The Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts

Becoming American: Philadelphia's Story
2026-05-15 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts, 736 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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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.
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Music Legends Matinee featuring the music of Duke Ellington, Ray Charles and Nat King Cole - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-06-07 15:00 - 17:00
PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series and The Philadelphia Clef Club are proud to present an elegant afternoon of jazz with a very special Music Legends Matinee, a tribute to three of the most enduring voices in American music: Duke Ellington, Ray Charles and Nat King Cole as interpreted by Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble.
This performance honors the artistry and influence of these iconic performers through thoughtfully reimagined arrangements and soulful interpretation. Drawing from the rich traditions of jazz, soul, and R&B, the ensemble brings renewed depth and freshness to beloved classics while preserving the emotional power and timeless appeal of these legendary artists.
Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble offers audiences a graceful journey through the golden era of American song, blending nostalgia with musical sophistication. Perfect for jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike, the concert celebrates the legacy of these trailblazing artists in an intimate and engaging setting.
Formed in 1979 by bassist Warren Oree, Arpeggio’s repertoire includes original and standard compositions ranging from soft, contemplative melodies to energetic, dancefloor-ready orchestrations.
The beloved house band of the Friday Night Jazz series at The Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill, PA, Arpeggio has also shared their creative energy at jazz festivals and concerts throughout the United States, Brazil, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean while releasing nine full-length albums throughout their storied career.
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of elegant big band jazz, soul, and timeless melodies on Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts.
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Pablo Batista Latin Jazz Ensemble
2026-06-13 19:30 - 21:00
PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series is proud to present an evening with master percussionist Pablo Batista and his Latin Jazz Ensemble at the Philadelphia Clef Club. Pablo has performed, recorded and toured internationally for 30 years with some of the biggest stars in rhythm and blues, jazz, Latin, pop and gospel. These included artists as diverse as Alicia Keys, Patti Labelle, Kirk Franklin, Jill Scott, Gerald Levert, Jeffrey Osborne, Phyllis Hyman, Teddy Pendergrass, Diane Reeves, Norman Brown, Manny Oquendo and Libre, Eddie Palmieri, and Musiq. A drummer of unusually diverse talents, he is highly regarded for his professionalism, tireless work ethic and ability to listen and integrate his playing into almost any style at the highest level of musicianship. He holds the rare distinction of having performed on Grammy-winning releases in jazz, R & B and gospel, but he has also been a guest with the Philadelphia Orchestra Percussion Ensemble.
Since 1991, he has received multiple Pennsylvania Council on the Arts grants and Pew Fellowships, studying in Cuba with masters such as Pello “el Afrokan,” Miguel “Anga” Díaz, and members of Ballet Folklórico Cutumba.
He has premiered major works including El Viaje (The Journey) at Temple Performing Arts Center and leads his 10-piece Mambo Syndicate. In addition to performing and recording, Pablo is a sought-after educator, teaching master classes at the Curtis Institute of Music and mentoring students in North Philadelphia.
Don’t miss this electrifying evening with Pablo Batista and his Latin Jazz Ensemble as part of the PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series at the Philadelphia Clef Club. Experience the fiery rhythms, soulful melodies, and world-class musicianship of one of the most accomplished percussionists of our time. Blending the traditions of Latin, jazz, and Afro-Cuban music, Pablo and his ensemble promise a high-energy, heartfelt performance that celebrates culture, creativity, and the unifying power of rhythm.
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Richard Hill - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-07-11 19:30 - 21:00
PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series is proud to present distinguished bassist and composer Richard Hill Jr. to the Clef Club stage. Richard has been a vital force in the Philadelphia music scene since his youth. A 2014 Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts award winner for bass, his impressive performance career includes collaborations with jazz luminaries like Wynton Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Frank Foster, Jackie McLean, Bobby Zankel, and Sumi Tonooka, alongside artists such as Robert Glasper, Bilal, Sharon Katz and the Peace Train, and Mickey Roker. His recording credits further showcase his versatility, featuring work with Javon Jackson, Jill Scott, Touch of Jazz Studios, and the Korean Broadcasting Network.
Bringing his deep musical passion to Delaware, Richard continues to perform actively with local artists including Gerald Chavis, Tony Smith, and Fostina Dixon. His significant contributions extend beyond performance; he served as the resident composing artist at Philadelphia’s prestigious Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Currently, Richard channels his expertise and dedication into music education passionately guiding the next generation of young musicians.
One of Hill’s early influences was the great 20th century giant Billy Strayhorn, “whose use of melodies really touches your soul.” And one of his first professional jobs as a musician was connecting with the music of another great – he worked at Philadelphia’s Annenberg Theatre in a production of Ain’t Misbehavin’, a musical based on the life and music of Fats Waller.
Hill’s current – and most personal – project is the dance of diversity, a suite that employs the “rhythms of the various micro communities in Wilmington.” Quoting the great Charlie Parker, Hill feels that “now is the time” for it. One of his great rewards is “seeing my past students becoming the light.”
Don’t miss this special night with Richard Hill Jr. and witness his incredible talent, original sounds, and deep passion for jazz in an evening that celebrates creativity, community, and connection. It’s sure to be a soulful, inspiring performance that reminds us why live jazz in Philly is something truly special.
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Music Legends Matinee featuring the music of Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Cash - Jazz Cultural Voices
2026-08-30 15:00 - 17:00
PNC Arts Alive Jazz Cultural Voices Series and The Philadelphia Clef Club are proud to present an elegant afternoon of jazz with a very special Music Legends Matinee, a tribute to three of the most enduring voices in American music: Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, and Johnny Cash as interpreted by Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble.
This performance honors the artistry and influence of these iconic performers through thoughtfully reimagined arrangements and soulful interpretation. Drawing from the rich traditions of jazz, R&B, and country, the ensemble brings renewed depth and freshness to beloved classics while preserving the emotional power and timeless appeal of these legendary artists.
Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble offers audiences a graceful journey through the golden era of American song, blending nostalgia with musical sophistication. Perfect for jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike, the concert celebrates the legacy of these trailblazing artists in an intimate and engaging setting.
Formed in 1979 by bassist Warren Oree, Arpeggio’s repertoire includes original and standard compositions ranging from soft, contemplative melodies to energetic, dancefloor-ready orchestrations.
The beloved house band of the Friday Night Jazz series at The Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill, PA, Arpeggio has also shared their creative energy at jazz festivals and concerts throughout the United States, Brazil, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean while releasing nine full-length albums throughout their storied career.
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of swing, soul, and timeless melodies on Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts.
GET TICKETS

