Jazz at Woodmere
Planning to attend a jazz concert? Please review our music performance policy page.
WRTI is a partner for Music at Woodmere.
Friday Night Jazz is presented in partnership with Lifeline Music Coalition and features the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble.
Gospel Music with the David Winslow Singers
Location: Charles Knox Smith Hall, 9201 Germantown Avenue
Saturday, January 10 | 5 pm
$28 ($18 members*)
*Members need to be logged in to receive their benefit of discounted music tickets. The discount will automatically be applied to your shopping cart
Nathaniel David Winslow is the founder and director of the David Winslow Singers, a celebrated gospel choir in Philadelphia renowned for its uplifting performances. For more than 45 years, the choir has shared the spirit of gospel music through song. Its members, drawn from churches across the city, share a deep commitment to this mission.
2026 JAZZ CONCERT SCHEDULE
Friday Nights, 6 pm
$28 ($18 members*)
*Members need to be logged in to receive their benefit of discounted music tickets. The discount will automatically be applied to your shopping cart
Sales open to the public on Sunday, December 28. Members pre-sale begins 48 hours prior to the public on Friday, December 26. When available, get your tickets here!
January 9 | Philly’s “Rockin’” Jazz
Enjoy an evening immersed in the music of iconic Philly jazz giants—Lee Morgan, one of the most expressive trumpeters of all times; Grover Washington Jr., a pioneer of the soulful, sax-driven sound; Stanley Clarke, the groundbreaking bassist who revolutionized jazz fusion; and Jimmy Smith, whose virtuosic Hammond B-3 organ grooves brought jazz firmly into the worlds of R&B and Rock ’n’ Roll. Together, their trailblazing styles helped carry Philadelphia’s jazz legacy to audiences across the globe.
January 16 | Tribute to Dinah Washington
Vocalist Suzanne Burgess brings her own distinctive interpretation to one of the most dynamic voices in jazz, performing beloved Dinah Washington classics such as “Teach Me Tonight,” “What a Difference a Day Makes,” infusing these timeless songs with warmth, swing, and unmistakable style.
January 30 | People Get Ready: Music that Lifts the Soul
An evening of music that awakens the senses and challenges us to reflect on who we are—and who we aspire to be. Featuring songs that stir the soul and spark awareness, the program includes classics such as “People Get Ready,” “What’s Goin’ On,” and more. Vocalist and saxophonist Roy Richardson brings his powerful, personal rendition to these enduring works, delivering music that shakes the conscience and resonates long after the final note.
March 13 | Motown Jazz Café
Experience the timeless magic of Motown! Sherry Butler and Roy Richardson bring an intimate, soulful performance of beloved classics like “Ooh Baby, Baby,” “Neither One of Us,” “Ribbon in the Sky” and more. Get ready for a smooth, unforgettable journey through the songs that never go out of style.
March 20 | The Sounds of Ramsey Lewis
Groove to the sounds of Ramsey Lewis! Pianist Jeff Knoettner brings his own flair to Ramsey’s iconic hits, including “In With The In Crowd” and “Wade in the Water.” Experience the jazz grooves that got people on the dance floor and hear these timeless classics reimagined with fresh energy.
March 27 | Soul Sisters: Tina Turner/Aretha Franklin
These two women helped redefine “Soul Sister.” They put the funk in “Respect” and helped us appreciate the “Private Dancer” in all of us. Join vocalists Lisa Chevous and Kim Payton for a musical journey we won’t forget.
2025 JAZZ CONCERT SCHEDULE
Friday Nights, 6 pm
$28 ($18 members*)
*Members need to be logged in to receive their benefit of discounted music tickets. The discount will automatically be applied to your shopping cart
Get your tickets here!
October 10 | Honoring Jazz Royalty: Ella & Duke SOLD OUT
From driving big band tunes to soulful ballads, the combined forces of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington come alive in a night of rhythm, emotion, and unforgettable music. Join guest performers, vocalist, Kim Payton and pianist, Jeff Knoettner as they perform some of the jazz classics, Satin Doll, Sophisticated Lady, and more.
