonating more than ever today.

Watch Trailer

A Love Supreme Weekend: Girard College Jazz Ensemble
2025-09-23 18:00 - 19:00

The Love Supreme Weekend: Dahi Divine's Tribute to John Coltrane
2025-09-26 19:30 - 22:00
The Love Supreme Weekend: Dahi Divine’s Tribute to John Coltrane
For over two decades, Dahi Divine has been at the forefront of musical innovation—blurring genre lines through his masterful saxophone playing, dynamic compositions, and boundary-pushing production.

A native of Philadelphia, Dahi’s artistry is deeply rooted in the city’s rich and vibrant cultural scene. Emerging during the early 2000s hip-hop renaissance, he found his voice by weaving the improvisational spirit of jazz with the raw, poetic energy of urban soundscapes. His music is a living testament to that fusion—electrifying live audiences with a genre-defying style that transcends tradition and expectation.

With the release of his second self-produced modern jazz album Audessy, Dahi described his sound as “a journey of spiritual growth, blending soulful jazz harmonies with the ancestral pulse of diasporic rhythms.” His work resonates with deep cultural heritage while pushing boldly into the future.

In 2023, Dahi was awarded a GRAMMY for his contribution to Gospel artist Tye Tribbett’s All Things New: Live in Orlando. He continues to collaborate with a diverse range of artists including H.E.R., Solange Knowles, Dave Matthews Band, Rihanna, and Ellie Goulding, further showcasing his versatility and creative reach.

Whether sculpting lush sonic landscapes in the studio or captivating audiences on stage, Dahi Divine’s passion for music is without boundaries.

The Love Supreme Weekend: Coltrane Sax Bootcamp w/ Dahi Divine
2025-09-27 10:00 - 11:30

The Love Supreme Weekend: Echoing the Soul of Coltrane feat. Adam Faulk Quintet w/ Nasir Dickerson
2025-09-27 19:30 - 22:00
Adam Faulk Quintet featuring Nasir Dickinson: Echoing the Soul of Trane

Originally from the Greater Boston area, Adam Faulk is a jazz pianist, writer, and producer whose musical journey began at the age of five with classical violin lessons. He later transitioned to viola, performing with the Greater Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra from 1995 to 1998. Around this time, his passion for jazz and improvisation drew him to the piano, leading him to study at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he graduated in 1998.
Over the years, Adam has had the opportunity to perform and study with legendary artists including Donald Byrd, Billy Hart, Robin Eubanks, Gary Bartz, and Marcus Belgrave. His mentors have included George W. Russell Jr., the late Neal Creque, Lafayette Harris Jr., and Dan Wall.
In addition to live performance, Adam is an accomplished studio musician, producer, and arranger, working across jazz, hip-hop, and R&B genres. He served as musical director for the late soul icon Billy Paul until Paul’s passing in 2016. Faulk has also recorded with the Cleveland-based smooth jazz group Morris Code on their fourth album Nothin’ but a Daydream.
Currently based in the Philadelphia area, Adam continues to freelance and collaborate with a wide range of jazz and R&B artists, bringing a unique blend of classical training and soulful innovation to every project.

Nasir Dickerson is a saxophonist, kora player, African flutist, composer, producer, and music educator. A student of jazz greats like Charles Bowen and Bootsie Barnes, he leads the ensembles The Renaissance Messengers and Life Light Empower, and serves as artistic/music director for The Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble.
Nasir has performed with artists including Lauryn Hill, The Roots, Trombone Shorty, Daniel Caesar, Wyclef Jean, and Minister Louis Farrakhan. Alongside his brother Jamal, he directs the Camden High School Mighty Marching Panthers and the Creative Arts Jazz Band.

——————————————

The Love Supreme Weekend: Warren Oree & the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble - Matinee: John Coltrane's Temptations
2025-09-28 15:00 - 17:00
What if John Coltrane played with the Temptations? Get ready for an electrifying collision of two powerful musical worlds—spiritual, exploratory jazz and polished, soulful Motown harmonies.

The Love Supreme Weekend: Warren Oree & the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble – Matinee: John Coltrane’s Temptations

What if John Coltrane played with the Temptations? Get ready for an electrifying collision of two powerful musical worlds—spiritual, exploratory jazz and polished, soulful Motown harmonies.
Warren Oree is a celebrated upright acoustic bassist, composer, and producer based in Philadelphia. In 1979, he founded the acclaimed Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble, a group that has since become a staple in the jazz scene both in the U.S. and internationally. Under his leadership, Arpeggio has toured extensively, performing at major jazz festivals throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and South America.
Oree is known for his captivating command of the acoustic bass, using extended techniques—such as bowing, percussive knocking, and layering effects with digital delay—to create a uniquely expressive sound. His performances often transcend traditional expectations, blending physical movement with sonic exploration, and leaving audiences enthralled by both the musicality and the showmanship of his playing.
As a recording artist, Oree has produced and released nine albums, featuring primarily original compositions that reflect his creative vision and deep roots in jazz. He has also collaborated and recorded with a number of prominent musicians, including Hamiett Bluiett, Khan Jamal, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Gerald Veasley, and Elliott Levin.
——————————————

