PHILADELPHIA, PA — Renowned jazz pianist, composer, and three-time Grammy nominee Orrin Evans is set to mark his 50th birthday with a series of electrifying performances at Philadelphia’s Chris’ Jazz Café. The celebration, titled “50 Shades of O,” will run from Wednesday, April 2 through Saturday, April 5, 2025, and feature an extraordinary lineup of guest artists and friends.
Kicking off the festivities on Wednesday, April 2, Evans will lead the Captain Black Big Band alongside acclaimed vocalist Jazzmeia Horn. Showtimes are at 7 and 9 p.m., with tickets priced at $30.
On Thursday, April 3, Evans will orchestrate a special piano jam session featuring an all-star roster of pianists, including Jason Moran, ELEW, Marc Cary, and Ethan Iverson. They’ll be joined by top-tier rhythm section players Luques Curtis, Matt Parrish, Mark Whitfield Jr., and Byron Landham. Showtimes are scheduled for 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., with admission also set at $30.
The celebration continues into Friday and Saturday, April 4 and 5, as Evans performs alongside a formidable ensemble featuring bassist Buster Williams, saxophonists Tim Warfield and Jaleel Shaw, and drummer Nasheet Waits. Tickets for these shows are priced at $35, with showtimes at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. both nights.
Evans’s connection to Philadelphia runs deep, and his annual birthday performances have become a beloved local tradition. Reflecting on the significance of these events, he describes them as “weekend-long celebrations—a big party with many friends and family in the crowd!”
Over a dynamic 25-year career, Evans has established himself as an innovator and influential force in jazz. Honored as “Rising Star Pianist” in DownBeat’s 2018 Critics Poll, he has earned three Grammy nominations for his albums The Intangible Between, Presence, and Walk a Mile in My Shoe. His work spans projects such as the Captain Black Big Band, the Eubanks Evans Experience, and Tar Baby—an enduring trio he co-founded over two decades ago. Evans also helms Imani Records, an independent label showcasing his boundary-pushing artistry.
Tickets for the celebration, including VIP and Dinner & Show packages, are on sale now. This milestone event promises an unforgettable experience for jazz aficionados and highlights Philadelphia’s vibrant music scene, cementing Evans’s role as a cherished hometown hero and a leading voice in contemporary jazz.
Chris’ Jazz Café, at 1421 Sansom Street, is Philadelphia’s longest-running jazz club. Enjoy live jazz Tuesday to Saturday. For info or reservations, call 215-568-3131 or visit http://www.ChrisJazzCafe.com.
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