Jazz tradition in Philadelphia kept alive

Trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie performing on July 20, 1991. Gillespie, who began his career in Philadelphia, was a trumpet extraordinaire and helped build the bebop style. -Photo from Wikipedia

The birthplace of jazz is widely agreed upon as New Orleans, however the music form also has a rich history linked to Philadelphia.

Many notable jazz figures have come through the City of Brotherly Love at one point or another in their respective careers. The list includes, but is not limited to, names such as Bessie Smith (known as The Empress of the Blues), John Coltrane (saxophonist), Dizzy Gillespie (trumpeter), Philly Joe Jones (drummer) and Sun Ra (composer/bandleader).

At the dawn of the Philadelphia jazz movement in the early 20th century, the Standard Theatre on 12th and South Street and the Dunbar Theatre on South and Broad Street were two venues that provided a performance outlet for jazz musicians.

What began as a style of music developed by the African-American community, jazz pushed past race and ethnicity, becoming an interest to the city’s diverse population.

Now, some 100 or so years later, the culture of jazz in Philadelphia continues to flourish, as musicians look to the city’s storied past for new and innovative ways to add to the jazz landscape.

With a never-ending line of up-and-coming players, the importance of a stage to showcase jazz is always a necessity to the city. Though the number of venues had faced a decline over the last decade, a surge of locations new and old are proving that there will always be a place for jazz in Philadelphia.

Below is a map of venues, as well as a couple festivals, in the city that are geared toward live jazz.

Here are some of the places in detail:

Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Sansom Street

With jazz performances six nights a week, Chris’ Jazz Cafe is one of the few premier jazz spots in the city.

In its 25th anniversary year, Chris’ Jazz Cafe is a staple of live jazz in Philadelphia.

“Chris’ has something new and familiar for anyone who walks on the scene,” general manager Mary Harris said. “We present over 500 Jazz shows per year.”

The restaurant has a casual setting geared to an all-ages crowd. Chris’ offers jazz six nights a week, ranging from local musicians to international acts.

“We have set the tone for the jazz community by providing a full array of jazz styles for the past 25 years,” Harris said. “The city of Philadelphia has a great history when it comes to jazz, so I believe our company has helped jazz remain relevant in the Center City area.”

Ortlieb’s
North 3rd Street

Ortlieb’s opened under the new name Ortlieb’s Lounge in 2012, two years after closing.

After years as a legendary jazz club in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia, Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus closed down in 2010.

Then, just two years later, a new management team took over the bar and reopened it as Ortlieb’s Lounge, a venue offering jazz, rock and funk music six nights a week.

Time
Sansom Street

Originating five years ago, Time is a restaurant and bar that offers evening jazz and other live musical performances.

Time is one of the newcomers to the city’s jazz music scene, opening in April 2008. With a three-room set up, Time blends a restaurant, bar and live music venue into one location.

“When we opened there weren’t a ton of clubs/venues left,” general manager Tim Heuisler said. “There weren’t a lot offering food and beverage and live bands.”

Time hosts live music every night of the week with two performances a night, making it unique among many places in the city. Dinner music sets are quieter, then later in the evening sets becomes more involved with bigger bands.

The restaurant tries to keep the bands and musicians brought in Philly-based, Heuisler said, and does not sell tickets, which retains a local crowd.

“We get specific people coming in for the bar and some specifically for the musicians,” Heuisler said. “I like to think, as far as I’m concerned, the majority of musicians love playing here.”

Venue photos taken by me.