Kick off the world’s largest beer celebration of its kind with a festival like no other. Welcome the arrival of the Hammer of Glory from its daylong relay through the streets of Philadelphia, cheer award-winning brewers and watch Mayor Nutter smash open the first official keg of the week: Brotherly Suds 3.

It’s a can’t-miss toast to America’s Best Beer-Drinking City… and it all happens on Independence Mall in the shadow of the Liberty Bell.

Friday, June 1, 2012
Opening Ceremony – FREE – 7 p.m.

Independence Mall – 6th & Market streets.

Opening ceremony with the Hammer of Glory, The Third Annual Philadelphia Inquirer Brew-vitational awards PLUS the incredible sounds of Josh Lawrence and the New Quartet.

Tickets On Sale Now!

Trumpeter Josh Lawrence and pianist Luke Carlos O’Reilly will be performing this Friday May 11th at the Paris Wine Bar in Philadelphia.

RSVP on Facebook.

Orrin Evans

The April edition of Sittin’ In features noted Philadelphia pianist Orrin Evans and his latest project Captain Black Big Band — a genesis of East coast players brought together under his leadership. The album, comprised of live sessions in both New York and Philadelphia in which Evans leads in true jam session format, was hailed by NPR as one of the top 10 Best of Jazz 2011. Saxophonist and contributing arranger Todd Bashore describes Evans’ leadership, ‘He’s like a chef at a pot, adding ingredients as he feels like it, tasting all the time and seeing what it needs and then throwing something else in. We may have an arrangement ready, but you can’t assume that at the gig it’s just going to go down as it is. It’s a lot of fun for a musician, because it’s creative and you never know what’s going to happen. It keeps you on your toes.’

Sittin’ In is an eclectic mix of cross-genre grooves meet horns, vinyl, and vocals. Each month we’ll bring you a different session featuring a special guest host, alongside their band of choice, plus DJ sets by Philly’s own DJ PHSH. The first set will feature the host and is followed by a second set showcasing selected talent from near and far. This series is curated by acclaimed jazz bassist Anthony Tidd, Director of the Kimmel Center’s Creative Music Program.

No cover. Jam Session drink specials (8pm-11pm) – $4 beers and $5 wines.

More info.

Appearing on the Jazz at the Playhouse series to celebrate National Jazz Appreciation Month will be trumpeter Josh Lawrence and his band featuring pianist Luke Carlos O’Reilly, bassist Leon Boykins and drummer Anwar Marshall.

$10 (General Admission)
$5 (Student)

No advance sales.

Info Phone: 215-517-8337

$10 Parking across the street. NJ concertgoers can take the High Speed Line to 9th/10th stop and walk two blocks to the theater.

RSVP on Facebook.

Trumpeter Josh Lawrence will join acclaimed pianist Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band at Smalls Jazz Club in New York City February 13.

A splendid time is guaranteed for all when Orrin Evans unleashes the debut record of the Captain Black Big Band.  Recorded live at The Jazz Gallery in NYC and Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia, the Captain Black Big Band record features newly commissioned arrangements and some brand new tunes. Joining Evans on the date are some of the best players from the Philadelphia and New York jazz scenes.  The session is insightfully straight ahead, steadily swinging, and refreshingly melodic enough to evoke a wide assortment of bright moments for discerning jazz fans everywhere. Check out the large sound when Orrin Evans leads the Captain Black Big Band on a steady course towards success and takes care of business with their amazing new self-titled record.

Two sets starting at 10:30 PM. More info.

Norman David Eleventet

Trumpeter Josh Lawrence will be performing with the Norman David Eleventet this Monday January 30th at the Plays and Players Theater in Philadelphia.

From Norman David:

The Eleventet kicks off its spring season with sizzling charts and monster soloing. I’ve written some new stuff and the band will be cooking. Join us. We play Hard!

Sets for this Monday, January 30, and all remaining dates at Plays and Players are at 7:15 and 8:45.

$8.00 cover at door.

RSVP on Facebook.

The NEW Quartet will perform at 10:30 PM Tuesday 1/31

Trumpeter Josh Lawrence and the NEW Quartet from Philadelphia will perform at New York City’s Garage in the West Village Tuesday January 31st at 10:30 PM. The NEW Quartet presents a new perspective on American Classical Music featuring the swinging sounds and modern compositions of the leader and pianist Luke Carlos O’Reilly.

More info.

CBBB @ Smalls

Pianist Orrin Evans & the Captain Black Big Band kicked off 2012 with a highly charged emotional show on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Smalls Jazz Club in NYC. Photographer Salvatore Corso and impresario Ola Baldych were in the audience capturing the night in photo and video. Enjoy!

Pianist Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band are performing at Smalls in NYC Monday January 16.

More info.

Josh Lawrence will perform with the Elvis Bonilla Orchestra at the Painted Bride in Philadelphia PA Friday January 6.

SALSA CALIENTE! Three Kings Edition | World Music
Cabaret-Concert and Dance Party
Dance instruction by: Flaco’s Dance Factory
Music performances by: Elvis Bonilla y su Orquesta and Tony Maldonado y su Orquesta
Intermission DJ set by: Rahsaan (AfroTaino Productions)
Fri. January 6 | Dance Lessons: 8pm, Party: 9pm
Come early for complimentary Three Kings inspired appetizers and table seating
$20 in advance, $25 day of event

More info.