Ripples from horns, riffs from strings, fingers speeding across ivories, and drums holding it all together, whether deliberate or unintentional, the African American Museum in Philadelphia is where Jazz Appreciation Month meets the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts all weekend long. Paris ‘til Sunday Jazz Weekend is sponsored by Wells Fargo, Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1.
“We are thrilled this wonderful partnership with PIFA provides an opportunity for AAMP to celebrate our jazz heritage,” commented AAMP President & CEO Romona Riscoe Benson.
It goes without saying that stellar performances are expected. Something people may not expect is free jazz on the plaza outside the museum at 701 Arch Street in Center City Philadelphia starting 5:30 p.m. on Friday with the Clef Club Youth Jazz Band. A New Perspective – Youth Jazz Band Strolling Musicians follow on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. The Jordan Williams Trio hit their mellow notes at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.
“Early Parisian jazz was reminiscent of New Orleans traditions, and,” explains Benson, “will be captured with outdoor performances, headline acts, strolling musicians, and performances with select artist arrangements of famed jazz musician Sidney Bechet’s work.”
Headline acts perform in ticketed evening concerts, giving music lovers opportunities to savor some of the best jazz Philadelphia has to offer while supporting the engaging work of the museum.
Here is where it pays to be a museum member. Bassist Gerald Veasley kicks off featuring violinist John Blake both at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Friday. Tickets cost $35 per person or $30 per AAMP member. The Heath Brothers appear in concert at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets cost $40 per person or $30 per AAMP member.
Why stop there? After a 10-year absence, Jazz ‘til Sunrise will brighten the night with 10 sets from 10:30 p.m. – 5 a.m. Saxophonist Bootsie Barnes and Philly Jazz All-Stars start at 11:00 p.m. Guitarist Monnette Sudler follows at 12:30 a.m. The newly formed Manifest 3 with pianist Dennis Fortune, Michael Cruse on bass, Gerald Smith on guitar, and Butch Reid on drums performs at 2:00 a.m. At 3:30 a.m., singer and pianist Doc Gibbs and New World Review take over the auditorium stage.
Jazz sets in gallery III present emerging artists Joe Becton and Cobalt Blues at 10:30 p.m., the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble at 12:00 a.m., the Farid Barron Trio at 1:30 a.m., the Temple University Jazz Band at 2:45 a.m., and the Renaissance Messengers at 4:00 a.m. Tickets cost $35 per person or $30 per AAMP member.
The hard bop Orrin Evans Quartet closes the concerts on Sunday when tickets cost $20 per person or $15 per AAMP member.
But this weekend is not only about live concerts, Gerald Veasley will hold a master jazz workshop at 1:00 p.m. on Friday and Jazz on Film rolls at 3:00 p.m. that day. Film time changes to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. General museum admission is $10 per person or $8 per child age 4-12 and per student with I.D.
VIP all access passes are available for $200 for those who cannot get enough of jazz. VIP passes include a jazz t-shirt and hat as well as refreshments. The AAMP Member Value Pass, which costs $55, offers 1 Heath Brothers concert and Jazz ‘til Sunrise.
