Don’t look now, but September is here — and with it comes the back-to-school hustle, the ramp-up to fall, and some unfortunate transit complications. However this moment finds you, live music is here to lift the spirits. As always, we’ve gathered the best of the bunch here. Remember, you can get these picks in a free weekly email. Subscribe now!
Spotlight: Laurin Talese — Friday, Barnes Foundation
Simmering soul finds a songbook gleam in the music of Laurin Talese, who has grown over the last decade into one of the brighter lights on Philadelphia’s musical marquee. Though originally from Cleveland, Talese has been Philly proud since her time at the former University of the Arts, where she majored in vocal performance. Her debut album, Gorgeous Chaos, arrived in 2016; two years later she won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.
Talese has since served as a cultural ambassador with American Music Abroad; joined the board of Jazz Philadelphia; and been voted Vice President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy, which oversees the Grammys. In 2023, she portrayed Billie Holiday in the Philadelphia Theatre Company’s production of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, earning widespread acclaim.
All of which sets the stage for Talese’s First Friday concert at the Barnes Foundation, which will be an opportunity not only to bask in the warm glow of her voice, but also to catch up with what she’s been working on — including the music for her next release.
Sept. 5 at 6 p.m., Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, $10-$35, Supporters and Sustainers free; tickets and information.
Kassa Overall — Wednesday, Solar Myth
CREAM, the new album by drummer-producer-rapper Kassa Overall, puts a twist on a spin on the jazz-meets-hip-hop discourse. It’s a celebration of the classic jazz cuts that formed a bedrock for ‘90s hits like The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Big Poppa” and Dr. Dre’s “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang.” He’ll bring both swagger and sensitivity to Solar Myth in this pre-release show, featuring Emilio Modeste on saxophones and Matt Wong on keyboards. (Arrive early for a free live taping of The Late Set podcast with Overall, Evening Jazz host Nicole Sweeney and yours truly.)
Sept. 3 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street, $30 advance, $35 day of show; purchase tickets.
Ray Kaneko Quintet — Thursday, Temple Performing Arts Center
Originally from Tokyo, alto saxophonist Ray Kaneko favors a sweet, rounded tone and an agile sense of phrase; last year he received the Billy Strayhorn Jazz Education Scholarship, to support his studies at Temple’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. He kicks off its weekly Rite of Swing series with a band featuring Jesse Deems on trumpet, Anthony Aldissi on piano, Sam Harris on bass and Maria Marmarou on drums.
Sept. 4 at 4:30 p.m., Temple Performing Arts Center, 1837 North Broad Street, free; more information.
Tribute to Lee Morgan & Pepper Adams — Friday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
The Cooker, a Lee Morgan album released in 1958, was the first to feature the trumpeter’s original compositions. It was also a sterling example of his effortless frontline rapport with baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams, a white Detroiter eight years his senior. All of which is helpful to know, though hardly necessary, for enjoyment of this tribute featuring Elliot Bild on trumpet and WRTI’s own Josh Lee on baritone.
Sept. 5 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $25, $95 and $115, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Doylestown Arts Festival — Saturday and Sunday, Doylestown
This free neighborhood arts fest, a fixture for almost 35 years, features live music on five stages, including a generous helping of jazz. Among the highlights on Saturday: the Hot Club of Philadelphia (pictured), the Eric Mintel Quartet, the Mike Lorenz Trio, and guitarist Eric McGarry. Sunday’s lineup will include Ensemble Novo and the singer-songwriter Andrea Carlson. (For set times and locations, see the festival website.)
Sept. 6 & 7 at various times and locations in Doylestown; more information.
Kelly Moran — Saturday, Solar Myth
Pianist and composer Kelly Moran is a dark supernova in the realm of ambient experimental music. Her pieces — often created with manual preparations of the instrument that recall a formative influence, John Cage — can seem to shimmer, waft or bloom into being. Her most recent album, Moves in the Field, was made with a Yamaha Disklavier, to disarmingly beautiful effect. She arrives at Solar Myth on the heels of a notable booking at Lincoln Center, where she played on the Living Music Underground series.
Sept. 6 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street, $25 advance, $30 day of show; purchase tickets.
