Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers was a classic jazz band for nearly 40 years, with a constant influx of only the best young musicians. Now, multiple generations of the group’s elite alumni come together to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Blakey’s birth and the legacy he created by providing a life-changing apprenticeship for over 200 jazz musicians. This top-notch ensemble is led by Ralph Peterson, the last drummer to play in the band alongside the drum maestro himself, along with undisputed authorities of the Blakey tradition, saxophonists Bill Pierce and Bobby Watson, trumpeter Brian Lynch, pianist Zaccai Curtis, and bassist Essiet Essiet. This performance is co-presented with World Cafe Live.
Twice selected as a Thelonious Monk Institute National All-Star, Chicago-born and Brooklyn-based vibraphonist and composer Joel Ross has performed with jazz greats Herbie Hancock and Christian McBride. Cited as a “bright young vibraphonist on his own rocket-like trajectory” by The New York Times, this rising jazz star makes his Philadelphia debut, performing music from his latest album, KingMaker. Ross is joined by his Good Vibes band, including alto saxophonist and Philadelphia native Immanuel Wilkins, pianist Jeremy Corren, bassist Kanoa Mendenhall, and drummer Jeremy Dutton. Joel Ross will also perform a Student Discovery show for area school children at 10:30 AM on Thursday, November 21. Cameras are welcome.
