For the past ten years, LifeLine Music Coalition has produced the Friday Night Jazz Series @ Woodmere Art Museum! Come see the music and hear the art – a perfect combination! Sit back, sip some wine and enjoy America’s music..jazz.
Click here for Woodmere Info
VALENTINE’S DAY ROMANCE: BILLY ECKSTINE
FEBRUARY 14
With a voice that created the mood for loving, balladeer Billy Eckstine knew how to touch the heart and soul. Vocalist Warren Cooper joins the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble with ballads like “I Love You,” “My Romance,” and other favorites.
NINA SIMONE, HIGH PRIESTESS OF SOUL
FEBRUARY 21
Vocalist Suzanne Burgess brings Nina Simone’s spirit to life with her definitive interpretation. Simone used her music to raise the consciousness of all Americans —and the world—to strive for racial justice.
MARDI GRAS TIME: THE MUSIC OF HARRY CONNICK, JR.
FEBRUARY 28
Usher in Fat Tuesday with the music of a New Orleans favorite, Harry Connick, Jr. Tunes include “Oh, My NOLA,” “Chanson du Vieux Carré,” “Take Her to the Mardi Gras,” and many others.
THE VOCAL ACROBATICS OF AL JARREAU
MARCH 6
Whether it’s “We’re in This Love Together” or the Dave Brubeck classic “Take Five,” there’s no mistaking Al Jarreau’s unique voicing and phrasing. Join special guest Roy Richardson and the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble as we soar through the “Mornin’” with this vocal icon.
TRUMPET MEETS PIANO: THE SOUNDS OF LEE MORGAN AND HORACE SILVER
MARCH 13
Lee Morgan’s trumpet and Horace Silver’s piano are regarded as trendsetters for putting the funky groove in jazz music. Join special guests trumpeter Will Wright and pianist Adam Faulk for some bebop with a touch of funk.
A TRIBUTE TO LINDA RONSTADT
MARCH 20
With a dizzying repertoire of genres and extraordinary vocal range, Linda Ronstadt enchanted the world. Whether she was singing Smokey Robinson’s “Ooh Baby Baby” or her own country-tinged “Blue Bayou,” she touched the heart each time.
THE MUSIC OF SERGIO MENDES
MARCH 27
The passionate vocals of Sergio Mendes relay the rhythms of this Brazilian composer, arranger, bandleader, and pianist. Rick Morales takes us to “The Fool on the Hill” and other unforgettable musical journeys.
APRIL IN PARIS: DUKE ELLINGTON AND ELLA FITZGERALD
APRIL 3
Performing together in Paris and elsewhere in France, Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald brought their unique energy to the City of Lights. Pianist Adam Faulk and vocalist Suzanne Burgess bring to life the music of these jazz pioneers.
THE BEATS OF MAX ROACH: THE DRUM THAT PLAYS FOR LIFE
APRIL 17
The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble presents the music of drummer, bandleader, and composer Max Roach, whose pioneering percussion techniques drew attention to oppression and civil rights.
THE SONGBOOKS OF FRANK SINATRA AND JUDY GARLAND
APRIL 24
Two voices that shaped the American songbook, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland sang the songs of life and love with the passion of experience. Join Greg Farnese and Mary Ellen Desmond as they take us “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on a musical journey that will keep us, as Sinatra sang, “Just Friends.”
