The Jazz Scene: Harry Connick Jr., Monnette Sudler, and lots more for June

If legendary jazz drummer Gene Krupa was the first certifiable matinee idol ever to come out of the jazz world, then Harry Connick Jr. is certainly the second. Multitalented, movie-star handsome, and star of stage, screen, and television, Connick is at his core a first-rate jazz pianist, singer, composer, and arranger. And when he feels like it, he plays some surprisingly tasty jazz trumpet as well. Above all, unlike the would-be Bublés and Sinatras out there, Harry Connick Jr. is authentic and, as it applies to jazz, Connick swings. No wonder tickets are going quickly for his appearance at A New Orleans Tricentennial Celebration on Saturday, June 16, at 8pm at the Mann Center.

May the jazz never stop — on either side of the river

The newest jazz club in the region — always good news for what is already a healthy and thriving jazz community in these parts — is a charming and intimate BYOB in Haddon Heights, NJ. May the Jazz Never Stop (MTJNS for short) is open Thursday through Sunday (912 Kings Highway, NJ). MTJNS has a full schedule of jazz events booked for the month of June. Highlights include veteran saxophonist Larry McKenna on Saturday, June 16, and a rare club performance for guitarist Monnette Sudler on Saturday, June 23.

Vocalist and pianist V. Shayne Frederick is one of the most talented and in-demand artists in the area, seemingly popping up everywhere, much to the delight of his many fans. In addition to his regular Tuesday-night confab at CIBO in Center City, Frederick will join up with stellar vocalist Ella Ghant on Friday, June 8, at 8pm as a part of the Second Fridays on Lancaster Avenue series at the Community Education Center (3500 Lancaster Avenue).

Master fusion-guitar veteran Al Di Meola is a popular attraction in these parts. He’ll return to the area at Glenside’s Keswick Theatre on Thursday, June 14, at 8pm. This time around, Di Meola is calling his performance the Notorious Electric Tour.

Upcoming festivals

Wilmington’s Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, named for the late and legendary trumpeter and Wilmington native, has evolved stylistically and otherwise through the years. Now called the DuPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival and celebrating its 30th anniversary this year — running Sunday, June 17, through Sunday, June 24 —the fest is no longer solely a “straight-ahead jazz” tribute to the beloved and influential Clifford Brown. The shows at the fest now run the gamut, from the funk of singer/songwriter Brian McKnight and the fusion of keyboardist Lao Tizer’s band (both performing Friday, June 22 at 6pm) to the Latin-tinged jazz of saxophonist Miguel Zenon and trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, both on the bill on Thursday at 6pm. Visit online for the full line-up.

Just booked: The nonprofit Philly Music Fest will return again this year from Thursday, September 27, to Sunday, September 30, with 20 bands playing at four locations and World Café Live as the focal point. However, unlike last year, there will be jazz, to be performed on Sunday at Milkboy in Center City (artists TBA). And the Keswick Theatre must love its fusion — the venue books a lot of it — as famed jazz/fusion violin pioneer Jean-Luc Ponty has been tapped for a Saturday, August 18, performance showcasing his 1970s Atlantic Records years.