Donald Harrison - Jazz Cultural Voices Concert Series
2025-11-08 07:30 - 21:30
Donald Harrison, Jr.
Donald Harrison, Jr. (born June 23, 1960, New Orleans) is a saxophonist, composer, educator, and cultural steward whose artistry stretches across jazz, funk, classical, and Afro-New Orleans traditions. A disciple of New Orleans’ deep musical lineage, Harrison was raised amid brass bands, Mardi Gras Indian chant, and second-line ritual under the guidance of his father, Donald Harrison, Sr. He studied at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and later at Berklee College of Music, and early in his career performed with jazz greats such as Roy Haynes, Jack McDuff, and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Over his decades-long career, Harrison pioneered “Nouveau Swing,” an innovative blend of modern jazz with R&B, hip-hop, rock, and soul. He has also explored orchestral composition, led genre-crossing collectives, and embraced mentorship as a core part of his mission, guiding emerging artists such as Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Jon Batiste, Trombone Shorty, and Esperanza Spalding. In 2022, Harrison was awarded the A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship for Jazz Advocacy — the United States’ highest honor in jazz — recognizing both his musical mastery and his dedication to preserving and evolving the culture of New Orleans. Whether performing with his ensemble, composing across genres, or leading cultural initiatives, Harrison continues to embody New Orleans’ forward-reaching spirit by connecting roots to innovation.
TICKETS HERE

POSTPONED! Clef Club Radiance Community Big Band - Holiday Concert
2025-12-14 18:00 - 21:00
Dear Friends of the Clef,

Senior management has met and, out of an abundance of caution for the safety and well-being of our patrons, employees, and students, we have made the decision to cancel today’s PCC Radiance Community Big Band Concert.
All ticket purchases will be refunded automatically. We are currently exploring a new date for this performance and will share that information as soon as it becomes available.

Thank you for your understanding and for your continued support of the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts.

Warm regards,
Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts

A Black & White Holiday Swing
An Elegant Evening to Remember Celebrating Togetherness and Community
Celebrate the season in classic style as the Clef Club Radiance Community Big Band illuminates our stage in crisp white dinner jackets for a night of unforgettable holiday magic.
Join us on Sunday, December 14th at 6:00 PM for a festive evening filled with the smooth sounds of big band jazz, holiday favorites, and soulful surprises that will warm your spirit.
With a chic black-and-white theme and a backdrop of vintage elegance, this celebration will kick off your holiday in style.
Let the band swing, the memories shine, and the holiday spirit soar—only at The Clef.
TICKETS HERE

Ilya Lushtak - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-01-17 19:30 - 21:30
Ilya Lushtak – Jazz Cultural Voices
PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series and Clef International are extremely proud to present a unique and dynamic performance featuring Internationally celebrated jazz artist Ilya Rushtak accompanied by Philadelphia’s own Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble. Russian-born Ilya is a New York–based guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader known for his bold groove, harmonic depth, and stylistic range. Raised in San Francisco, he came up under Bay Area jazz legends like Bruce Forman and Bishop Norman Williams before launching a touring career across Europe and Russia in the late 1990s.
From 2003 to 2013, Rushtak was a key member of Frank Wess’s ensemble, performing and recording alongside the saxophone great. Over the years, he’s shared the stage with jazz icons such as Hank Jones, Cedar Walton, Jimmy Cobb, and Dr. Lonnie Smith. His commanding presence has graced top venues including the Village Vanguard, Blue Note, Smalls, and Dizzy’s, as well as major jazz festivals throughout the U.S. and Russia.
A frequent performer at the Jazz-Philharmonic Hall in St. Petersburg, Ilya Rushtak is also a dedicated jazz preservationist, running his own record label – Lineage -to bring classic styles to new audiences.
This special collaboration promises an evening of electrifying musicianship, deep grooves, and inspired creativity. Together, the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble and Ilya Rushtak will bridge geographic boundaries using the enduring language of jazz. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a truly international sound rooted right here in Philadelphia.
TICKETS HERE

