April marks Philly Jazz Month, a city-wide celebration of jazz music and its deep roots in Philadelphia. Throughout the month, a diverse array of events, programs, educational activities, and concerts will highlight the history of jazz in the city and provide opportunities for current musicians and artists.

East Passyunk Jazz Crawl Kicks Off the Month

The festivities begin this weekend with the East Passyunk Jazz Crawl. Ten local restaurants, bars, and shops along East Passyunk Avenue will host free live music throughout the afternoon. Performers include trad jazz band Drew Nugent & The Midnight Society, Chris Oatts & The Ellingtones, Oliver Mayman, and John Swana.

The event is sponsored by swing dance organization Rittenhop, promising music reminiscent of jazz’s 1920s origins. Attendees are encouraged to brush up on their Lindy Hop moves!

Exploring Philly’s Jazz Legacy

Vinyl Listening Parties at SOOK Vinyl & Vintage

Black-owned record shop SOOK Vinyl & Vintage invites jazz enthusiasts to delve into the city’s musical past. The shop will host a series of vinyl listening parties featuring classic recordings by Philadelphia jazz heroes such as McCoy Tyner and Stanley Turrentine.

The Spiritual Roots of Jazz

Vocalist will perform April 16 at Solar Myth (1131 S. Broad St.), exploring the significant influence of church music on the development of jazz. He will be accompanied by a stellar local band featuring pianist Aaron Graves, bassist Nimrod Speaks, drummer Khary Abdul-Shaheed, and saxophonist Nasir Dickerson.

Modern Jazz and Innovative Sounds

Quite Sane: A Fusion of Genres

For those interested in the evolution of jazz, Quite Sane, the groundbreaking ensemble led by , offers a unique experience. arrived in Philadelphia 30 years ago and blended influences of jazz, hip hop, and funk on their 2002 debut album, To Kill a Child of Troubled Times.

Sunset Jazz at the Rail Park

Saxophonist Mervin Toussaint will perform a sunset concert at the Rail Park, providing a stunning backdrop of the city during the “golden hour.”

Celebrating Emerging Talent and Chamber Jazz

New Album Releases

Guitarist and vocalist Ben O’Neill, and bassist Shane Adam Aaserud, both members of Philadelphia’s emerging jazz scene, will showcase their new albums.

Chamber Jazz Quartet

A new chamber jazz quartet featuring violinist Diane Monroe, vibraphonist Tony Miceli, cellist Tom Kraines, and bassist Nimrod Speaks will perform, blurring the lines between jazz and classical music.

Dance, Theater, and the Organ Trio Tradition

Music and Dance at Dilworth Park

Longtime local presenter Leo Gadson presents a collaboration between music and dance at Dilworth Park. Drummer G. Calvin Weston, known for his work with Ornette Coleman, will perform with dancers from Urban Movement Arts.

A Play About John Coltrane

Forman Arts Initiative will host a live reading of Anyabwile Love’s play, which explores the spiritual awakening of saxophonist John Coltrane during the creation of his masterpiece.

The Legacy of the Organ Trio

Bob & Barbara’s will honor the storied history of the organ trio – a staple of Philadelphia’s jazz scene – with performances by today’s practitioners.