People’s Emergency Center is hosting its Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival, this summer celebrating its 10th anniversary and Women in Jazz!   Join us on Saturday, July 16th from 12:00-7:00 pm for a free one day event at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center’s Saunders Park Greene (39th & Powelton) for one of the most exciting community jazz events in Philadelphia.

The very best in female musicians and vocalists have been curated by Producer’s Guild and will feature Sumi Tonooka as headliner.  The day promises something for jazz lovers of all ages including a variety of food trucks and vendors, artists, resources and family friendly activities. Free parking will be available.

For more information and a full list of performers, visit: http://www.lancasteravejazzfest.com

Rain date: Sunday, July 17th.

The Producer’s Guild is bringing to Philadelphia another world-class performer for their 2nd Friday program. This December it’s George Burton, jazz pianist, on Friday, December 8, 2023, 7PM – 9:30PM, at the Community Education Center/CEC, 3500 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA.

The Friday, December 8 performance will be a special performance by Burton. It will be an introductory release performance for his latest album, George Burton’s “The Yule Log” featuring vocal performance of Nancy Hearms and a dynamic string ensemble lead by the legendary Diane Monroe.

Come join the Producer’s Guild for a joyful evening of seasonal traditional music like you have never heard it before…soulful, multidimensional and sublimely jazz.

Tickets – $30 complimentary wine; VIP – $35 Table seating with complimentary wine & Dessert.

Payment – cashapp: SOBAGASON

For more information – Leo Gadson 267-619-6195/ Virjette LaCour 267-738-5703.

The Producer’s Guild in association with Community Education Center and Diva Nation Philly-Women of Music Bd. LTD.

Invite your family and friends out for a night of fun on the corner of Lancaster and Powelton avenues. The first Mid-Night BBQ featured the sounds of funk and jazz, this time around we’re kicking off the summer with some heat: live music from samba drum corps, Unidos da Filadelfia and soul/reggae singer Fabian Akilles. You do not want to miss this! RSVP (midnightbbq.eventbrite.com) for a complimentary hot dog and a cup of lemonade.

– Elle Tee (LoLa 38)

A great summer tradition is still alive in Cedar Park! Summer live jazz series is returning on Friday, June 2, according to Cedar Park Neighbors. Bobby Zankel and the Warriors of the Wonderful Sound Six will kick off the series this Friday. West Philly musician Gretchen Elise will perform next Friday, June 9.

2017 Live Jazz Fridays in Cedar Park will be held every Friday at 49th and Baltimore, 6 – 8 p.m., weather permitting, through July 28th (see the flier for the full lineup). Don’t forget to bring your kids and your neighbors, as well as chairs or a blanket.

Stay tuned for more announcements about live jazz in West Philly – at Malcolm X Park and the annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz Festival. Continue Reading

Summer brings many cool events to West Philly neighborhoods, including street festivals, outdoor music, art and movies, farmers’ and flea markets, and food-centered events, so we’ll be posting this information as it becomes available. Today’s post is dedicated to a popular summer event in the area – jazz in local parks.

We’re happy to report that two West Philly parks, Cedar Park and Malcolm X Park, will once again be hosting jazz nights featuring well-known local musicians and guests throughout the summer.

Friday Night Jazz in Cedar Park (49th and Baltimore) will kick off on Friday, June 3, with a performance by Bernard Samuels Trio. Performances will be held every Friday, 6 – 8 p.m.. Here’s the lineup through July 29 (additional performances may be announced later):

June 3 – Bernard Samuels Trio
June 10 – Progressive Movement
June 17 – Gretchen Elise & Friends
June 24 – Jazz Lab Project
July 1 – Rich Tucker & Friends
July 8 – Dendê Mercado/Brazilian artist
July 15 – Bobby Zankel & The Warriors of the Wonderful Sound IV
July 22 – Clef Club Youth Ensemble
July 29 – Philadelphia Clef Club/ Tribute to Donald “Chappy” Washington Band & Friends

Cedar Park Jazz is hosted by Cedar Park Neighbors and is made possible thanks to donations from local organizations, businesses and individuals. If you would like to support this event and help bring more performances to the park, click here.

West Philadelphia Jazz Heritage Series are held at Malcolm X Park (52nd and Pine) every other Thursday, beginning at 7 p.m. The series is hosted by Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Friends of Malcolm X Park. Here’s the lineup through Sept. 15:

June 9 – The Jazz Lab Project
June 23 – Vocalist: The Barbara Walker Story
July 7 – Bassist: Bill Booker & Trio
July 21 – Vocalist: Shirley Lites
Aug. 4 – Budesa Brothers
Aug. 18 – Perfect Solution
Sept. 1 – Napoleon Redeemer & The 61st St Band
Sept. 15 – Angel Baby Music  Continue Reading

A great weekend is in store for local jazz fans, with a couple of awesome (and free!) events happening in the area. Plus, there will be a free classical jazz concert at a local library on Monday. More details are below.

• The annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Fest is returning to Powelton Village on Saturday, July 18. The fest is an all-day fun for the whole family, featuring internationally renowned performers, vendors, food trucks, and children’s activities. The event, organized by People’s Emergency Center and the Producers’ Guild, celebrates the rich history of jazz and the arts in Philadelphia. The lineup includes a wide variety of both international and Philly jazz musicians, including Sonny Fortune, Charlene Holloway Band, Glenn Bryan & Friends, Kimpedro Nu Gruv, and more.

The festival will be held from noon to 7 p.m. at Saunders Park (39th and Powelton Ave). For more information, visit: www.lancasteravejazzfest.com.

• The weekly Summer Jazz series will be held on Friday night in Cedar Park (49th and Baltimore), starting at 6 p.m. This week features Dahi Divine and Friends.

• Charlie X will present a free classical jazz concert at Walnut St West Library (40th and Walnut) on Monday, July 20. This event starts at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will also be served. The event is sponsored by the Library Friends. You can hear Charlie X at charliex.org.