By now we’ve all hopefully grown accustomed to the idea of a new year. But have you been out to hear any live music in 2026? Whatever your answer, we’re here to help. The first Moment’s Notice of the year has a little something for everybody. Get out there!
Don Was & The Pan-Detroit Ensemble — Wednesday, Ardmore Music Hall
These days, Don Was is most often hailed as the president of Blue Note Records, a post he assumed in 2012 and has stamped with signature flair. But as any music-industry observer knows, he has always kept a sprawling portfolio — as a filmmaker, a Grammy-winning producer, a versatile bassist, and a co-founder of the Detroit-hatched funk band Was (Not Was).
The Pan-Detroit Ensemble is Was’ latest venture, a groove-forward jazz collective featuring musicians from his hometown. Among them are saxophonist and flutist Dave McMurray, a friend and collaborator for well over 40 years; keyboardist Luis Resto, best known for his association with Eminem; and vocalist Steffanie Christi’an, who claims equal musical footing in Tina Turner and Rage Against the Machine.
Was and his merry band are touring behind Groove In The Face Of Adversity, their debut album, which features a characteristically eclectic track list (including a Kenny Barron tune, “Nubian Lady,” made famous by Yusef Lateef). They played Ardmore Music Hall in 2024, as part of a Grateful Dead mini-festival, and this should be a welcome return.
Jan. 14 at 8 p.m., Ardmore Music Hall, 23 East Lancaster Avenue, $33; purchase tickets.
Ches Smith’s Clone Row — Tuesday, Solar Myth
Ches Smith is a composer-bandleader with a gift for productive frictions, and on Clone Row, he makes the most of a band lineup featuring two brilliant guitarists, Liberty Ellman and Mary Halvorson. Their interlaced (or interlocking) lines meet head-on with Smith’s drums, drum programming and vibraphone, as well as the grounded whimsy of Nick Dunston’s bass.
Jan. 13 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street, $30 advance, $35 day of show; purchase tickets.
Nick Lombardelli Quintet — Thursday, Temple Performing Arts Center
A trombonist born and raised in Philadelphia, Nick Lombardelli favors a warmly consonant take on modern jazz. In this edition of the Rite of Swing Cafe, he’ll pursue it with the held of vibraphonist Morgan Walbridge, bassist Sandy Eldred, and drummer Donovan Pope.
Jan. 15 at 4:30 p.m., Temple Performing Arts Center, 1837 North Broad Street, free; more information.
Nasir Dickerson & Life Light Empower — Friday through Sunday, South Jazz Kitchen
An unassuming pillar of the local jazz community, Nasir Dickerson is a tenor saxophonist who also doubles seriously on kora, bringing a folkloric West African influence into his music. His Life Light Empower band features trusted partners like trumpeter Jojo Streater and drummer Khary Shaheed; they’ll surely bring deep conviction to this celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. at South.
Jan. 16 and 17 at 7 and 9:30 p.m., Jan. 18 at 6 and 8:30 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 North Broad Street,$35; purchase tickets.
Katie Oberholtzer and Chris’ All-Star Sextet — Friday and Saturday
Katie Oberholtzer is a jazz singer who aims for the sweet spot, in terms of tone, phrasing and stylistic approach. A first runner-up in the 2023 Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, she appears this weekend with assured young backing from a combo that includes John Dimase on trumpet and vocals, Daniel Cohen on saxophones, and Nick Lombardelli on trombone.
Jan. 16 and 17 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30 on Friday, $35 on Saturday, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
