This week brings two meaningful dispatches from the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, the trailblazing organization first formed in Chicago some 60 years ago. But even if your tastes don’t run toward the avant-garde, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into, including a jazz-cabaret evocation of Harlem in the swing era. See you out there.
Spotlight: Artifacts Trio — Friday and Saturday, Solar Myth
Flutist Nicole Mitchell, drummer Mike Reed and cellist Tomeka Reid shared a commonality of purpose, and more than a few personal connections, before their debut as Artifacts Trio a decade ago. That album — an inspired AACM repertory project, featuring music by the likes of Muhal Richard Abrams, Roscoe Mitchell and Anthony Braxton — bore the simple title Artifacts, and landed on a number of best-album lists at the end of the year.
The group has since released an assured follow-up, …and then there’s this, featuring pieces by each band member, collective improvisations, and one vintage composition apiece by Abrams and Roscoe Mitchell. Because Reid, Reed and Nicole Mitchell are among the leading practitioners in the contemporary avant-garde, there’s no question that this performance will expand on their inquiry — adding new dimensions to the rallying cry “ancient to the future.”
Oct. 17 and 18 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street, $30 advance, $35 day-of-show; purchase tickets.
Orrin Evans Trio — Tuesday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
There have been many iterations of an Orrin Evans Trio, going back to the start of his career: his debut album, released 30 years ago, was simply titled The Trio. This week Evans plays with a special all-star edition, leading from the piano but entrusting equal say to his partners, John Patitucci on bass and Justin Faulkner on drums.
Oct. 14 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $25, $80 and $100, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Katalyst Conversation — Wednesday, Solar Myth
Several years ago, Chicago’s Katalyst Coffee Lounge & Music Gallery hosted the Conversation, a performance by two veterans of the AACM: percussionist Vincent Davis and saxophonist Ari Brown. It evolved into a regular concern, and not just in their hometown: see The Katalyst Conversation — Live in Brussels, which was released last year, and features the same quartet appearing here, with Brown, Davis, Preyas Roy on marimba and Ed Wilkerson on saxophone.
Oct. 15 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street, $30 advance, $35 day-of-show; purchase tickets.
Ken Fowser All-Star Quintet — Friday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
A tenor saxophonist with a robust and swinging style, Ken Fowser convenes a combo with a dynamic pianist, Tyler Bullock, in a featured role. They’re backed by a first-rate rhythm section with Matthew Rotker-Lynn on guitar, Alex Claffy on bass and Wayne Smith Jr. on drums.
Oct. 17 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $25, $95 and $115, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Harlem After Dark: An Uptown Jazz Party — Friday through Sunday, South Jazz Kitchen
The suave baritone Allen Harris introduced Harlem After Dark, a jazz-cabaret evocation of the 1930s, earlier this year. Harris, who calls Harlem home, has since brought his project on the road, to locales including Fort Lauderdale and, now, South Jazz Kitchen.
Oct. 17 and 18 at 7 and 9:30 p.m., Oct. 19 at 6 and 8:30 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 North Broad Street, $40; tickets and information.
Nazir Ebo / Daniel Villarreal — Oct. 19, Solar Myth
The 2025 Philly Music Fest concludes with this double bill, featuring two galvanizing drummers in our midst. Nazir Ebo, flagged in 2023 by WRTI as the Philadelphia scene’s next breakthrough talent, spearheads a band with two guitarists (Simon Martinez, Tim Watson), plus synthesizers (Sanche Ramirez) and electric bass (Tone Whitfield). Daniel Villarreal, who originally hails from Panama City, will lead a trio with John Moran on bass and Victor Vieira-Branco on vibraphone.
Oct. 19 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street, $35 advance, $40 day-of-show; purchase tickets.
