Welcome to Moment’s Notice, WRTI’s regular guide to the Philadelphia jazz scene. We’re here to tip you off to the best shows during the week ahead. Sign up now to receive this service in your inbox every week. And if you want to let us know about a show on the horizon, or share any other feedback, drop us a line!
Spotlight: Arnetta Johnson — Friday and Saturday, South Jazz Kitchen
A trumpeter who has stood on some very big stages — notably at the Super Bowl and Coachella, as part of Beyoncé’s touring band — Arnetta Johnson is beginning to carve out her own niche at the intersection of contemporary jazz, hip-hop and R&B. Her most recent single, “Move Around,” finds her spitting Auto-Tuned proclamations over a rattling trap beat. (She made the track in her capacity as a brand ambassador for LIFEWTR.) This weekend, Johnson, who came up in Camden, NJ, and counts Nasir Dickerson among her mentors, will roll up to South with her band. Her set list will likely draw from a 2019 full-length debut with a playful boast in its title: If You Hear a Trumpet It’s Me.
Nov. 24 and 25 at 7 and 9:30 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 North Broad Street, $40; purchase tickets.
Erena Terakubo — Sunday, Penn Live Arts
An alto saxophonist, clarinetist and flutist from Sapporo, Japan, Erena Terakubo has emerged as a sparkling torchbearer for the bebop tradition defined by Charlie Parker. (Her most recent album, Absolutely Live!, features a Parker tune as well as Jackie McLean’s “Bird Lives” and Chick Corea’s “Bud Powell.”) For this stateside appearance, she enlists a New York rhythm team of Akiko Tsuruga on organ, Paul Bollenback on guitar and Fukushi Tainaka on drums.
Nov. 19 at 7 p.m., Harold Prince Theater, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut Street, $50; purchase tickets.
São Paulo / Philly Connection — Tuesday, Notsolatin Jazz Series
As the name implies, São Paulo / Philly Connection, led by guitarist Jake Kelberman, gives the music of Brazil a local spin. Typically the group features Willie Morris on tenor saxophone, João Bueno on piano, Sam Harris on bass and Dan Monaghan on drums; this week they appear at the Notsolatin, whose intimate environs could only suit the music better if caipirinhas were served.
Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., Notsolatin Jazz Series, 1440 W. Ritner Street, $10 suggested donation.
Maci Miller — Wednesday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
A jazz singer with a bell-like tone and a surefooted style, Philadelphia’s own Maci Miller has a new album, Nine, that showcases those and other strengths. This gig on the eve of Thanksgiving doubles as her birthday celebration; she’ll have fine company in pianist Aaron Graves, bassist Mike Boone, and Mike’s talented teenaged son, drummer Mekhi Boone.
Nov. 22 at 7:30 and 9 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $15, $70 and $90, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Tyreek McDole — Friday and Saturday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
A swinging baritone who recently competed as a finalist in the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, Tyreek McDole is still in his early 20s, though his style calls back to Billy Eckstine and Joe Williams. This weekend he’ll receive impeccable support from Dylan Band on saxophone, Joe Block on piano, Sam Harris on bass and Byron Landham on drums.
Nov. 24 and 25 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30, $85 and $105, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.