Category: Featured

2/24/22

Black Musicians Unite

Musicians’ Protective Union Local 274, American Federation of Musicians was chartered on January 2, 1935 by Black musicians. Local 274 was one of more than fifty Black musicians’ unions established in the American Federation of Musicians. The first Black musicians’ union Local 208 was established in Chicago in 1902. In Philadelphia, Frank Thurman "Frankie" Fairfax, orchestra leader, composer and trumpeter, became a key figure in the movement to organize a musicians' union...

2/17/22

The Explosion of Philadelphia Jazz Clubs

By the 1920's, Black urban workers sought opportunities in the music industry as an alternative to high unemployment which plagued their community. With the continuation of Black migrations from the South to the North, there was a rise in African-American urban populations. These increases resulted in a demand for Black entertainment, which meant an increase in jobs in the music field...

2/16/22

Immanuel Wilkins Releases New Record, “The 7th Hand” 

Philadelphia’s own Immanuel Wilkins recently released his new record “The 7th Hand,” on Blue Note Records on January 28, 2022. Wilkins’ record displays a fabulous quartet including musicians Micah Thomas on piano, Daryl Johns on bass, and Kweku Sumbry on drums. 

2/10/22

Mass Unemployment, the Great Migration, and the Rise of Big Bands

By the 1920's, Black urban workers sought opportunities in the music industry as an alternative to high unemployment which plagued their community. With the continuation of Black migrations from the South to the North, there was a rise in African-American urban populations. These increases resulted in a demand for Black entertainment, which meant an increase in jobs in the music field...

2/3/22

The Social Stigma of the “Musician” Class

The city of Philadelphia, known as a cradle of jazz, has a rich and significant jazz history that goes back much further than most people realize. In the order to understand the emergence of jazz in the City of Philadelphia one must begin in the nineteenth century and trace black musical organization into the early twentieth century...

12/4/21

Jazz Jam with Omar’s Hat

This series features young local talent from across the city. Past jams have been dedicated to Philly and for those who are fighting against the injustice and racism against the Black community.

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