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Jazzin' It Up In Philly
Jam Sessions, Special Concerts And Events Make Philly A Year-Round Hot Spot For Cool Jazz
Press Release
JAZZIN’ IT UP IN PHILLY
Jam Sessions, Special Concerts And Events Make Philly A Year-Round Hot Spot For Cool Jazz
PHILADELPHIA, February 4, 2008 - Music lovers and gardening fans will find lots to groove to when “Jazz it Up,” this year’s edition of the Philadelphia Flower Show, rolls into the Pennsylvania Convention Center from March 2-9, 2008. And after strolling through floral displays that re-create familiar New Orleans scenes and enjoying live jazz performances taking place throughout the show, visitors who catch jazz fever can find sizzling riffs at various venues throughout Philadelphia.
Ortlieb's Jazzhaus
Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC
Like the Big Easy, Philadelphia’s jazz roots run deep. Home to a Who’s Who of the genre—John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Sun Ra—the city continues that tradition with old-time jazz clubs, sleek modern venues, special events and festivals that feature this American style of music year round. Here are a few places where fans can swing and sway to the downbeat:
Jazz Clubs:
- After a total re-do, Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus sports a modern new look, a global wine list and savory Cajun-Creole menu. And much to the relief of aficionados, this legendary music spot still features some of the coolest jazz around. 847 N. 3rd Street, (215) 922-1035, ortliebsjazzhaus.com
- Down Beat Magazine got it right when they named Chris’ Jazz Cafe one of the “100 Best Places in the World to Hear Jazz.” In addition to surprisingly affordable tickets and some of the world’s greatest names in jazz, this spot also boasts cuisine that’s both budget-friendly and delicious. 1421 Sansom Street, (215) 568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com
- Among those in the know, Natalie’s Lounge is legendary. This traditional, bare-bones venue keeps the city’s jazz traditions alive, featuring emerging artists who add their own signature to old-time standards. 4003 Market Street, (215) 222-5162
- Even in its stylish new location, Warmdaddy’s has a down home vibe, a down home Southern menu and a get-down line-up of national jazz and blues artists. 1400 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 462-2000, www.warmdaddys.com
- Music lovers always find something to love at North by Northwest, a sophisticated spot where the music gets top billing and the soul-inspired menu is a close second. This Mt. Airy venue has racked up a list of “best” honors by Philadelphia magazine and other local media for its changing and adventurous line-up of musical genres, including jazz. 7165 Germantown Avenue, (215) 248-1000, www.nxnwphilly.com
Regular Performances:
- Every Monday from 7:00-10:00 p.m., pianist Mike Frank runs an increasingly popular jazz jam at MilkBoy Coffee. 2 E. Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, (610) 645-5269, www.milkboycoffee.com
- Vincent’s Restaurant is the place to be every Thursday night to hear the eclectic live jazz of the Glenn Ferracone Quartet and the assemblage of guests they invite to take the stage with them. 10 E. Gay Street, West Chester, (610) 696-4262, www.vincentsjazz.com
- The Art After 5 program at the Philadelphia Museum of Art features live jazz concerts and a cash bar in the Great Stair Hall every Friday of the month (except First Fridays when international sounds are the focus) from 5:45 to 8:15 p.m. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, www.philamuseum.org
Festivals And Special Events:
- It was such a hit last year that Longwood Gardens has expanded its Wine & Jazz Festival to two days. This year’s edition will feature dozens of jazz artists and more than 20 wineries in a spectacular, colorful setting of millions of blooms. May 3-4, 2008. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org
- What began as a neighborhood festival has blossomed into a nationally known jazz event. More than 300,000 music lovers flock to the free West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival for three days and nights of cool jazz on four stages. This year’s line-up includes Pieces of a Dream, the Sun Ra Arkestra, Andy Aaron and other top names. June 20-22, 2008. 7100-7200 Ogontz Avenue, www.westoaklanefestival.com
- Hot jazz and fine wine are the perfect pair during Chaddsford Winery’s annual three-day Labor Day Weekend Jazz Festival. Admission includes winery tours, tastings and enough jazz to satisfy the most hardcore fans. August 30-September 1, 2008. 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-6221, www.chaddsford.com
A Series Of Jazz Series:
- The Jazz Club at Longwood, a new three-concert series of jazz performances in Longwood Gardens’ exotic orchard paradise, features the jazz stylings of Sophie Milman, Turtle Island Quartet and jazz saxophonist extraordinaire Kenny Garrett. January 31, February 21, March 13, 2008. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org
- Morris Arboretum hosts Groovin’ in the Garden, a twilight series of four outdoor concerts, where picnicking is encouraged. June 19, June 26, July 10, July 17, 2008. 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, (215) 247-5777, www.morrisarboretum.org
- Smooth Jazz Summer Nights celebrates its 11th anniversary this summer with free outdoor performances by national artists every Friday night in August at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street, (215) 922-2FUN, www.pennslandingcorp.com
- Philadelphia jazz musicians bring their talents onboard for a sunset river cruise with hors d’oevres and a cash bar during Schuylkill Banks River Tours, held select Saturdays. Check for updated schedules. (888) RIV-PHIL, www.schuylkillbanks.org
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.
Note to Editors: For photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit our Photo Gallery.
CONTACT:
Cara Schneider, GPTMC
(215) 599-0789, cara@gptmc.com
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