Jazz at Woodmere
Planning to attend a jazz concert? Please review our music performance policy page.
Jazzy Divas
september 23 | $25 ($15 members)
**THIS CONCERT WILL TAKE PLACE INDOORS due to the forecast of rain. Seating will be provided. No refreshments are permitted inside the Museum.**
A tribute to legendary voices in jazz, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, and Billie Holiday to celebrate the opening of Barbara Bullock: Fearless Vision. Enjoy an evening with the amazing vocalists Suzanne Burgess and Sherry Wilson Butler as they perform jazz classics “All of Me,” “Misty,” “What A Difference A Day Makes,” “Tenderly,” and more.
The Music of James Brown…the Godfather of Soul
October 6
Vocalist Gerand X sings and dances James Brown into the heart and soul of us all. Brown helped us handle life’s tricky curves with songs like “I Got The Feeling”, “Please Please Don’t Go” and more.
Tribute to Miles Davis: Mysterious Man with the Horn
October 13
Jazz icon and band leader, Miles Davis is responsible for many innovations in jazz, from bebop to jazz fusion, pushing the boundaries and inspiring generations of musicians. Trumpeter Duane Eubanks will celebrate his legacy with “All Blues,” “Seven Steps to Heaven,” “TuTu” and others.
The Blues of Al Green
October 20
One of music’s most soulful singers had deep roots in the blues. Vocalist “Weez” Newton” will explore his musical journey with songs such as “Let’s Stay Together,” “Love and Happiness,” ”I’m Still in Love with You,” “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart,“ putting the “blues” in the “Green.”
The Music of Stevie Wonder Part 2…The Sunshine of Our Lives
October 27
Wonder’s musical stories fill our spirits and enliven our days, making us listen and move to their rhythm and energy. Vocalist “Weez” Newton returns with some Stevie Wonder favorites such as “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” “Living For the City,” “My Cherie Amour” and many others.
Tribute to Nina Simone: High Priestess of Soul
November 3
No one reaches our hearts like Nina Simone, nor brings such deep awareness to our lives. Vocalist Suzanne Burgess will bring to life the passion of Simone’s tunes such as “4 Women,” “Young, Gifted and Black,” “Mississippi Goddam” and more.
Celebrating Jimi Hendrix, Genius on guitar
November 10
The man who elevated rock music with his blend of electric rock and blues whipped through our lives like a thunderstorm. Arpeggio’s guitarist, Frank Butrey interprets Jimi’s classics like “Purple Haze,” “Hey Joe,” “Manic Depression,” and others.
Tribute to Hugh Masakela and Miriam Makeba: African Highlife, Jazz with an African twist
November 17
African Highlife combines African music genres with rock, jazz, hip-hop, and pop music. Ghanian vocalist Elle brings the music of singers Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masakela (also a trumpeter) to Woodmere as she blends the “Highlife” music of Ghana and South Africa with jazz performing “PataPata,” “Grazing in the Grass,” and “Night in Tunisia,” and more.
The Music of John Coltrane
December 1
Composer and musician John Coltrane was a trailblazer who created “sheets of sound,” courageously pursuing his musical goals and influencing all genres of music. Saxophonist Mike Clay joins The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble for a fitting tribute to this jazz icon and Philly legend, performing some of his notable pieces like “My Favorite Things,” “Giant Steps,” “Acknowledgement (A Love Supreme),” “Mr. PC” and more.
THE SOUNDS OF Bill Withers: A Story/Song Teller of Life
December 8
Bill Withers created music that resonates with emotions we all experience and knew how to put our stories into song. Vocalist Roy Richardson will remind us of Wither’s power and passion in an evening of music that features Wither’s hit tunes “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean On Me,” “Use Me,” “Grandma’s Hands” and other memorable songs.
Holidays for All
December 15
No matter what you celebrate, join us for an evening of holiday cheer and a great time. The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble brings special guests to perform favorites, “Let It Snow,” “We Three Kings,” “Charlie Brown’s Christmas Time is Here,” and more. Join us as we make a toast to the new year with friends, family, and festive tunes.
Music of B.B. King and Muddy Waters
June 12, 2021
They put the BLUE in blues and were not afraid to keep the stories of life real and raw in their music. BB was known as the “King” and Muddy was known as the “Father” of the Blues. Vocalist and guitarist Rich Tucker will take us to those “Down Home Blues” with BB’s “The Thrill Is Gone” and Muddy’s “Mannish Boy,” songs that will forever be an integral part of America’s songbook!
Click to watch the video from the performance: Video 1. Video 2. Video 3.
JUNETEENTH! A Holiday for All
June 19, 2021
This special holiday commemorates the date in 1865 when news arrived to the enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas of their emancipation from slavery. This multi-faceted celebration featured The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble performing selections from the jazz opera, Never Back Down and the music of King Sunny Ade, Archie Shepp, and Max Roach, along with a special poetry and music performance by the award-winning Black lyricist and author, Nina "Lyrispect" Ball. An evening to celebrate the determination of the human spirit in pursuit of freedom. In partnership with the African American Museum of Philadelphia.
Gil Scott-Heron: Pieces of the Man and His Music
June 26, 2021
Scott-Heron was a man of vision who connected poetry and music and an activist who stirred emotions with words of insight. He could sing and make us “think” the story. Join us for a night of music-infused poetry with compositions like “Pieces of a Man,” “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” “The Bottle,” his classic “Winter In America,” as well as other thought-provoking song and poems.
Jazz-Maica: Get Up…Stand Up...for the Music of Bob Marley
July 10, 2021
The music of Jamaica has often been an inspiration to and inspired by jazz music and musicians. The pulsating rhythms ring true to the freedom found in much of jazz. Bob Marley’s “Could You Be Loved” and John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” brought a unique consciousness to reggae and jazz. The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble was joined by vocalist Roy Richardson.
Jazz from the Art
02.20.21 | What's Going On and A Change is Gonna Come featuring saxophonist, flautist, and vocalist Roy Richardson // Click to watch video
02.27.21 |Song For My Father: Tribute to Horace Silver featuring pianist Adam Faulk // Click to watch video
03.06.21 | Jumpin' Jazz: A Tisket A Tasket; Hot and Spicy featuring vocalist Sherry Butler and bassist Warren Oree // Click to watch video
03.13.21 | Blue Bayou: Remembering Linda Ronstadt featuring vocalist Phyllis Chapell and guitarist Frank Butrey // Click to watch video
04.03.21 | Duke's Mellow Mood: Mood Indigo featuring saxophonist Larry Price // Click to watch video