The semiquincentennial came, saw and conquered — and whether you’re sweeping confetti off the stoop or watching the smoke clear from afar, we’ve got you covered. If you happen to be in Philly over the coming week, there are a handful of shows you should know about. Read on, and mark your calendars.
Spotlight: Producers Guild Jazz Festival — Friday, Community Education Center
The Producers Guild of Philadelphia, run by presenter Leo Gadson, has been a pillar of the jazz community for many years. (Gadson himself got started in 1975.) This Friday sees the organization’s 13th annual jazz festival, at the Community Education Center in University City.
Headlining is the James Hurt Three, whose leader is a keyboardist, composer and producer who’s kept an intriguingly low-key profile since his breakout release, Dark Grooves, Mystical Rhythms, on Blue Note in 1999. Also on the bill are three separate quartets led by trumpeters Satish Robertson and Anthony Aldissi and saxophonist Lawrence Jones.
July 10 at 5 p.m., Community Education Center (CEC), 3500 Lancaster Avenue, Second Floor, $35; purchase tickets.
Gabriel Meyer Sextet — Wednesday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
A recent graduate of Temple’s Boyer College of Music and Dance, trombonist Gabriel Meyer has been accruing steady mileage as a bandleader and arranger — often with a tether to maverick composers like Anthony Braxton and Carla Bley. This one-nighter by his sextet will feature a notable guest soloist, Caleb Wheeler Curtis, on sopranino saxophone, stritch and trumpet.
July 8 at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $20, with dinner packages; tickets and information.
Lucas Beltrán & Oliver Mayman — Friday, Black Squirrel
Born in Lima, Peru and based in Philadelphia, Lucas Beltrán is a jazz crooner still in his early 20s, though his retro stylings would suggest otherwise. Last fall he enjoyed a stint on NBC’s The Voice, where he was coached by Michael Bublé; here he teams up with the young vibraphonist Oliver Mayman, alongside Jim Holton on piano, Paul Briggs on bass and Justin Bowden on drums.
July 10 at 7:30 p.m., Black Squirrel Club, 1049 Sarah Street, $16.30; tickets and information.
Richard Hill: Jazz Cultural Voices — Saturday, Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts
A bassist and bandleader of expansive range, Richard Hill, Jr. has been active on the Philly scene for more than 25 years, with a few detours (including a stint exploring K-pop in South Korea). He has a long history with the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts, which presents him here as a part of its concert series Jazz Cultural Voices.
July 11 at 7:30 p.m., Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts, 736 S Broad Street, $35; tickets and information.
Hiruy Tirfe Quartet — Saturday, The SPARC at Barclay Square
Born in West Philly, raised in Upper Darby, saxophonist Hiruy Tirfe keeps a busy schedule both in his hometown and beyond. His drive provided a natural focal point on a debut album, 10,000 Hours, which we celebrated on its release in 2024. With “Reds, White & Blues,” he’ll help kick off a Second Saturday After Hours Jazz Series, in collaboration with East Cooke Winery.
July 11 at 7 p.m., The SPARC at Barclay Square, 1550, Garrett Road, Upper Darby, PA, $49; tickets and information.
