After the Great Migration, Philly became a significant jazz center particularly during the ’40s, cultivating legends like John Coltrane and The Heath Brothers. Today, the genre remains as vibrant as ever thanks to events like the upcoming “We call it Jazz” show in Philadelphia. This sensational performance takes audiences on a musical journey to the birthplace of jazz and beyond, recreating classics like “Cantaloupe Island” and “All Of Me”, alongside fiery improvisations.
Escape into the world of jazz at one of the city’s most popular live music venues for an evening of pure jazz bliss! The show will take place at World Cafe Live on key dates over the coming months but places are limited so secure your spot now!
What is “We call it Jazz”?
Step into a dimly lit, street-style bar from 1920s Louisiana with “We call it Jazz”, an immersive 60-minute telling of America’s most original art form. Under the gentle glow of a vintage street lamp, professional musicians breathe life into jazz classics while honoring the genre’s improvisational spirit.
The carefully selected setlist weaves together timeless treasures, such as “On The Sunny Side Of The Street”, “Sing Sing Sing”, and “Ain’t Misbehavin'”, creating an authentic experience where every performance feels both familiar and unique.
Jazz, its story and the show
The story of jazz is inseparable from the streets of New Orleans, where African rhythms collided with European harmonies and Caribbean influences in the early 20th century. Born from African-American communities, the genre evolved from work songs, blues, and ragtime to become a revolutionary musical language characterized by syncopated rhythms and emphasis on individual expression.
“We call it Jazz” honors this rich legacy by taking audiences on a musical odyssey spanning the genre’s evolution. The performance transitions seamlessly from soulful “Georgia On My Mind” to instrumental showcases featuring “Freddie Freeloader”, before culminating with vocal jazz treasures like “Summertime”. Throughout the show, each musician demonstrates their virtuosity with featured solos, highlighting the freedom of expression that makes jazz so captivating.
“We call it Jazz” is transforming World Cafe Live into a 1920s jazz joint on selected dates over the coming months with two back-to-back performances scheduled for 6:30pm and 8:30pm on each evening.
Tickets are sold in categories, namely for the standing room, mezzanine, the reserved tables or the front row. Seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis within each category.