The 2018 Jazz Philadelphia Summit—the first event of its kind in Philadelphia, Pa.—will take place on Nov. 2 and 3 at several locations around the city, including the University of the Arts, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and select jazz venues.
The two-day event, which is free but requires registration, features workshops, panel discussions, and performances to bolster jazz’s presence in Philadelphia.
It is intended for jazz enthusiasts and aspiring musicians as well as industry professionals such as established artists, presenters, curators, community advocates, and civic leaders.
The summit’s keynote speaker will be six-time Grammy-nominated vocalist Nnenna Freelon. Other confirmed speakers include:
Faye Anderson, All That Philly Jazz
Jean and Marcus Baylor, The Baylor Project
Shaun Brady, journalist for The Philadelphia Inquirer and JazzTimes
Janis Burley Wilson, founder, Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
Mark Christman, Ars Nova Workshop
Suzanne Cloud, co-founder and archivist, Jazz Bridge
Jeff Duperon, host, WRTI and executive director, Jazz Bridge
John Ernesto, general manager, Berks Jazz Fest
Bibi Green, owner, Greenhouse Management
Eric Hanson, agent, AB Artists
Lovett Hines, artistic director, The Clef Club of Performing Arts
Michael Kline, general manager, Exit Zero Jazz Fest
Don Lucoff, artistic manager, PDX Jazz and president, DL Media
Lee Mergner, Jazz Congress, JazzTimes
Michelle Taylor, founder and managing director, Passion Music Group
“The time has come for Philadelphia to be recognized as the world-class jazz destination it is,” bassist Gerald Veasey, president of the summit initiative, said in a statement. “The city has served as a launching pad for the careers of legends such as John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, Lee Morgan, Melody Gardot, Christian McBride, Grover Washington, Jr., Sun Ra, and many more. Jazz Philadelphia is here to provide more opportunities for the next generation of musicians to play here, stay here, and share their talent with the world. I’ve had a wonderful career as a Philadelphia-based musician, and I want to ensure that others can do the same.”
For more information and to register for the event, go here.
Originally Published
