Moment’s Notice is 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 Sunday. And if you want to let us know about a show on the horizon, or share any other feedback, drop us a line!
Spotlight: Sun Ra Arkestra — Aug. 18, Ardmore Music Hall
The intergalactic ensemble formed some 70 years ago by Sun Ra 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 recently turned 100 — and celebrated in typical fashion, making a joyful noise with his fellow travelers. Next Sunday Allen and the Arkestra make another pass through their home orbit, touching down at the Ardmore Music Hall; singer-songwriter Ryley Walker will play an opening set.
Aug. 18 at 7 p.m., Ardmore Music Hall, 23 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, $25-$59; purchase tickets.
Jazz Jam with Orrin Evans — Wednesday, The Lounge at World Cafe Live
This free monthly series, run by pianist and scene catalyst Orrin Evans, features a first set followed by an open jam session. The headliner for August is Neil Podgurski, one of many local luminaries on the roster of Evans’ Imani Records; listen for an intriguing new tune titled “Venus the Evening Star,” which he recently aired at another spot in town.
Aug. 14 at 8:30 p.m., The Lounge at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street, free, but make a table reservation to guarantee seating; more information.
Olatuja — Thursday, Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City
A high-flying jazz-R&B collaboration between singer-songwriter Alicia Olatuja and her former husband, bassist and producer Michael Olatuja, this ensemble recently released a self-titled album featuring collaborators like drummer Obed Calvaire and pianist Christian Sands. For this free concert, part of the Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Series, Olatuja will perform after an opening set by vocalist and strings player Gina Roche.
Aug. 15 at 7 p.m., Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Series, Kennedy Plaza Stage, Atlantic City, NJ, free; more information.
Darryl Yokley Quintet — Friday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Saxophonist and flutist Darryl Yokley grew up in California and North Carolina, and has worked extensively in Michigan and New York. Still, he’s no stranger to the Philly scene, having studied at the Boyer College of Music and Dance. Here he pays tribute to the master composer Wayne Shorter, leading a quintet with a special guest, trumpeter Sean Jones, out front.
Aug. 16 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $25, $80 and $100, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Duane Eubanks Quintet — Saturday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
He isn’t the most famous jazz musician in his family, but Duane Eubanks has a sterling reputation as a trumpeter-bandleader — not to mention his impressive track record as a sideman in New York, with the likes of Dave Holland and Mulgrew Miller. He has exemplary partners in this quintet, including Abraham Burton on tenor saxophone and Byron Landham on drums.
Aug. 17 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30, $85, $105, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Correction: A previous version of this post incorrectly identified Michael and Alicia Olatuja as husband and wife. They are no longer married.
