Philadelphia Weekly

MUSIC

Critic’s Pick: Center City Jazz Festival

By PW Staff

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Apr. 24, 2012

Ernest Stuart

Philly’s first-rate jazz musicians are plenty, but they’re facing an acute shortage of clubs (ironic for a town that nurtured John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and countless others). Arty alternative spaces exist, yes, but can’t provide the oxygen of a full-time, year-round scene. Enter young trombonist Ernest Stuart and his allies, who are mounting the first Center City Jazz Festival thanks to an inspired crowdfunding effort. It’s just one day, but very plausibly a spark, or at least a vivid example of what can happen. Right near City Hall, four venues will host a parade of bands led by Stuart, saxophonists Wade Dean, Dahi Divine and Jaleel Shaw, vocalists Denise King and Venissa Santí, pianists George Burton and Luke O’Reilly, bassist Alex Claffy, drummer Joe Truglio and more. Renowned trumpeter Sean Jones headlines at Chris’ Jazz Café beginning at 8 p.m. (separate cover). The music’s apt to straddle genre boundaries while swinging like crazy. (David R. Adler)

Sat., Apr. 28, 1-8pm. $25. Chris’ Jazz Café (1421 Sansom St.), Time Restaurant (1315 Sansom St.), Fergie’s Pub (1214 Sansom St.), Milkboy Coffee (1100 Chestnut St.). 215.568.3131. ccjazzfest.com