The Jazz Scene: 25 years at Chris' Jazz Cafe, and more

Our area’s jazz scene is healthier than it has been in years, with ample evidence in the stellar list of world-class national and regional artists performing here this month. In the “national name” arena, pianist Marcus Roberts, a certifiable cutting-edge traditionalist, checks in with his trio — including percussionist Jason Marsalis and bassist Rodney Jordan — at Annenberg Center’s Zellerbach Theater for a 7pm show on March 1. The following morning, these modern-day swingsters will perform a children’s concert, for kids ages nine and up, at Zellerbach at 10:30am. On the same stage at 8pm on March 28, the headliner will be violinist Regina Carter, one of the few artists on any instrument fluent in classical music, pop, and jazz. How many instrumentalists can boast of playing with Max Roach and Dolly Parton? Carter can.

Across town at the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater, pianist/composer Jason Moran and the Bandwagon will appear on March 29 at 7:30pm. Like Regina Carter, Moran is adept in a number of genres, and in the course of one tune, listeners are likely to hear elements of bop, avant-garde, and traditional jazz combined with touches of hip-hop, blues, and classical music. And when he wants to, he can swing with the best of them.

A major anniversary and a major first

Chris’ Jazz Café is celebrating its 25th year as one of the top jazz clubs in the country. One of Chris’ biggest draws — deservedly — is the legendary master guitarist and Philadelphia native, Pat Martino. This jazz giant will appear at Chris’ on March 28 with his trio at 8 and 10pm. Pat Martino is almost always a sellout here, so get your tickets early.

The first ever Allentown Jazz Festival is really taking off in terms of corporate sponsorship and audience support. What was first a two-day event has expanded into six days, from April 28 through May 3 at various Allentown locations. Newly booked for the fest are the Oz Noy Trio featuring bassist Will Lee and drummer Anton Fig, drumming sensation Jojo Mayer, trumpeter Al Chez & the Brothers of Funk, and a host of regional artists TBA.

New grants and Women's History

Mayor Michael A. Nutter and the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy have announced the first grantees for the “Performances in Public Spaces” program. The program provides grant money to artists and art organizations to cover costs associated with presenting 24 performances in parks across the city from April through November. Thankfully, jazz has been included in this program in the form of the Jazz Bridge concert series in Hawthorne Park and the Ars Nova Workshop at Bartram’s Garden.

In honor of Women’s History month, producer/vocalist Valray, a.k.a. Val Ray Sturgis, will be presenting her 13th annual “Songstresses Celebrating Sisterhood” concert, and this looks to be an impressive show. Featured are our region’s finest jazz singers — including Sherry Butler, Denise Montana, Ella Ghant, Denise King, and the producer herself — all paying tribute to legendary female jazz vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. The evening’s festivities will also include a dance tribute to Josephine Baker, a silent auction, and a light buffet. The event takes place at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, 738 South Broad Street, on March 14 at 7pm. Tickets are $45, buffet included, and can be purchased by calling 215-893-9912 or 267-979-3940.

One of the longest-running jazz series in the city has been the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s “Jazz After 5” concerts. This month, “Jazz After 5” presents free jazz bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma on March 6, Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition winner and University of the Arts senior Alita Moses on March 13, and jazz/funk trumpeter and Blue Note recording artist Takuya Kuroda on March 20. All shows run from 5 to 8:45pm and are free after Museum admission.

At right: violinist Regina Carter is coming to the Annenberg on March 28. Photo courtesy of Unlimited Myles.