Philadelphia Jazz Project

Walkin' & Singin' In Honor of Walt Whitman: New Songs of the Open Road on June 22 and July 6

By • Jun 18, 2019
Homer Jackson

Homer Jackson, director of the Philadelphia Jazz Project, is very interested in Walt Whitman these days. And he’d like you to join him in celebrating Whitman’s 200th birthday by taking a long summer’s walk with him. And maybe singing a little if you’re up to it.

WRTI 90.1's J. Michael Harrison Hosts Sun Ra Celebration Series

By WRTI Staff • Jan 11, 2018

Celebrating the influence of the Philadelphia visionary musician, philosopher, composer, and band leader Sun Ra, Philadelphia Jazz Project presents Satellites Are Spinning: A Sizzling, Sonic Celebration of Sun Ra.

John Coltrane 91 Years Later: A Celebration in Philadelphia and on WRTI 90.1

By • Sep 20, 2017

It's hard to believe, but September 23rd marks 91 years since the birth of John Coltrane, who left us way too soon in 1967 at age 40; that makes 50 years since his passing. So it's a good time, we think, to gather together and remember one of Philadelphia’s favorite former residents.

Coltrane at 90: WRTI Proudly Partners in this Citywide Celebration

By William Johnson • Sep 14, 2016

John Coltrane expanded how we hear music. He took the light and airy Broadway show tune, “My Favorite Things,” and turned it (with soprano saxophone) into a dark, driving, melodic, polyrhythmic tour de force.

WRTI Wins Award for Collaboration with Philadelphia Jazz Project

By WRTI Staff • Jul 7, 2016

It was just a year ago that WRTI partnered with the Philadelphia Jazz Project to present a very unique concert featuring Afro-Brazilian percussion in Big Band Jazz style! It was the Philadelphia premiere of Letieres Leite & Orkestra Rumpilezz at the Temple Performing Arts Center, with guests Arturo O'Farrill and Steve Bernstein, and Another Holiday For Skins with Pablo Batista, Mike Boone, Luke Carlos O'Reilly, and company.

The Great Migration and the Journey of Jazz

By • Jun 13, 2016

This year, 2016, marks the 100th anniversary of the first Great Migration, the movement of millions of African-Americans from the rural south to other parts of the U.S. that promised greater social and economic justice and opportunities. The migration included many excellent jazz musicians, some of whom became household names. For these artists, the Great Migration also provided inspiration for their creative expression.

Afro-Brazilian Percussion in Big Band Jazz Style! July 31st at TPAC

By WRTI Staff • Jul 24, 2015

The Philadelphia Jazz Project and WRTI are partnering to present a very special concert featuring the Philadelphia premiere of Letieres Leite & Orkestra Rumpilezz, with guests Arturo O'Farrill & Steve Bernstein, and Another Holiday For Skins w/Pablo Batista, Mike Boone, Luke Carlos O'Reilly, and others. Don't miss this unique experience of hearing Afro-Brazilian percussion in Big Band Jazz style!

Friday, July 31st, at 7:30 pm at TPAC/Temple Performing Arts Center, 1837 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122. Tickets $10 in advance / $15 at the door. Order tickets here.

The Philadelphia Jazz Project: Pushing Jazz Performance In New Directions

By Meridee Duddleston • Jul 6, 2015
Howard Pitkow Photography

A former WRTI host stays close to jazz with an organization designed to extend its reach. WRTI’s Meridee Duddleston speaks with the founder of the Philadelphia Jazz Project.

Have popular “performance spectacles” replaced the straightforward dance between a jazz artist and an instrument? Director of the Philadelphia Jazz Project, Homer Jackson, is considering that question and innovative approaches to the performance of music that has often depended upon an intimate feel - and feeling.