Winter 2019
STEVIE WONDER/SMOKEY ROBINSON TRIBUTE: SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE AND LOVE
FEBRUARY 22
THE LEGACY OF IRENE REID, THE ORIGINAL BLUES QUEEN
MARCH 1
THE MUSIC OF CHAKA KHAN WITH A SOULFUL TWIST
MARCH 8
MUSIC OF CURTIS MAYFIELD: MODERN DAY TROUBADOUR
MARCH 22
TUNES OF BILL WITHERS: BRINGING THE SUNSHINE
MARCH 29
MUSIC OF CHARLIE PARKER/DIZZY GILLESPIE–THE BIRTH OF BEBOP
APRIL 5
SARAH VAUGHAN TRIBUTE
APRIL 12
THE SOUNDS OF STANLEY TURRENTINE / SHIRLEY SCOTT
APRIL 26
Fall 2018
LEGENDARY SOUL PARTNERS: TUNES OF AL GREEN AND ARETHA FRANKLIN
OCTOBER 5
SITTING ON THE DOCK: TRIBUTE TO OTIS REDDING
OCTOBER 12
THE MUSIC OF NANCY WILSON AND CANNONBALL ADDERLEY
OCTOBER 19
JAZZ-MAICA: BOB MARLEY WITH A TWIST OF JAZZ
OCTOBER 26
DEEP DOWN SOUL: THE MUSIC OF ISAAC HAYES AND BARRY WHITE
NOVEMBER 2
TRIBUTE TO ROBERTA FLACK AND DONNY HATHAWAY
NOVEMBER 9
BLUES EXPLOSION: TRIBUTE TO MUDDY WATERS, HOWLIN’ WOLF, AND LITTLE WALTER
NOVEMBER 16
EVERYDAY MUSIC FOR EVERYDAY PEOPLE: A TRIBUTE TO SLY STONE
NOVEMBER 30
THE BIG BAND SOUND: SWINGING THROUGH THE WAR!
DECEMBER 7
MOTOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS
DECEMBER 14
Spring 2018
FRIDAY NIGHT JAZZ | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
HAROLD ARLEN: THE WIZARDRY BEHIND THE MUSIC
FEBRUARY 23
The winter season at Woodmere opens with songs by the great composer Harold Arlen that will take you “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” make you “Get Happy,” and feel you’ve “Got the World on a String.” Vocalist Jean Lenke will bring to life Arlen’s “Old Black Magic” and more.
BESSIE SMITH AND ETTA JAMES: QUEENS OF THE BLUES
MARCH 2
Celebrate Women’s History Month with vocalists Suzanne Burgess and Sherry Butler as they pay tribute to these queens of the blues.
SHIRLEY SCOTT AND STANLEY TURRENTINE: PHILLY’S JAZZ ORGAN MEETS PITTSBURGH’S SAX TITAN
MARCH 9
Philadelphia is the “Home of the Jazz Organ” because of artists like Shirley Scott, who took the B-3 organ to new heights. Organist Rich Budesa swings classic tunes “Sugar,” “Don’t Mess with Mister T,” and more with Umar Raheem’s saxophone stylings of Stanley Turrentine, Scott’s husband. Featuring guest drummer: Duck Scott, Scott’s son.
PATSY CLINE: IN THE JAZZ COUNTRY
MARCH 16
Vocalist Kristen Callahan beautifully captures Patsy’s Cline’s deep country blues with stories of heartbreak that touch the soul from “Crazy,” to “I Fall to Pieces” and more.
DONNA SUMMER AND FRIENDS/ RE-DISCO-VER DANCE
MARCH 23
Join the exciting vocalist Lisa Chavous as she takes us back to the days of disco’s exotic moves with some “Friday Night Fever” and songs that make us stay on the dance floor all night such as “Bad Girls,” “Last Dance,” “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” and more.
OLD TUNES MADE NEW
APRIL 6
Join us for a musical exchange between generations. Samples of tunes by jazz innovators of the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s have been incorporated into new compositions by contemporary performers such as Jay-Z and Puff Daddy. Discover the origins of these samples in classics including Nina Simon’s “Four Women,” trumpeter Herb Alpert’s “Rise,” and more.
GEORGE BENSON: SMOOTH BREEZIN’ ON GUITAR
APRIL 13
Guitarist Rich Tucker takes us to the heart of smooth jazz with the music of one of the great jazz guitarists, George Benson. Songs like “Breezin,” “Moody’s Mood for Love,” “Rainy Night in Georgia,” and “The Greatest” helped to widen the jazz audience and create a sound that delivers exciting tranquility.
2017
FRIDAY NIGHT JAZZ | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
CLASSIC JAZZ DIVAS: SARAH VAUGHAN, ELLA FITZGERALD, GLORIA LYNN, AND PEGGY LEE
OCTOBER 6
Kick off the fall jazz season with a tribute to the legendary Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Gloria Lynn, and Peggy Lee. These women put their own stamp on the jazz sound, singing stories that make us take note. We’ll listen closely and tap our feet to life’s rhythms with tunes such as “Misty,” “My Funny Valentine,” “I Wish You Love,” and “Fever.”