October 17 | Feelin’ Good with the Music of Lou Rawls SOLD OUT
Few vocalists can touch the soul like Lou Rawls. From velvety ballads to jazzy, upbeat grooves, his elegant style blending R&B, jazz, pop, and blues, transports us to where romance and real life meet. Experience the timeless music of this legend with guest vocalist, Warren Cooper, and tunes such as You’ll Never Find, Lady Love, and more to make you Feelin’ Good.
October 24 | Lady Sings The Blues: Tribute to Billie Holiday SOLD OUT
Billie Holiday’s distinctive voice transforms her deepest emotions into universal truths, inviting us to feel the heartbreak and the hope woven through life experiences. Enjoy guest vocalist Suzanne Burgess, whose rich and expressive voice creates a moving tribute to Holiday’s spirit, performing classics Good Morning Heartache, Strange Fruit, God Bless the Child, and more.
October 31 | The Music of Al Green SOLD OUT
Guest vocalist, Sherry Butler, lends a woman’s touch on Al Green’s unforgettable melodies. Join us for a night of soul-stirring music that will touch your heart and get your feet tapping with favorites Let’s Stay Together, Still In Love With You, and Simply Beautiful.
November 7 | Trumpet Tribute: Miles Davis & Freddie Hubbard SOLD OUT
Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard stand among the most influential jazz trumpeters of all time. Davis reshaped modern jazz with his distinct and memorable melody of Milestones and his relaxed but swinging feel of Four while Hubbard infused works like Red Clay with the fiery virtuosity and the bold energy of hard bop. Trumpeter Daniel Spearman captures the spirit and style of both icons in a performance that celebrates their music.
November 14 | Sharing the Dream: Marching to Freedom’s Music
Join guest musicians, pianist Mike Frank and vocalist Suzanne Burgess for a night of jazz, spirit, and community! An evening that brings to life the spiritual roots of freedom songs and the music that fuels the fight for justice. Feel the energy, connection, and resilience in Precious Lord, Take My Hand, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, People Get Ready, We Shall Overcome, Wake Up Everybody, and Get Ready and celebrate the unifying force of music to inspire hope and march us forward toward the dream.
November 21 | Swingtime Celebration: The Sweethearts of Rhythm
Inspired by the legendary International Sweethearts of Rhythm, the first all-female, multi-racial jazz band of the 1930s and ’40s, these talented women played every instrument and explored every rhythm, bringing their own interpretations to each song. Some of Philly’s finest female vocalists will present the Sweethearts’ favorites like Jump Children, Honeysuckle Rose, and Sweet Georgia Brown.
December 5 | A Shoulder To Lean On: The Music of Bill Withers SOLD OUT
Bill Withers sang stories of life’s joys and struggles, bringing warmth, heart, and honesty to every tune. Join us as we celebrate his timeless music, and feel the hope and compassion that continue to inspire such as Ain’t No Sunshine and Lean on Me.
December 12 | Songs in the Key of Stevie Wonder SOLD OUT
The artist who began as ‘Little Stevie Wonder’ has grown into a musical icon and is celebrated as both a composer and performer. From the soulful melodies of My Cherie Amour to the funky grooves of Superstition and the heartfelt messages of Signed, Sealed, Delivered, his music continues to move and energize us all. Join guest vocalist, Gerand X as he brings the brilliance and spirit of Stevie Wonder to life at Woodmere.
December 19 | Holiday Jazz SOLD OUT
Let’s close the season with a jazzy twist of traditional holiday favorites like “Christmas Song”, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, “Let It Snow” and more.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM PREVIOUS CONCERTS
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
In partnership with Lifeline Music Coalition, Woodmere presents JAZZ from the ART: a quick, weekly dose of jazz tunes leading up to the return of the Museum's outdoor Saturday Night Jazz series. Each week, enjoy a new video featuring interviews and a past performance by the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble at Woodmere.
02.14.21 | A Valentine's Romance: Cheek To Cheek featuring vocalist Sherry Butler // Click to watch video
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
Ladies of Motown Meet Ladies of Memphis
Friday Night at the Uptown with Sam Reed
