The deep freeze is still hanging on, but so are we — and so is the music. In fact, this week’s roundup in Moment’s Notice is full of shows that are sure to warm your spirits, whether you’re looking for a classic swinging vibe or something more downright soulful. Don’t let the cold keep you off the scene!
Tyshawn Sorey: Members, Don’t Git Weary — Friday, Zellerbach Theater
The world was about halfway through a year’s worth of centennial tribute to Max Roach when, in May of 2024, one of his spiritual heirs won a Pulitzer Prize for Music. That person is Tyshawn Sorey, a professor of music at Penn who, like Roach before him, is a brilliant drummer, bandleader and composer with a commitment to speaking truth and forging ahead.
Sorey had actually rung in 2024 with a Max Roach project, reimagining the master’s immortal 1968 album Members, Don’t Git Weary at Winter Jazzfest in New York. He presented it again the month after his Pulitzer win, at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and a handful of times since. Now he’s bringing it to his own backyard, under the banner of Penn Live Arts.
The music on Members, Don’t Git Weary was composed by Roach, pianist Stanley Cowell, alto saxophonist Gary Bartz, and bassist (and Philly native) Jymie Merritt. For this latest redrawing of the work, Sorey will enlist Adam O'Farrill on trumpet, Mark Shim on tenor saxophone, Lex Korten on piano and Tyrone Allen on bass. It’s a dynamite lineup for what promises to be a thrilling performance.
Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m., Zellerbach Theatre, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut Street, $45-$81; tickets and information.
Anthony Aldissi Quintet — Thursday, Temple Performing Arts Center
Last month, when the Temple University Jazz Band won top honors at the 2026 National Collegiate Jazz Championship in New York, there were also commendations given to individual members of the band. Among them were Anthony Aldissi (Outstanding Piano), Mekhi Boone (Outstanding Drums) and Graham Kozak (the Earl Hines Outstanding Musician Award). All three can be heard for free this week at the Rite of Swing Jazz Cafe, behind a notable front line: John Swana on EVI and trombone, and Evan Kappelman on saxophone.
Feb. 5 at 4:30 p.m., Temple Performing Arts Center, 1837 N Broad Street, Free admission; tickets and information.
Chris Oatts & His Nonet / The Pretty Big Band — Friday and Saturday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Saxophonist Chris Oatts is a third-generation jazz musician, and a product of Temple’s Boyer College of Music and Dance, where he now teaches. As the name suggests, his Pretty Big Band is a midsize ensemble that packs the punch of a larger ensemble. For this weekend stand at Chris’, its featured guest will be the talented young vocalist Anaïs Reno, a club favorite.
Feb. 6 and 7 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30 on Friday, $35 on Saturday, with dinner packages; tickets and information.
Jeff Bradshaw & Friends — Saturday, City Winery
A trombonist, arranger and bandleader who straddles jazz, R&B and soul, Jeff Bradshaw carries his North Philly upbringing into any musical setting. His 2025 album, The Cure, features a typical array of collaborators, including soul crooner Anthony Hamilton, saxophonist Jeff Coffin, and keyboardist Jeff Lorber. Expect to see a similar cameo or two in this pre-Valentine’s Day show.
Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m., City Winery Philadelphia, 990 Filbert Street, $42-$60; tickets and information.
José James with Lizz Wright — Saturday, Matthews Theatre, Princeton
Marvin Gaye’s simmering, cinematically lush classic I Want You was released some 50 years ago, on March 16, 1976. To celebrate that milestone, the shapeshifting baritone José James has assembled some versatile collaborators — guitarist Marcus Machado, bassist David Ginyard and drummer Jharis Yokley — along with a spectacularly well-qualified guest, singer-songwriter Lizz Wright. What better excuse to pay Princeton a visit this weekend?
Feb 7. At 7:30 p.m., McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Pl, Princeton NJ, $39-$94; tickets and information.
