Happy Labor Day weekend! We hope this edition of Moment’s Notice finds you on the way to some relaxation, whether you’re headed down the shore or going no further than the nearest backyard. As we look past the holiday to the week ahead, take note of two festivals worth the schlep, along with a few great options in Center City. And don’t forget to check our Fall Preview for more coming attractions.
Spotlight: Celebration of the Arts Festival — Saturday and Sept. 13, Delaware Water Gap
This family-friendly jazz festival is a Delaware Water Gap institution — don’t look now, but it’s the 48th annual edition — and there are more than a few reasons to consider making a weekend out of it. Performances will be spread across an outdoor main stage and the venerable Deer Head Inn, where Philly’s own Brazilian jazz group Minas performs on Saturday, and the Grammy-winning vocalist Nicole Zuraitis closes things out on Sunday.
Among the main stage highlights are a trio led by pianist Phil Markowitz, a quartet put together by vibraphonist Tony Miceli, and a quintet led by singer Chelsea Reed. All of those are on Saturday; the marquee artist on Sunday will be guitarist Dave Stryker, with his quartet. But don’t sleep on the local talent, including the Water Gap Jazz Orchestra and a group called Cota Cats.
Sept. 12 and 13, various times, Deer Head Inn, 5 Main Street, and Main Stage, 22 Delaware Avenue, Delaware Water Gap, PA, $5-$40; tickets and information.
Coltrane Unscripted — Thursday, South Jazz Kitchen
Veteran bassist and Jazz Philadelphia emissary Gerald Veasley has been deeply involved in the events surrounding Coltrane 100 Philly, and this week he’ll make his own contribution, convening a John Coltrane tribute on his Unscripted series at South. Philly’s own Jaleel Shaw will be the saxophonist, offering a preview of the role he’ll revisit at A Love Park Supreme on Coltrane’s actual centennial. Rounding out the group are pianist Adam Faulk and drummer Khary Abdul Shaheed.
Sept. 10 at 6:30 and 9:00 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 North Broad Street, $37-$42; tickets and information.
Atlantic City Jazz Fest — Friday and Saturday, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
A reliable down-the-shore enticement for fans of smooth jazz, now in its seventh year, the Atlantic City Jazz Fest features seasoned stars — including saxophonists Kirk Whalum and Marion Meadows, guitarist Norman Brown, and pianist Alex Bugnon. Joining them are crossover artists like the R&B singer Maysa and neo-soul trombonist Jeff Bradshaw, among others.
Sept. 11 and 12, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ, ticket prices vary; tickets and information.
Miki Yamanaka Trio — Saturday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
An astute and adaptable keyboardist in the modern mainstream, Miki Yamanaka has a sharp new album, Breathe, that includes a song dedicated to one of her piano heroes, James Williams. The album features a four-piece band with Nicole Glover on saxophones, Tyrone Allen II on bass and Jimmy Macbride. For this one-nighter, she’ll pare down to a trio.
Sept. 12 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30, with dinner packages; tickets and information.
Christie Dashiell Quartet — Friday and Saturday, South Jazz Kitchen
A singer and songwriter with deep ties to Howard University, where she studied jazz vocals and now teaches the same, Christie Dashiell brings soulful presence to any musical situation — most recently a new album by Terri Lyne Carrington & Social Science, titled Trip the Night Fantastic. For this weekend engagement, Dashiell will draw from her own catalog, including the Grammy-nominated album Journey in Black.
Sept. 11 and 12 at 7:00 and 9:30 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 North Broad Street, $37; tickets and information.