THE FEMALE SIDE OF JAZZ COMPOSING
OCTOBER 13
This program will bring to life the contributions of women jazz composers and musicians who wrote the rhythmic sounds we love to swing to. Enjoy the wonderful lyrics of Dorothy Fields’s “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” Ann Ronell’s classic “Willow Weep for Me,” and many more
GERSHWIN AND MONK: TWO STYLES, ONE MISSION
OCTOBER 20
The compositions and musicianship of George Gershwin and Thelonious Monk have long been mainstays of jazz. Many of Gershwin’s songs, such as “Summertime,” “The Man I Love,” and “Rhapsody In Blue” became timeless classics. Monk’s compositions “Round Midnight,” “Blue Monk,” and “Well, You Needn’t” were always challenging yet accessible. Together these artists created sounds that will last forever in our hearts.
FRANKLIN AND TURNER: POWER AND SOUL
OCTOBER 27
Join us as we celebrate the strength and beauty of Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner, two icons of soul music. They’ll help us understand the meaning of “Respect” and find out the answer to “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” Lisa Chavous and Suzanne Burgess present the music of these two great singers with honesty and passion.
LOUIE AND LIL ARMSTRONG AND THE HISTORY OF JAZZ
NOVEMBER 3
The birth of jazz and all its offshoots is due in large part to Louie Armstrong. Armstrong’s guiding light was his wife, Lil Hardin Armstrong, a pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader and one of the most prominent women in early jazz. We’ll relive some of those great jazz moments with Trumpeter Tony Smith and tunes by this innovative couple, including “West End Blues,” “Blue Turning Gray,” “Struttin’ with Some Barbecue,” and “Just for a Thrill.”
CHARLES MINGUS: THE BASS THAT RESONATES
NOVEMBER 10
The essence of Charles Mingus can be felt in the fabric of his music. His strong bass lines matched his fierce determination to be respected as a man and an artist. The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble will perform his classic compositions – “Goodbye Porkpie Hat”, “Haitian Fight Song”, “Nostalgia In Times Square” and other songs he made popular.
JOSEPHINE BAKER AND EUBIE BLAKE: ROARING 20S THUNDER
NOVEMBER 17
Josephine Baker was considered a “black goddess” and took Paris by storm. US audiences loved Eubie Blake’s ragtime piano playing and compositions for American musicals. Both lived in times of extreme racial prejudice and surmounted obstacles that kept so many from realizing goals and dreams. Join us as we celebrate the music of these great artists with Blake’s famous “I’m Just Wild About Harry” and “The Charleston Rag” and Baker’s “Don’t Touch My Tomatoes” and “Besame Mucho.”
LESTER YOUNG AND HOAGY CARMICHAEL: MUSIC THAT STIRS THE SOUL
DECEMBER 1
Saxophonist Lester Young was called “Prez” by Billie Holiday because she felt his playing stood above all others, including his jazz classic “Lester Leaps In.” Considered a composer ahead of his time, Hoagy Carmichael wrote songs like “Skylark,” “Georgia on My Mind,” and “Stardust” that remain integral to the American songbook decades later. When Young played Carmichael’s songs—magic was made! Join Umar Raheem and Jeff Knoettner for a night of music that touches the soul and stirs fond memories.
BILLY ECKSTINE: A JAZZ VOCAL LEGEND
DECEMBER 8
Smooth, resonant vocals propelled Billy Eckstine into many directions in the jazz arena. Besides his rich baritone, he was a big band leader and a champion for civil rights for African American jazz musicians. We’ll explore his vocal style with tunes like “The Very Thought of You,” “As Time Goes By,” “I Want to Talk about You,” and others.
MOTOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS
DECEMBER 15
The Temptations, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and other great Motown artists lent their unique sound to the magic of the holidays. Enjoy a festive night with the unmistakable Motown sound of “Jingle Bells,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” “Rudolph,” and other holiday classics.
