Philadelphia Jazz Project

As America and the world reexamine race and equality, creatives are addressing these issues by producing art and music. NPR Music stations invited artists to join the the national discussion—and Philadelphia-based Vocussionist Bethlehem Roberson responded with her piece, "Evolution."

There’s something about listening to John Coltrane’s “Cousin Mary” that feels like home. No doubt that’s how Coltrane felt about his real-life Cousin Mary (the composition’s inspiration) and the home he shared with her near 33rd and Oxford during his brief but formative residency in Philadelphia.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.