Building Transformative Leadership through Music & the Arts
The Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts is an institution that has been instrumental in shaping the jazz scene in Philadelphia for over five decades. Our mission is to "celebrate and preserve the legacy of jazz through accessible education for the Greater Philadelphia region, and to support the evolving art form through talent development, programming, and public performance."
Music Education Program
The Philadelphia Clef Club has a respected and successful music education program that has educated thousands of students within a 25-year history on the Avenue of the Arts. Our music education program serves numerous students annually through on-site, in-school programs as well as outreach community events. We have sent some of our students to prestigious institutions such as Berklee College of Music and have seen our students perform alongside some of the nation's most skilled musicians through the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
Performance Events
The Philadelphia Clef Club hosts six annual large-scale concerts that feature some of the world's most renowned jazz artists. Our recent guests have included the likes of Kenny Barron, Kenny Garrett, Tia Fuller, Arturo O'Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble, Miguel Zenon, Papo Vazquez, Pat Martino, Sonny Fortune, Joey DeFrancesco and Christian McBride.
History
The Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts was founded in 1966 by James Adams and members of Local No. 274 as the Local's social club. At a time when the city's African American musicians struggled for political, economic and cultural recognition, Local No. 274 gave them representation and broke a tradition of segregation. With members such as John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Smith, Lee Morgan, "Philly Joe Jones, " Grover Washington Jr, the Heath Brothers, Nina Simone, and Butch Ballard, Local No. 274 was crucial to the growth of a thriving jazz scene in Philadelphia. When it dissolved in 1971, Local No. 274 was the last independent African American musicians union in the United States.
Our Programs
We offer a range of programs that cater to students of all ages and skill levels. Our programs include:
- Jazz Ambassador Ensemble Program: This program provides educational and performance opportunities for students who are part of our music education program.
- Music Education Program: Our music education program offers on-site, in-school programs as well as outreach community events.
- Performance Events: We host six annual large-scale concerts that feature some of the world's most renowned jazz artists.
- Jazz Cultural Voices Series: This series showcases the music of prominent jazz artists who are pushing the boundaries of the art form.
Get Involved
If you are passionate about jazz and music, we encourage you to get involved with us. Whether it's through our music education program, performance events, or membership program, we have opportunities for everyone to be a part of the jazz community.
Overall Experience
The Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts receives an overall positive review from its patrons. While some reviewers had issues with certain aspects of the venue, many praised the intimate setting, excellent music, and friendly staff.
Pricing and Service
Some reviewers had issues with the high prices of drinks, with one reviewer calling the $20 per drink price "totally ridiculous." Another reviewer mentioned that the bar was expensive, but overall, the drinks were considered good and strong. Some reviewers also mentioned that the bar was understaffed, leading to long wait times.
Ticketing and Communication
A few reviewers had issues with purchasing tickets in advance, with one reviewer mentioning that there was something wrong with the venue's app. Another reviewer was upset that a reception and educational workshop was canceled with no notification, causing them to travel unnecessarily.
Music and Ambiance
Many reviewers praised the excellent jazz performances and the historic venue's ambiance. The intimate setting was considered cozy, and the staff was generally friendly. Some reviewers mentioned that the venue had a family-like atmosphere, with many musicians in the audience.