Winter 2017
KUKURU JONA FREEDOM JAZZ ORCHESTRA: ROMANCE IN ANOTHER KEY
FEBRUARY 10
Join the Kukuru Jona Freedom Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Warren Oree,
for a musical journey through the ups and downs of romantic entanglements. Musical compositions resonate with love, passion, heartbreak, betrayal, and surprise.
MUSIC TO LOVE WITH: ROMANTIC JAZZ
FEBRUARY 17
Romance loves music, and music loves to be a part of romance. Join us as we marry these two natural partners in classic songs like “My Romance,” “I Love You,” “At Last,” and many more. Vocalists Suzanne Burgess and Michael Andrews bring the songs to life in a jazzy and romantic way. It’s time to hear the love!
EDDIE LANG: WELCOME TO THE JAZZ GUITAR
FEBRUARY 24
Philadelphia’s own Eddie Lang is called the father of the jazz guitar, with sounds more suited for the swing and rhythms of jazz music. Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble guitarist Frank Butrey explores the style and impact of Eddie Lang with songs like “Georgia on My Mind,” “Stringin’ the Blues,” and more.
SWEETHEARTS OF RHYTHM
MARCH 3
A tribute concert to the Sweethearts of Rhythm, the first interracial women’s swing band, which broke racial barriers and performed throughout the United States in the 1930s and 1940s, and toured Europe during World War II. The group generated excitement wherever they went. In conjunction with The Storybook Magic of Jerry Pinkney.
SAUCY AND SASSY: SARAH VAUGHAN AND EARTHA KITT
MARCH 10
Vocalists Suzanne Burgess and Jackie Greggs bring us the music of two divas, one a classic jazz singer, the other a sultry siren who melted hearts everywhere. Be entertained, seduced, and serenaded with songs like “Misty,” “Fever,” “ My Funny Valentine,” “The Touch,” “I Remember You,” and more.
THE REAL SMOOTH JAZZ: JOHN COLTRANE AND JOHNNY HARTMAN
MARCH 17
These two musical icons epitomize mellow, contemplative jazz. Saxophonist John Coltrane defied critics who said he could only play “loud and angry” by delivering silky, velvety notes to complement Johnny Hartman’s rich baritone. Join us for classics like “My One and Only Love,” “Dedicated to You,” “In a Sentimental Mood,” and others featuring vocalist Michael Andrews and Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble saxophonist Umar Raheem.
WHAT’S STILL GOING ON? MARVIN GAYE
MARCH 24
In 1970, Marvin Gaye asked a question that resonates today: “What’s Goin’ On?” The Motown man who sang his way into so many hearts and onto so many dance floors is featured as we explore the power and influence of his music and his message. Vocalist El Barak brings Gaye’s repertoire to life, from early songs like “How Sweet It Is” to his socially conscious “Mercy, Mercy Me.”
JAZZICAL: A COURAGEOUS MUSICAL EXCHANGE
MARCH 31
Come explore the possibilities when classical meets jazz: Miles and Mozart, Coltrane and Chopin. Harpist Gloria Galante and a classical pianist join the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble in a performance featuring music by Thelonious Monk, McCoy Tyner, and Ahmad Jamal, including “’Round Midnight,” “Mr. PC,” “Blue Monk,” and others.
JAZZ PIANO: PLAY IT AGAIN SAM
APRIL 7
Pianists Jeff Knoettner and Adam Faulk offer their interpretations of some of the great jazz piano players: Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Dave Brubeck, Fats Waller, Nat King Cole, Thelonious Monk, and others with songs like “Sweet Lorraine,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Take Five,” “’Round Midnight,” and more jazz classics.
BROADWAY JAZZ
APRIL 21
The lights of New York’s famed theater district always shine a little brighter when they put the jazz on stage. Vocals, dance, and swinging music will be a part of this tribute to the sound that made—and make—Broadway the jazziest street in New York. Join us for music from Ain’t Misbehavin’, Sophisticated Ladies, The Wiz, and more.
Fall 2016 Schedule:
Celebrate music at Woodmere with Friday Night Jazz and Classical Saturdays. With exceptional performers, an acoustically astounding space, and amazing works of art, the concert experience at the Museum is like no other.