Vertical Current - Jazz Cultural Voices Concert Series
2026-02-21 19:30 - 21:30
Vertical Current – Jazz Cultural Voices
PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series is excited to raise the roof with Philly-based Vertical Current.Founded in 2019 by trumpeter Christopher Michael Stevens, Vertical Current blends soul, jazz, and gospel with undeniable energy and incredible musicianship. They’ve become the go-to backing band for artists like Chrisette Michele and Frank McComb, and have opened for stars including Robert Glasper and Raheem DeVaughn. Their sound is as electric as the city they call home.
Over the course of five albums, “aRe” (2011), “Bright Side Of Midnight” (2014), “After Midnight” (2017), “The Future Is Bright” (2018), “The Rain” (feat. Khari Mateen) (Single) (2022), and “A Vertical Current Christmas” (2024), Vertical Current has uplifted and inspired audiences with strong melodies and funky rhythms showcasing the many ways this ensemble gets down. Individually, members have toured and recorded with legends like Roberta Flack, John Legend, Jill Scott, and The Roots — experiences that fuel the band’s dynamic, high-level performances.
Get ready for an unforgettable night as Vertical Current brings their signature blend of groove, spirit, and soul to the Clef Club stage. Expect a performance that will lift you up as high as their name suggests—proof that the future of soul and jazz is shining bright here in Philly.
TICKETS HERE

Qin Qian - Chinese New Year Celebration - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-02-28 19:30 - 21:00
Qin Qian – Chinese New Year Celebration – Jazz Cultural Voices
PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series is proud to present a very special Chinese New Year Celebration featuring master erhu performer Qin Qian, whose career reflects a lifelong dedication to sharing and preserving traditional Chinese music. Trained in China by renowned erhu masters Huang Qidu and Zhang Yuming, she has performed extensively both as a soloist and with major ensembles including the Guangxi Symphony Orchestra. Since relocating to the United States in 2005, she has continued to bring traditional Chinese sounds to global audiences through concerts, recordings, and cross-cultural collaborations.
Her performance career spans multiple genres and continents. Ms. Qin has worked with jazz bands, classical musicians, and global artists, bringing the erhu into diverse musical settings. Highlights include playing with the Arpeggio Jazz Orchestra, performing original compositions like “Mountain Stream” with Western classical musicians, and recording Italian folk songs in Australia. Her performance of “God Bless Sichuan” in collaboration with the group Siris raised earthquake relief funds and gained over six million views in China, showcasing her ability to connect deeply with both Chinese and international audiences.
As a cultural ambassador, Ms. Qin blends performance with education to promote the erhu and Chinese musical heritage in the West. She regularly gives lectures and concerts at institutions such as St. Joseph’s University, the University of the Arts, and the Curtis Institute of Music. In these programs, she introduces audiences to traditional instruments like the erhu, monochord, and guzheng, and often combines Chinese and Western styles in her arrangements. Her concerts—such as “The Emotive Beauty of the Erhu” and “When the Erhu Meets the Piano”—explore music’s power to transcend cultural boundaries.
Through her performances, teaching, and innovations like her “Pentatonic Music of Yang Sheng Qigong” program, Ms. Qin continues to preserve and evolve the tradition of Chinese music. She views music as a bridge across cultures and generations, and her work ensures the erhu is not only remembered but reimagined in new and meaningful ways.
Prepare to be spellbound as Qin Quan redefines the expressive power of the erhu, weaving together global musical traditions in a vibrant celebration of the Lunar New Year at the Philadelphia Clef Club.
TICKETS HERE

Victor North - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-03-07 19:30 - 21:00
Victor North – Jazz Cultural Voices
The PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series is proud to present renowned tenor saxophonist Victor North to the Philadelphia Clef Club. North has been a staple on the Philadelphia Jazz Scene for 30 plus years, leading his own groups and working as a sideman to the likes of Mickey Roker, Charles Fambrough, Orrin Evans’, John Swana, Jimmy Bruno, Duane Eubanks, Elio Villafranca, and Joey DeFrancesco.
North came to Philadelphia from Alaska, after a year at Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, to immerse himself in the City Of Brotherly Love’s rich jazz culture where so many of his musical heroes, including John Coltrane, got their start. Current projects include the Bacon, Lettuce and North Organ Triowith fellow DeFrancesco alumni, Byron Landham and Lucas Brown, as well as the Future Tense Quartet, a pianoless/chordless group that explores original compositions and “slightly tweaked” standards.
He also teaches saxophone, and North’s former students include Immanuel Wilkins, whose album Omega was named the No. 1 Jazz Album of 2020 by The New York Times, Yesseh Furha-Ali of the Philly-based band Snacktime, and Hiruy Tirfe, who has recorded under his name and performed with artists such as Patti LaBelle and The Roots.
A powerful presence on the tenor, Victor North is a straight ahead player with an eclectic view of music through his unique experience in Philadelphia and abroad. We plan to make him feel at home when he graces our stage for an unforgettable evening of traditional and contemporary jazz.
TICKETS HERE

Music Legends Matinee featuring the music of Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Bessie Smith - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-03-08 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: Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Bessie Smith 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 and blues, 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.
TICKETS HERE

Harold Smith, Didgeridoo with Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-04-04 19:30 - 21:00
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 –Grammy Nominated 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.
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.

Becoming American: Philadelphia's Story
2026-05-15 19:00 - 21:30
Get A Ticket

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.
