PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts is gearing up for a vibrant month of music, education, and celebration as it honors Jazz Appreciation Month this April. Highlighting the event lineup, Grammy-winning trumpeter Nabate Isles and acclaimed guitarist Frank Butrey will perform as part of PNC’s 2025 Jazz Cultural Voices Concert Series, bringing their innovative styles to Broad & Fitzwater Streets in the heart of the city.
The celebration begins on Saturday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m., with Isles delivering his signature jazz fusion performance reminiscent of legends like Tom Browne and Patrice Rushen. Known for blending music with a touch of 1970s nostalgia, Isles is also recognized as a SiriusXM sports broadcaster and podcast host, proving his multifaceted talent.
Frank Butrey is set to bring his guitar virtuosity to the Clef Club later in the month. An experienced performer and composer, Butrey’s contributions to the jazz scene include a dynamic career in Erie, PA, where he led ensembles like the Depot Street Jazz Quartet and collaborated on innovative projects such as Field Theory’s Life and Times. Since moving to Philadelphia, Butrey has been an active figure in the local jazz community, co-founding the trio Triception and performing with the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble.
Dr. Ken Scott, Chair of the Clef Club Board, expressed excitement about this year’s lineup. “We’ve got a great line-up for Jazz Appreciation Month,” remarked Dr. Scott. “PNC has been sponsoring the Jazz Cultural Voices Series for several years, and they’re the main sponsor for all of the monthly performances. Each artist in the series also does master classes at the School of Performing Arts. This fits right in with our jazz education program. At the Clef Club we entertain and educate.”
The Clef Club’s dual focus on education and performance is central to its mission. Isles and Butrey will each conduct master classes at the School of Performing Arts, further enhancing opportunities for students and jazz enthusiasts to learn from seasoned professionals.
Jazz Appreciation Month, established by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in 2002, is recognized across the country as a time to celebrate the heritage and history of jazz. Through concerts and community events, Philadelphia’s Clef Club continues its legacy of promoting the genre while fostering engagement from people of all ages.
For more on Jazz Appreciation Month and other Clef Club programs, visit www.clefclubofjazz.org or call 215-893-9912.
With top-tier performances, educational opportunities, and a celebration of jazz’s cultural legacy, the Clef Club invites the public to immerse themselves in a month of exceptional music. For jazz lovers in Philadelphia and beyond, April promises to be unforgettable.
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