Jazz | Harry Hayman's Blog

Jazz August 31, 2026

Arnetta Johnson and the Case for Backing Musicians Before the World Agrees

A trumpeter from Camden reached Beyonce's touring band and a Philadelphia stage, and the interesting question is who was paying attention first.

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Jazz August 31, 2026

A Neighbourhood Stage in Northern Liberties and the Runway Young Musicians Need

Philadelphia produces more musicians than it has rooms to pay them, and a bar on North Second Street is quietly doing something about that.

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Jazz August 31, 2026

A Superband Plays Conshohocken and Every Ticket Goes to Musicians in Crisis

Four leading jazz musicians headline Montco Jazz Fest at Cigar Republic on September 19, with every ticket benefiting Philadelphia nonprofit Jazz Bridge.

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Jazz August 31, 2026

Vanessa Rubin at SOUTH, and What a Small Room Does That an Arena Cannot

Forty years inside the music, four musicians on a Philadelphia stage, and the case for jazz rooms sized so an audience can hear a singer breathe.

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Jazz August 30, 2026

Inside a soundcheck at SOUTH, the hour before a Philadelphia jazz room fills

What Harry Hayman found on the SOUTH bandstand in Philadelphia in the quiet hour before the doors open and the tables fill.

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Jazz August 28, 2026

The 27,000 Dollars Inside the Coltrane Centennial

Coltrane 100 Philly carries a 27,000 dollar grant with two tracks that put money directly into the hands of Philadelphia jazz artists.

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Jazz August 27, 2026

Twenty Four Hours of Coltrane, and Why a Day Beats a Street Sign

WRTI is playing John Coltrane for twenty four hours on September 23, and Philadelphia is moving to make the date his own day.

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Jazz August 26, 2026

Karen Smith Opens Coltrane Month With Drums, Not Saxophone

Karen L. Smith, a Philadelphia percussionist, opens the museum's John Coltrane centennial month, and Harry Hayman reads the choice as an argument.

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Jazz August 26, 2026

Lovett Hines Taught Questlove and Christian McBride in the Same Room

Lovett Hines built the education program at the Philadelphia Clef Club, and his former students hold eleven Grammys and an Academy Award.

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Jazz August 25, 2026

The Month the Philadelphia Museum of Art Gave to John Coltrane

The Philadelphia Museum of Art handed a month of its floor to John Coltrane, and Harry Hayman reads what an institution says with a calendar.

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Jazz August 25, 2026

Temple's Jazz Band Beat the Country, and North Broad Street Built It

The Temple University Jazz Band won the national collegiate title in January, and the Coltrane tapes came from the same North Philadelphia campus.

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Jazz March 16, 2026

Harry Hayman at the Kimmel Center: When Hayato Sumino Played Rhapsody in Blue and Philadelphia Remembered Who She Was

Harry Hayman witnesses Hayato Sumino perform Rhapsody in Blue at the Kimmel Center and rediscovers why Philadelphia is one of the great music cities on earth.

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Jazz March 5, 2026

Harry Hayman on Tammy McCann at SOUTH: When Jazz Becomes a Spiritual Experience in Philadelphia

Harry Hayman reflects on an unforgettable night at SOUTH Jazz Club Philadelphia, where Tammy McCann proved live jazz is still a spiritual experience.

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Jazz February 23, 2026

Harry Hayman on Why This Weekend at SOUTH Is Everything Philadelphia Jazz Should Be

Harry Hayman captures a transcendent night at SOUTH Jazz Kitchen where Emmaline's silk vocals met Arnetta Johnson's explosive trumpet in Philadelphia.

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Jazz January 19, 2026

Harry Hayman's Extraordinary Call with Herbie Hancock: International Jazz Day 2026 and the Power of Musical Democracy

Philadelphia entrepreneur Harry Hayman joins Herbie Hancock for International Jazz Day 2026 planning, exploring jazz as dialogue, democracy, and global connection.

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Jazz January 12, 2026

Harry Hayman Discovers the Soul That Time Cannot Age at SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club

Harry Hayman experiences transformative evening at SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club with Carol Riddick, where authentic jazz reminds you who you really are.

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Jazz November 15, 2025

Kim Scott Delivers a Thrilling Night of Pure Jazz Power at SOUTH Restaurant and Jazz Club

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Jazz November 10, 2025

Carol Riddick and Gerald Veasley Set SOUTH Philly Ablaze with Soul and Jazz

Carol Riddick and Gerald Veasley brought the house down at SOUTH Jazz Kitchen with a powerful fusion of soul, jazz, and Philly energy. Backed by an all-star band, their performance reminded the city why live music still matters — and why Philly continues to set the standard for soul and sound.

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Jazz November 5, 2025

An Unforgettable Night Of Soul And Groove At SOUTH With Jessy Kyle Live

Experience the magic of live music in Philadelphia through Jessy Kyle’s unforgettable performance at SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club. Joined by a phenomenal band, Jessy delivered two powerful sets full of soul, groove, and energy that had the audience on their feet. Harry Hayman reflects on the night, celebrating the passion, talent, and community spirit that make Philly’s live music scene one of a kind. This evening was a testament to the city’s vibrant music culture and the unforgettable memories that only live performances can create.

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Jazz October 20, 2025

Allan Harris at SOUTH — Singing for Justice, Serving Soul

Allan Harris turned six sold-out nights at SOUTH into more than music — it was soul, justice, and joy in perfect time. A voice that fights and heals, a band that feels like family, and a room that reminded Philly why live jazz still matters.

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Jazz August 21, 2025

A Fever Dream at SOUTH: Akua Allrich, The Tribe, and a Table of Magic

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