Descendanze: In Full Effect!
2026-09-12 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-13 17:00 - 19:00
CULTURAL COLLABORATIONS AT THE CLEF (CCC)
Where Cultures Meet. The Muse Awakens. Imagination Takes the Stage.
Cultural Collaborations at the Clef—CCC— brings artists, cultural organizations, and communities together through music, storytelling, dance, theater, and shared creative experiences. Each collaboration is designed to inspire the muse, ignite the imagination, celebrate cultural connections, and deepen understanding across communities.
On September 12 and 13, the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts joins We Are the Seeds and the City of Philadelphia to host Descendanze: In Full Effect!
DESCENDANZE: IN FULL EFFECT!
Descendanze: In Full Effect! is a multicultural dance extravaganza including African and Native American dancers. The show’s content is diverse, expressive, interactive, entertaining, fun, family-friendly, and culturally educational for all ages. The dance pieces express cultural awareness and identity, inviting audiences of all backgrounds to connect with and learn from these traditions. The choreography is both traditional and contemporary, designed to foster cross-cultural connections.
Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 5:00 PM
The new piece, entitled “The Butterfly Effect,” is a beautiful collaboration among the main choreographers: Vaughnda Hilton, Leonna Elliott, and Renelle Smith-Hopkins. This piece is an expression of power, culture, unity, strength, and the will to endure.
Sponsored by We Are the Seeds as part of Philadelphia250, with support from the City of Philadelphia.
Featuring
Native Nations Dance Theater & AfroDanze
Dance • Music • Theater • Interactive Experience • Interdisciplinary Arts
Featuring Native Nations Dance Theater and AfroDanze, this vibrant cultural collaboration brings Indigenous and African diasporic artistic traditions together in an energetic exchange of movement, music, heritage, and contemporary expression.
Presented in collaboration by:
We Are the Seeds
The City of Philadelphia
Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts
Inspiring the Muse. Igniting the Imagination.

