Germantown has been a crucial player in Philadelphia’s jazz scene, fostering local talent at various venues including clubs, churches, and community centers.
However, the neighborhood has seen a decline in iconic jazz venues over the past few decades, a trend exacerbated by the pandemic.
In response, the upcoming Germantown Jazz Festival this weekend seeks to rekindle that vibrant musical spirit.
According to Khadijah Renee G. Morgan, a vocalist and the festival’s event producer, the festival will celebrate Philadelphia’s jazz legacy across three days of live music.
“I love jazz. Jazz is in my soul,” Morgan expressed, emphasizing the festival’s focus on outstanding local jazz musicians who have made their mark regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Having produced jazz events for five years, Morgan considers this festival her most ambitious project to date.
She noted, “Jazz has a lot of history in Germantown,” recalling that her experience in smaller events indicated a deep community love for jazz.
This inspiration led her to develop a larger event aimed at re-establishing Germantown as a vibrant jazz destination.
Morgan hopes that a successful turnout will not only showcase the community’s affection for jazz but also attract interest and investment for future jazz endeavors.
Jazz bassist Mike Boone, 68, is also looking forward to energizing the neighborhood with his performances.
Having performed in Germantown in the past, Boone reminisced about the now-closed La Rose venue, which used to serve as a hub for jazz enthusiasts.
“Pre-pandemic, we were at a place called La Rose right on Germantown Avenue,” Boone said, describing it as a command center for music that attracted older jazz connoisseurs.
He noted that since the pandemic, the opportunities for similar experiences have diminished significantly.
The inaugural Germantown Jazz Festival will be hosted in three different locations: the Germantown Friends Meeting House on Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., the First Presbyterian Church in Germantown on Saturday from 8 to 10 p.m., and concluding at the Nile Café on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m.
Musicians hailing from various backgrounds will grace the stage, including Boone, who plans to perform twice on Friday night with his group, which includes students and recent graduates from Temple University.
Boone shared, “I’m still learning myself,” appreciating the way the younger musicians challenge him and keep him engaged.
He emphasized that jazz is about evolution and adaptability: “I want to be able to play with those young guys and have something for them. I want to be able to kick their ass a little bit. I know they’re going to kick mine.”
The festival is organized in partnership with Artcinia, a local organization devoted to promoting the performing arts.
In addition to the performances, there will be an Art Pavilion showcasing artwork curated by Mercer Redcross from the October Gallery.
On Saturday, families can enjoy a kid-friendly tent hosted by The ArtSisters organization, featuring live music, painting, and drawing activities starting at noon in Vernon Park.
Jazz uniquely allows for real-time creativity and improvisation, presenting audiences with an experience that varies each time.
Boone explained the essence of jazz: “You have a framework; you may have a beginning and an ending and a structure. But there’s a lot more freedom… That’s going to be different every time.”
Alfie Pollitt, 82, a pianist and Bryn Mawr native, will showcase his trio on Friday.
He has been part of the Philadelphia jazz scene since its golden age and has shared the stage with legendary figures such as John Coltrane and McCoy Tyner.
Pollitt expressed excitement about the spontaneity of performing in a trio setting: “We follow the tradition of some of the people that came before us… A lot of what we do is bounce off of each other, so to speak.”
He remarked humorously about the interactions within the group, referring to the drummer’s rhythm as a form of bouncing, showcasing the playful spirit of jazz.
Tickets for the festival are available at prices ranging from $25 to $50.
Patrons who purchase tickets at the door will incur an additional $5 fee.
Morgan hopes the community shows support for this inaugural event so that the festival can become an annual part of Germantown’s cultural fabric.
Despite facing budget challenges, Morgan expressed enthusiasm about the festival’s potential impact.
“Sadly, we didn’t raise the budget that we thought we would get. So we’re working from a shoestring budget. We still need support,” she said, highlighting the festival’s reliance on crowdfunding efforts.
While funding is a concern, Morgan believes in the value of music as a unifying force, especially in times of uncertainty.
“There’s a lot of anxiety, a lot of hopelessness, a lot of fear… We can come together for music, the celebration of culture, the celebration of the legacy of who we are,” she remarked passionately.
Morgan believes the festival can be a healing experience for both Germantown and the broader city of Philadelphia.
As musicians, artists, and community members gather to celebrate jazz this weekend, the Germantown Jazz Festival stands poised to ignite a revival of the neighborhood’s storied musical history.
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