Jazz Performances Add Spring to Your Step in Philadelphia

Philadelphia commemorates America's 250th birthday this year with a spring entertainment calendar packed with jazz performances, including tributes to centenarians Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Randy Weston. These tributes complement performances by veteran maestros like Marshall Allen and Delbert Anderson, both of whom blend jazz with diverse cultural influences.

Here's what you can look forward to this season in jazz, according to a Philadelphia Inquirer report:

Amir ElSaffar's New Quartet performs April 14 at Solar Myth. Its members will explore cross-cultural jazz, drawing on Arab musical traditions and adding microtonal accents from guest pianist Tania Giannouli.

Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble will perform on May 8 at the Annenberg Center, continuing O'Farrill's mission to fuse American, Cuban, and Latin traditions in a vibrant octet.

Biotic, a bass-forward trio led by Shawn Lovato with Ingrid Laubrock and Henry Mermer, performs on April 20 at Vox Populi. This performance presents a romantic yet intense punk-influenced approach to jazz.

Christian McBride and Edgar Meyer present a duet of two bassists at Miller Theater on April 21. This matchup pairs Philadelphia's bass icon with a renowned virtuoso for an unforgettable double-bass concert.

Delbert Anderson Quartet debuts "Beyond Belief" at the Annenberg Center on April 26. This quartet weaves Navajo/Diné musical heritage with jazz in a Penn Live Arts commission work that explores the tribe's history through music.

Exit Zero Jazz Festival returns to Cape May, New Jersey, May 15–17, featuring Miles Davis tributes led by Vince Wilburn and Ravi Coltrane. In addition, an Orrin Evans-led Monk tribute features Gary Bartz, with performances by rising artists such as Sarah Hanahan and Carmen Lundy.

Get Up With It returns May 21–23 at Solar Myth to honor Miles Davis. In addition, Charlie Hall's ensemble will perform three evenings centered on In a Silent Way, Bitches Brew, and Jack Johnson.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will perform May 26 at the Kimmel Center, marking one of the ensemble's final Philadelphia appearances.

Orrin Evans' Aries Birthday Hang unfolds April 17–18 at Chris's Jazz Café. It will offer an all-star rhythm section and the Brooklyn trio Ember to celebrate the Aries community.

T.K. Blue headlines May 2 at Chris's Jazz Café, honoring Randy Weston's centennial year with a high-profile band that includes Santi Debriano, George Coleman Jr., and Orrin Evans.