As we round the corner to fall, Philadelphia’s jazz community is overwhelmingly focused on a single event: the centennial celebration for John Coltrane, who was indelibly shaped by our city, and shaped its musical legacy in turn. WRTI is taking part in that hoopla, and we hope you’ll join us. But lest we forget, there’s more than Trane coming down the tracks this season. Our Fall Preview has the rundown of more than a dozen events you won’t want to miss, featuring living legends and emerging artists alike. And don’t forget: we have a Classical Fall Preview, too. — Nate Chinen
Pat Metheny and Side Eye III + — Sep. 19, Miller Theater
Guitarist Pat Metheny, now 72, has reached the status when many master musicians pump the brakes on the touring grind. Not him. “I’ve had a unique opportunity to play hundreds of performances across the globe with the Side Eye Trio,” attests his drummer, Joe Dyson. “The level of chemistry between Pat, (keyboardist) Chris Fishman and me has developed into something truly remarkable and captivating.” In Side Eye III+, that palette expands to include bassist Jermaine Paul and percussionist and vocalist Leonard Patton. “We have the ability to create moments in the music that harken to elements that Pat’s fans cherish,” says Dyson, “while we take the audience on a journey with new compositions.” (Josh Jackson)
Coltrane 100 Philly — Sept. 23-27, Various locations
Philadelphia’s embrace of saxophonist John Coltrane will reach elation and higher elevation this fall. WRTI will set up at LOVE Park, presenting the Jaleel Shaw Trio on Sept. 23, the 100th anniversary of Coltrane’s birth. That evening, Ars Nova Workshop kicks off a five-night Coltrane Festival with the Sun Ra Arkestra performing his music at Solar Myth. Subsequent nights at Mandell Theater will include Coltrane-themed programming from Terri Lyne Carrington and L'Rain (Sept. 24); the Immanuel Wilkins Quartet (Sept. 26), and a Marilyn Crispell/Tyshawn Sorey duo (Sept. 27). But if you can only make one show, circle Friday, Sept. 25, when Irreversible Entanglements perform Coltrane’s Ascension, and a supertrio of legends Odean Pope, Reggie Workman and Andrew Cryrille take the stage at Mandell. (Jackson)
Samara Joy and her Septet — Sep. 27, Copeland Hall, The Grand Opera House, Wilmington, DE
Since her 2021 debut, Samara Joy has staked her claim as one of the great contemporary jazz vocalists. Performing with her septet at Wilmington’s beautiful Grand Opera House, one of the region’s most underrated theatres, this perpetually-rising star — winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition and six Grammy awards — is a must-see for jazz lovers seeking an artist in the lineage of names like Fitzgerald, Holiday and Lincoln. (Julian Booker)
Jeremy Pelt Quintet — Oct. 3, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt has been leading his own groups since the turn of this century, while releasing about an album every year. You can understand why this show at Chris’ Jazz Cafe would be highly anticipated. His 2026 album Our Community Will Not Be Erased has the awareness of today’s cultural concerns. Regardless of whether he brings that vibe to his show, you’ll be in for an evening of inspired playing. (Bob Craig)
Jorge Luis Pacheco Trio Live from Havana — Oct. 3, City Winery
A superdynamic Cuban pianist and vocalist who both embodies and diverges from a virtuoso lineage, Jorge Luis Pacheco has garnered accolades around the world, notably at the Montreux Jazz Piano Solo Competition. His recent album Live from Havana marks a homecoming and unlocks a new level of magnetism; he’ll draw from it in this concert, leading his working trio with Gerson Lazo-Quiroga on bass and Reinier Mendoza on drums. (Nate Chinen)
Lakecia Benjamin — Ensemble Arts Philly, Oct. 22, Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
If you’re looking for a show that will move you, and I’m not just talking emotionally, but physically, Lakecia Benjamin is THAT show. While she’s serious about her instrument and craft, she is adamant that if you are in the audience, you are guaranteed to have a grand time. Clapping your hands and letting out some loud “Yeah!”s are a must when Lakecia takes the stage, as she’ll do here, playing music from her new album, We Dream. (Nicole Sweeney)
Exit Zero Jazz Festival — Oct. 22-25, Cape May Convention Hall, Cape May, NJ
This fall’s Exit Zero Jazz Festival lineup spans generations, bringing together towering legends like saxophonist Kenny Garrett, bassist Marcus Miller and pianist Danilo Pérez alongside fearless younger voices like the virtuosic vocalist Michael Mayo. But one performance rises above the rest: a celebration of Cuban piano master Chucho Valdés’ 85th birthday on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. With Trinidad-born trumpet powerhouse Etienne Charles joining the festivities, expect a joyous, high-energy affair. (Alex Ariff)
Arun Ramamurthy Trio & Rudresh Mahanthappa Hero Trio — Penn Live Arts, Oct. 30, Zellerbach Theatre
Alto saxophonist, composer and educator Rudresh Mahanthappa has garnered significant attention throughout his career, including several poll-topping appearances on the DownBeat Critics Poll. This fall, his highly acclaimed Hero Trio headlines a double billing of riveting music. Completing the lineup will be violinist Arun Ramamurthy and his trio, who offer inspired genre-bending interpretations, blending elements of electric jazz and South Indian Carnatic music. (J. Michael Harrison)
Cécile McLorin Salvant — Nov. 1, Matthews Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton, NJ
Some singers interpret songs. Cécile McLorin Salvant inhabits them. Every lyric feels intentional, every performance deeply considered. The acclaimed vocalist has earned five Grammy awards by bringing intelligence, warmth, and originality to everything she sings. Experience her live in a concert that showcases not only a remarkable voice, but one of the most creative musical minds in jazz today. (Bobbi I. Booker)
John Coltrane’s Offering — Nov. 12, Temple Performing Arts Center
Released in 2014 on what would have been John Coltrane’s 88th birthday, Offering, a recording of Trane’s 1966 performance at Temple University’s Mitten Hall (originally broadcast live on WRTI), is a transcendent document captured eight months before the artist’s death. Coltrane’s son Ravi, whose mother Alice also performed at the original concert, will lead a tribute to this historic moment in Philadelphia jazz this November, one of many events celebrating John Coltrane’s 2026 centennial. (Julian Booker)
The Bad Plus Farewell Tour — Ensemble Arts Philly, Nov. 14, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
After more than 25 years and a couple of overhauls, The Bad Plus is taking one last spin around the world before ending their ride. Founding members Reid Anderson (bass) and Dave King (drums) are joined by Chris Speed (saxophone) and Ben Monder (guitar), exploring a sound that balances lyrical grandeur, earthy pull and explosive dynamism. Their recent stand at the Newport Jazz Festival was a triumph, and the same should be true at this Philly farewell. (Chinen)
John Scofield’s Electrospective — Nov. 15, Ardmore Music Hall, Ardmore PA
One note from John Scofield, and you know it’s him. This fall, the legendary guitarist brings Electrospective to Ardmore with a powerhouse new quartet. Honing in on the electric side of his solo catalog, Scofield revisits the fusion explorations of Blue Matter (1987), A Go Go (1998), and Überjam (2002). Joined by drummer Adam Deitch — a key figure from the original Überjam era — alongside organist Larry Goldings and bassist Oteil Burbridge, Scofield reimagines decades of groove-driven innovation. (Ariff)