This week begins with a bang, as Vertical Current — the fusioneering unit founded by trumpeter Christopher Michael Stevens — performs on the Painted Bride’s Jazz on Market series, co-presented by J. Michael Harrison and The Bridge. If you can’t make it out on short notice, take heart: everything else in this installment of Moment’s Notice takes place over the coming weekend. See you out there. — Nate Chinen, Editorial Director
Spotlight: Sun Ra Arkestra — Friday, Union Transfer
The intergalactic ensemble formed by Sun Ra some 70 years ago still thrives as an Afrofuturist institution with its own literature, language and lore. At this point it’s also an extension of its indefatigable bandleader, the alto saxophonist and electronics artist Marshall Allen, who took over after Ra’s departure in 1993. If you’ve been even casually following the scene in Philly, you know that Allen has recently been creating at a feverish clip — holding down his malleable Ghost Horizons residency at Solar Myth; sitting in there with Wolf Eyes; hopping on the Philly Special Christmas album with Jason Kelce and friends — so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he’ll spend the eve of his own centennial onstage with the Arkestra at Union Transfer. You read that right: Marshall Allen turns 100 years old the day after this show, which makes it more than a special occasion. Go ahead and call it a celestial event.
May 24 at 8 p.m., Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden Street, $30 standing, $250 seated VIP; purchase tickets.
Richie Goods with Chien Chien Lu — Friday through May 26, South Jazz Kitchen
As we’ve mentioned before here at WRTI, bassist Richie Goods and vibraphonist Chien Chien Lu developed their project CONNECTED in the depths of pandemic time, as a response to social unrest and a spur toward positive change. For this weekend run, Lu and Goods create a spotlight for singer-songwriter J. Hoard, whose liquid expressivity as a vocalist is a natural fit for the band.
May 24 and 25 at 7 and 9:30 p.m., May 26 at 6 and 8:30 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 North Broad Street, $35; tickets and information.
Larry Price Quintet — Friday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
An alto saxophonist originally from North Carolina, Larry Price has traveled far and wide with his music, notably working for more than a decade in Finland. But he has since planted roots in the Philly scene — a fact borne out by this working band, which draws from the pool of talent at Temple University, with players like trumpeter Will Johnson and pianist Josh Klamka.
May 24 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $25, $80, and $100, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Tonya Lynette — Saturday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
A homegrown Philadelphian — an alumna of both Frankford High School and Temple University — Tonya Lynette is a singer-songwriter who inhabits the zone of overlap between jazz, blues and R&B. That should make her a natural for this tribute to Roberta Flack.
May 25 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30, $85, and $105, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
