6/23/22
Spotlight on: Thaine Smith
“Nothing has the same feeling of belonging as playing live with others! Ever since I started playing the guitar I wanted to perform original music live. It has always been a yearning of mine, and to make a living performing for others would be a true blessing.”
6/23/22
Spotlight on: Lora Sherrodd
"Jazz music is an art form that stems from a place of oppression and the oppression of women is a subject that is rarely discussed within the genre. My hope is that writing this music will spark conversation about the current situation of women so that we can begin to create spaces for women in music.”
6/15/22
Bob Perkins
"When you can take a horn or piano or guitar and make it sing, you tell stories of who you are. There's a niblet of a story in the music—who loves me; who didn't love me; my likes or dislikes—all encapsulated on the two to three-minute solo. It is part of you, whether you know it or not. It's an accumulation of your time."
6/9/22
Arts Funding Opportunities Round-up: June 2022
Highlights: The Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation's ArtsCONNECT application is now open for "touring projects between September 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023 and the NFA grant program has reopened for Latinx artists and organizations of all disciplines based in the U.S.
6/9/22
Spotlight on: Connor O’Neill
“I think that we as a city can work harder to create spaces and events that uplift newer artists, and especially artists who push boundaries.”
6/7/22
Spotlight on: Kenny Rosario-Pugh
“I love playing Jazz and the unique freedom improv gives me. I also want to be an important part of helping the Jazz scene in Philly to grow.”
6/2/22
Spotlight On: Geraldine Oliver
“Continuing my mission as a healer, I see using this music to help people heal. Heal their minds, hearts and spirits. Jazz is the healing force—my mantra."
6/2/22
June President’s Letter: Black Music Month 2022
Established in 1979 by Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright, and media pioneer Dyana Williams, it was Williams's lobbying work that ultimately led to the signing of a White House proclamation for the annual celebration in 2000.
6/1/22
Spotlight On: Paul Geiss
“I hope for Philadelphia's jazz scene to cultivate enough of an audience in the city and the surrounding suburbs that it will provide real financial support for established and up-and-coming artists.”