FunTimes Fun: Events & Entertainment!
History makers: Philadelphia nurtured the art form of jazz, from the early 1920s to today, producing a galaxy of luminaries including Ethel Waters, Bessie Smith, John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, Joe Venuto, Benny Golson, Stan Getz, the Heath Brothers, Dizzzie Gillespie, Sun Ra, McCoy Tyner, Grover Washington Jr. and many more.
As March winds down, April rises up to shower us with more things to do and places to go. It’s a month teeming with pizazz and jazz! Explore the local initiative — Philly Celebrates Jazz — during national Jazz Appreciation Month observing the rich heritage of one of the world’s finest jazz legacy cities that has never skipped a beat. The month-long series of activities are dedicated to resurrecting the cords of jazz’s past, connecting them with the present through free performances, discussions, film screenings, art exhibitions, and music/dance classes in schools, clubs, churches, community centers, and music venues. So, by all means, don’t vegetate, go out and celebrate! But before venturing out to in-person events, contact the organizers to confirm event hours and find out about their updated pandemic-related safety policies.
MUSIC
All That Jazz
April 1, 2022. Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month and take a mid-day break at Lunchtime Unplugged at the Kimmel Plaza, under a 150-vaulted roof, featuring the Temple University Senior Ensemble of composer-saxophonist Evan Kappelman, trumpeter Banks Sapner, bassist Stanley Ruvinov, guitarist Ben Reinwart, drummer Dave Auerbach and pianist Michael Graves. The performances are a lively mix of traditional jazz, with a modern twist. Free, Kimmel Cultural Campus in the Kimmel Plaza, 300 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999; www.kimmelculturalcampus.org
Jazz on the Parkway
April 3, 2022. Groove to the rhythm of jazz on Sunday afternoons at Jazz on the Parkway featuring local jazz group Vibe-A-Delphia. Sip your favorite cocktail under the café’s shaded outdoor patio. Additional seating for non-café customers is available on the lawn areas of the park. Free, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Capriccio Café and Bar, Cret Park, 16th and Arch sts., https://centercityphila.org
Odean Pope and Friends
Peace on Earth Concert Blossoms with Rhythm
April 10, 2022. The Peace on Earth Concert is part of the Cherry Blossom Festival highlighting John Coltrane’s “under-recognized” classic, Peace On Earth. The song was written for and premiered during Coltrane’s Japanese concert tour in 1966. Coltrane was a member of the U.S. Navy and stationed in Hawaii after the Second World War. This song and his visit to the Nagasaki Peace Park commemorating the atomic bombing of the city on August 9, 1945, during World War II, promotes themes of peace and understanding. Odean Pope and Friends will transform the original composition into “a suite of various movements, sonic textures and moods (think A Love Supreme),” culminating in a triumphant celebration of the annual renewal of spring. The event is part of Philly Celebrates Jazz in partnership with the Philadelphia Jazz Project. Free, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, Lansdowne & Horticultural drives in Fairmount Park, http://philajazzproject.org/
Matthew Parrish
Jazz on the Pier
April 16, 2022. Jazz Philadelphia presents a Jazz Appreciation Month’s Jazz at Cherry Street Pier concert featuring the Matthew Parish Philly Express Band featuring Matthew Parrish on bass, Josh Evans on trumpet, Khary Abdul-Shaheed on drums, Behn Gillece on vibes, Joe Block on piano, Camille Thurman on sax, and special guest artist Michelle Lordi. The event is presented as part of Philly Celebrates Jazz in partnership with Jazz Philadelphia. Free, 1:30pm – 3:30pm, Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Columbus Blvd., https://jazzphiladelphia.org/
EDUCATION
Building on music theory
April 9, 2022. Kids, ages 5 to 8, may want to check out Building Blocks FUNdamental Music Theory. The introductory session is a fun and stimulating class for the young singer or instrumentalist. Students will get to listen and learn by singing, rhythmic movement, tonal and rhythmic patterns. They will read basic musical notation and strengthen their skills to match pitch using the Kodály system of hand signals and solfege syllables. Free, 11 a.m. to noon, spaces limited. Register: https://tinyurl.com/musicprepfreeintros
Temple University Center City, 1515 Market St., (5th floor.), 215-204-1512, boyer.temple.edu/musicprep, or e-mail musicprep@temple.edu
You Can’t Beat This Virtual Class
Let off pandemic steam with Djembe — in its authentic traditional West African form — online drum classes for beginners. Enjoy a “Junk” percussion jam with people from around the world in the comfort of your home. Join Taal Inc. for a fun music-making learning experience. Register for private lessons with internationally acclaimed Djembe teachers, or a group session, using your own homemade instruments. Inquire about costs. Taalinc.net.
