Kimmel Center Announces 2018/19 Jazz Season

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts announces the 2018/19 Jazz Season lineup featuring critically-acclaimed artists, high-energy soloists, internationally renowned groups, and diverse talent. There are classically trained violists and violinists that pull from hip-hop influences, innovative arrangements of jazz standards, plus deeply rooted traditions of swing and blues. The season presents this generation of jazz artists in a new light, while paying homage to the iconic evolution of the genre and its legendary history around the world.

The 2018/19 season kicks off on October 5th with multi-time Grammy Award-winning jazz guitarist and composer Pat Metheny. He has performed with many diverse artists such as Ornette Coleman, Herbie Hancock, and David Bowie. The season then explodes with a wide array of jazz artists including Black Violin described as the "classic boom"; Django Festival All-Stars with its high energy; Diva Jazz Orchestra with its thrilling, big band sound; and the return of our beloved Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia for its annual winter and spring programs. The full lineup is below.

"The Kimmel Center's jazz series offers something for everyone - bridging the gap between jazz traditions and the groundbreaking artistry that younger generations have mastered," said Anne Ewers, President and CEO of the Kimmel Center of the Performing Arts. "This year's lineup honors musicians who have paved the way for the freedom of expression by which jazz was born, while showcasing the passion and creativity of new artists."

Tickets

Ticket packages for the Jazz Season go on sale to the public on June 25. Save 10% by purchasing a 3-show package or save 15% by purchasing 4 or more shows.

Ticket packages can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, online at kimmelcenter.org, or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling (215) 790-5883. More information at kimmelcenter.org.

A complete list of the 2018/19 Jazz Season lineup can be found below:

Pat Metheny

Merriam Theater

October 5, 2018

One of the brightest stars of the jazz community, Pat Metheny has dedicated time to both solo projects and those of emerging artists and veterans alike. He is a 20-time Grammy Award-winning musician. His awards include Best Rock Instrumental, Best Contemporary Jazz Recording, Best Jazz Instrumental Solo, and many others. Known for his versatility, he has performed with artists as diverse as Steve Reich and Ornette Coleman to Herbie Hancock and David Bowie. Metheny's body of work includes compositions for solo guitar, small ensembles, electric and acoustic instruments, large orchestras, ballet pieces, while always sidestepping the limits of any one genre.

BLACK VIOLIN

Merriam Theater

October 27, 2018

Black Violin is composed of classically trained violist Wil B. and violinist Kev Marcus, who combine their classical training and hip-hop influences to create a distinctive, multi-genre sound that is described as "classic boom." Black Violin has shared stages with top names including Kanye West, Aerosmith, and Tom Petty.

THE DJANGO FESTIVAL ALL-STARS

Perelman Theater

November 3, 2018

The Django Festival All-Stars bring the music of the legendary Gypsy Jazz Guitarist Django Reinhardt fully into the 21st Century. The unique, high-energy performance pays attribute to Reinhardt, who is considered one of the greatest guitar players of all time. This internationally renowned group prominently features one of Europe's greatest musical families - guitarist/violinist Dorado Schmitt and his two sons Samson and Amati.

JAZZ ORCHESTRA OF PHILADELPHIA - A COLE CHRISTMAS

Perelman Theater

December 15, 2018

This season, the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia embraces the holiday spirit with a Christmas themed performance. The winter program will welcome guest singer Freddy Cole while the orchestra, under leadership of artistic director Terell Stafford, will play Ellington and Strayhorn's Harlem Nutcracker. The Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia is a non-profit organization affiliated with CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia. JOP is dedicated to presenting the highest quality of jazz to the greatest number of people, designed to preserve, represent, and continue Philadelphia's rich jazz sound and tradition.

THE BAD PLUS

Perelman Theater

February 9, 2019

The Bad Plus has gained a legion of fans worldwide with their creativity, unique sound, and flair for live performance. The intensely collaborative trio is constantly searching for rules to break and boundaries to cross, bridging genres and techniques while exploring the infinite possibilities of three exceptional musicians working in sync.

MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Verizon Hall

March 23, 2019

The longest continuously running jazz festival in the world embarks on a 60th anniversary celebration tour. The impressive roster features some of the most critically-acclaimed, Grammy award-winning and Grammy nominated jazz artists, including three winners of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. The top roster of diverse and international millennial talent and leaders of jazz's future includes Cécile McLorin Salvant, Bria Skonberg, Melissa Aldana, Christian Sands, Jamison Ross, and Yasushi Nakamura.

DIVA JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Perelman Theater

April 27, 2019

Rooted in the tradition of the historic big bands, DIVA has taken the force and excitement of the era and created a fresh, new sound with innovative arrangements of jazz standards, inspired original compositions, and virtuosic, fiery soloists.

JAZZ ORCHESTRA OF PHILADELPHIA - GET ORGANIZED

Perelman Theater

June 1, 2019

The Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia spring program will feature a collaboration with a non-traditional jazz instrument, the organ. Enjoy solo organ pieces and exclusive collaborations between the Jazz Orchestra and Organist Joey DeFrancesco. The Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia is a non-profit organization affiliated with CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia. JOP is dedicated to presenting the highest quality of jazz to the greatest number of people, designed to preserve, represent, and continue Philadelphia's rich jazz sound and tradition.

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

Located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, the Kimmel Center's mission is to operate a world-class performing arts center that engages and serves a broad audience through diverse programming, arts education, and community outreach. The Kimmel Center Campus is comprised of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, SEI Innovation Studio, and the Merck Arts Education Center), the Academy of Music (owned by the Philadelphia Orchestra Association), and the Merriam Theater. The Kimmel Center is also home to eight Resident Companies: The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, The Pennsylvania Ballet, The Philly POPS, PHILADANCO, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and Curtis Institute of Music. With nearly 9,000 seats per night, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is the region's most impactful performing arts center, and the second largest in the country. TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, is the season sponsor of the Kimmel Center's 2018-2019 Season. American Airlines is the official airline of Broadway Philadelphia. For additional information, visit www.kimmelcenter.org.

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