Tickets are available for purchase at the door, beginning at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the performance. No advance reservations. All parties must be present to purchase a ticket.
Limited parking is available at the Museum. Please do not park on Bells Mill Road. Food and drinks are allowed only in the galleries in the historic section of the Museum.
$22 ($12 members)
WRTI is a partner for Music at Woodmere. Friday Night Jazz is offered in partnership with LifeLine Music Coalition.
FRIDAY NIGHT JAZZ | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Chicken Bone Beach . . . The Black Music Experience in Atlantic City!
September 30
Atlantic City was once the place to catch celebrated performers like Pearl Bailey, Ray Charles, Sammy Davis Jr., and Billy Eckstine, who seemed to convey the very essence of black culture. Back then there were no casinos and there was not much integration, but there was plenty of good, soulful music. Join the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble andreturn to the heyday of black nightlife in Atlantic City. Chicken Bone Beach music for everybody!
Nina Simone—High Priestess of Soul
October 7
Nina Simone was one of our most prolific and dynamic singers. Explore her legacy with vocalist Suzanne Burgess as she performs classic Simone songs like “Four Women” and “I Loves You Porgy.”
Ladies of Motown Meet Ladies of Memphis
October 14
Motown had a sound all its own, as did the Memphis Soul Stew. The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble brings together—both musically and culturally—the ladies who championed each of these significant musical styles. Plenty of surprises are in store.
What If . . . Miles Davis and Chet Baker
October 21
Amid accusations of favoritism and a racist music business, trumpeters Miles Davis and Chet Baker had no love for each other. But both felt the pull of jazz and couldn’t have stopped the music if they had wanted to. What would it have been like if they had shared the same stage at the same time? Find out with two dynamic Philadelphia musicians: Will Wright and Josh Lawrence. Enjoy a night of good jazz and a coming together of ideas.
Lionel Hampton—Breaking Barriers
November 4
Pay tribute to one of the great innovators and bandleaders in jazz music. A talented drummer and an early master of the vibraphone, Lionel Hampton also became a pioneer of racial progress when he joined one of the first integrated jazz bands—the world famous Benny Goodman Quartet. You will hear some of his best-known tunes, including “Flying Home,” “One O’clock Jump,” and “Stompin’ at the Savoy.”
Lee Morgan and Benny Golson—Two Horns, Many Sounds
November 11
Trumpeter Lee Morgan and saxophonist Benny Golson helped redefine jazz music. Morgan added some funk to the jazz swing in songs like “The Sidewinder” and “Cornbread,” while Golson moved the genre to the TV screen with his scores for The Mod Squad, Room 222, and Mannix, in addition to writing popular songs such as “Killer Joe.” Explore their work in this ongoing series celebrating the jazz giants of Philadelphia.
It Don’t Mean a Thing Unless Duke and
Ella Swing
November 18
Two jazz icons put some swing in our step as we snap our fingers, tap our feet, and move our hips to classics like “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “Satin Doll,” “How High the Moon,” and “A-Tisket, A-Tasket.” Pianist Adam Faulk and vocalist Suzanne Burgess, accompanied by the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble, do the honors of interpreting the music of Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald.
Ragtime to Our Time
December 2
Ragtime has had an indelible impact on decades of jazz thanks to brilliant composers like Scott Joplin and others who put new twists on the older genre, including Jelly Roll Morton, James Johnson, and Fats Waller. Pianist Adam Faulk guides us through the growth of jazz as it exploded from the cradle of ragtime and came to walk upright with a stride all its own.
Ornette Coleman and the Future History of Jazz
December 9
Jazz is an ever-evolving, moving, and searching style of music that sometimes defies description. Ornette Coleman was a saxophonist and innovator of “free jazz,” an improvisational approach whose lasting impact on the genre is now history. Saxophonist Julian Pressley takes on some of Coleman’s classic compositions—“Lonely Woman,” “The Shape of Jazz to Come,” and more.
Holiday Sings the Holidays
December 16
Spend the holidays with the sounds of Miss Billie Holiday. Michal Beckham evokes the celebrated vocalist as she sings seasonal favorites “Let It Snow,” “We Three Kings,” “The Christmas Song,” and more.