As an improviser, on piano and vibraphone, and as co-founder of the Creative Music Studio, Karl Berger had an outsize influence on the jazz avant-garde. He died on April 9, at 88. wrti.org/arts-desk/2023…

Last year, we invited SNACKTIME into our performance studio to film an NPR Live Session. In return, they delivered a musical presentation full of tasty morsels like this energized rendition of “Sweet Treat”. Check it out: wrti.org/wrti-spotlight…

It's been a wonderful Holy Week in Philadelphia. Spring is here, that wonderful feeling of hope and renewal is in the air. Thanks for joining us on WRTI all week long! Stick around for our Good Friday and Easter Sunday programming.
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The philatheatreco production of Lanie Robertson's 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill,' set at a long-defunct South Philly club, finds deep resonance in a sense of place — and in a performance by Laurin Talese.
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Johan Sebastian Bach wrote his St. Matthew Passion for a single purpose — to present the Passion story in music at Good Friday vesper services. Take a guided tour, hosted by Lynn Neary, on our website!
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Jesse Bermudez was a tireless advocate for Philadelphia's Latin music scene. On April 4 at Taller Puertorriqueño, the community gives back with a benefit concert, featuring Pablo Batista, Elio Villafranca, and Papo Vazquez. Read more below:
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Five pianists tackle Rachmaninoff, in honor of the composer's 150th, from our friends at WRTI Music: wrti.org/wrti-spotlight…

As Bob Perkins signs off at WRTI, a broadcasting legend looks ahead wrti.org/wrti-spotlight…

Pairing a four-voice choir with a host of exploratory Chicago musicians, Angel Bat Dawid's 'Requiem for Jazz' straddles African-American spirituals and so-called spiritual jazz. wrti.org/wrti-spotlight…

Thad Jones, the brilliant trumpeter, composer and bandleader, was born 100 years ago today. Jazz, and especially the modern big band, would sound a lot different without him. 🎺🎂

With headliners like Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Kamasi Washington and Jon Batiste, the 2023 Newport Jazz Fest suggests a barometer of the music's mainstream.
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happy st paddy’s @wrtimusic #skypic

Going Green today? Rodney Green Beat you to it.
The leading jazz drummer has shared a birthday with St. Patrick's Day for more than four decades. This year, he celebrates as the proud owner of a new club, Brvsh Cul7ur3 — leading a trio tonight.
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The ever-soulful organist Shirley Scott, who would have turned 89 today, combined a pianistic touch with an edge of Philly grit — a balance spotlighted in several new releases spanning her career. Learn more about that music, and Scott's legacy here: wrti.org/wrti-spotlight…

Our final Sankofa Sounds video features the music of nahz , a 23 year-old drummer from Philly who simultaneously pushes the sonic boundaries of jazz while paying homage to the giants of decades past — the embodiment of #sankofa , and a big inspiration.

In memory of Wayne Shorter, Greg Bryant will be playing the Maestro's music on Evening Jazz. Courtney Blue will be doing the same for Late Evening Jazz. Josh Jackson will also feature his music in tribute tomorrow 6-8pm on Friday Mixtape.
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Jane Bunnett & Maqueque set new music ablaze at Chris' Jazz Cafe wrti.org/arts-desk/2023…

Rest In Peace 🕊 thank you elder Wayne Shorter

Wayne Shorter, sage of the saxophone, dies at 89 wrti.org/2023-03-02/way…

Guitarists for Nazir Ebo quartet, Russell Gelman-Sheehan and Simon Martinez, intricately weave patterns in a way that sounds fresh, improvisational and at times, ethereal, while always leaving room for the rhythm section to explore new ideas.