With Love From Ella
2026-09-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-20 19:00 - 21:00
CULTURAL COLLABORATIONS AT THE CLEF (CCC)
Where Cultures Meet. The Muse Awakens. Imagination Takes the Stage.
Cultural Collaborations at the Clef—CCC— brings artists, cultural organizations, and communities together through music, storytelling, dance, theater, and shared creative experiences. Each collaboration is designed to inspire the muse, ignite the imagination, celebrate cultural connections, and deepen understanding across communities.
With Love From Ella is a powerful one-woman theatrical experience that celebrates the extraordinary life of the legendary Ella Fitzgerald. Through music, storytelling, and heartfelt performance, the production follows Ella’s remarkable journey from hardship and uncertainty to becoming one of the most beloved voices in history.
Audiences will witness the trials she endured, the resilience that carried her through life’s greatest challenges, and the triumphs that came from refusing to give up on her dreams. But this is more than the story of fame—it is a story of purpose, perseverance, self-discovery, and the unexpected gifts found along the way.
Filled with heart, humor, and timeless music, With Love From Ella invites audiences to experience the woman behind the legend and be inspired to embrace their own journey with courage, hope, and love.

Chasing Trane Screening - Free Matinee
2026-09-23 12:00 - 13:30
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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 titled “Intersections”—a moment that both celebrates creative culmination and signals the Clef’s next chapter of artistic leadership.
Intersections’ explores the point of abundance where genres, generations, and empowerment converge. This innovative work celebrates Fuller’s cross-pollination of musical traditions, stepping beyond the traditional boundaries of jazz to incorporate R&B, classical, funk, and hip-hop influences. It will also serve as a vehicle to explore the Nation of Ndugu and Nzinga’s Five Basic Principles: Wisdom, Humility, Forgiveness, Nurturing, and Spirituality. Intersections reflects Fuller’s extensive experience as both performer and educator—balancing careers in jazz, R&B, and pop (including touring with Beyoncé), and her ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation as a full-time Professor and the Artistic Director of the Ensemble Department at the Berklee College of Music. All in all, it provides a strong foundation rooted in excellence of character and core values.
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.

Trane's House - Farid Barron Commemorating the 100th Birthday of John Coltrane
2026-10-10 19:30 - 21:00

Soundscapes for Tomorrow feat. Papo Vázquez World Premiere
2026-10-17 19:30 - 21:00
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The Legacy of Jazz and Puerto Rican Indigenous Music Reimagined
Papo Vázquez’s The Badlands Suite is a four-part musical autobiography tracing his life, influences, and evolution as an artist. Drawing from jazz, Puerto Rican Indigenous music, and the traditions of his childhood, Vázquez transforms these influences into a distinctive musical language shaped by his personal experiences.
The first movement reflects the holiday music performed by his father, connecting Vázquez to family, Puerto Rican traditions, and childhood memories. The second captures his teenage introduction to jazz—a defining moment that opened new possibilities and shaped his development as a musician, composer, and arranger.
The third movement explores his years in New York City after moving from Philadelphia, highlighting the musicians, communities, and experiences that expanded his creative vocabulary. The fourth represents Vázquez’s evolution as a pioneer of Bomba Jazz, from 1983 through 2026, bringing jazz together with the rhythms and cultural traditions of Puerto Rican Bomba.
The Badlands Suite revisits the people, places, sounds, and experiences that shaped Vázquez’s journey. It is both a personal musical autobiography and a bold reimagining of cultural traditions, demonstrating how jazz and Puerto Rican music can intersect, evolve, and create something entirely new.
