Plan a jazz vacation in Philadelphia

An incubator for jazz since the genre was first created, Philadelphia has drawn many of the world's greats: John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Sun Ra are just a few of the artists who came from or came to Philadelphia, nurturing roots in the city that contributed greatly to this classic American musical form. The popular genre continues to thrive in the city today. Home to several world-renowned jazz clubs that spotlight famous and emerging musicians nightly, Philadelphia's jazz aficionados are applauding the renovation and new ownership of Ortlieb's Jazzhaus, an old favorite that's long been crammed into a worn hideaway in Northern Liberties. In March 2007, Ortlieb's reopened after a brief hiatus with more modern decor, a new chef, an enhanced Cajun-Creole menu, a global wine list and the same great music as always.
The reopening of the city's classic jazz club, along with a hot list of jazz events, makes the Philadelphia region the cool place for jazz lovers to be this summer. Here's what's in store:

Jazz Clubs:
1. Located in the former cafeteria of a 19th-century brewery, Ortlieb's Jazzhaus shines brighter than ever now that three old friends have bought the club and renovated it to appeal to a broader audience. 847 N. 3rd Street, (215) 922-1035, ortliebsjazzhaus.com
2. Named one of Downbeat Magazine's "100 Best Places in the World to Hear Jazz," Chris' Jazz Café serves up inexpensive lunches and dinners to accompany their equally inexpensive tickets to see the world's greatest jazz acts. 1421 Sansom Street, (215) 568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com

Regular Performances:
3. Every Monday from 7:00-10:00 p.m., pianist Mike Frank runs an increasingly popular, kid-friendly and free jazz jam at MilkBoy Coffee. 2 E. Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, (610) 645-5269, www.milkboycoffee.com
4. Vincent's Restaurant is the place to be every Thursday night for eclectic live jazz performed by the Glenn Ferracone Quartet and the assemblage of guests they invite to take the stage with them. 10 E. Gay Street, West Chester, (610) 696-4262, www.vincentsjazz.com
5. The Art After 5 program at the Philadelphia Museum of Art features live jazz concerts and a cash bar in the Great Stair Hall every Friday of the month (except First Fridays when international sounds are the focus) from 5:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, www.philamuseum.org
6. Saturday night sessions take over the house every week at Natalie's Lounge, where a wide array of jazz musicians play for a diverse audience. 4003 Market Street, (215) 222-5162
7. The Painted Bride Arts Center's Jazz on Vine programs are family-friendly jazz concerts held about once a month in an intimate theater setting. 230 Vine Street, (215) 925-9914, www.paintedbride.org

Festivals and Special Events:
8. Longwood Gardens' Wine & Jazz Festival offers an opportunity to welcome spring by sipping Pennsylvania wines and grooving to jazz sounds while surrounded by millions of blooming flowers. May 5, 2007. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org
9. Now in its second year, the 2007 Bucks County Jazz Festival spreads the music out between three days and three indoor venues. This year's headliners are Cassandra Wilson and The Yellowjackets. June 14-17, 2007. (215) 345-7683, www.bucksjazzfest.com
10. Although the West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival has existed for just four years, it has attracted more than 100,000 participants for the last two years. This year, the free festival will shut down the streets for three days and nights while the crowd digs jazz concerts headlined by War, Ohio Players, Roy Ayers and others on four different stages. June 22-24, 2007. 7100-7200 Ogontz Avenue, (800) 505-8385, www.westoaklanefestival.com

A Series Of Jazz Series:
11. In June, Ars Nova Workshop debuts The Northwest Passage Series, featuring the most exciting musicians from Scandinavia. Ars Nova also schedules dozens of jazz events throughout the year. Exact dates and complete list of locations to be announced. www.arsnovaworkshop.com
12. Philadelphia jazz musicians bring their talents on board for a sunset river cruise with hors d'oevres and a cash bar during Schuylkill Banks River Tours, held select Saturdays from June 3-November 3, 2007 (excluding August). (888) RIV-PHIL, www.schuylkillbanks.org
13. Morris Arboretum presents Groovin' in the Garden, a twilight series of three outdoor concerts, where picnicking is encouraged. July 19, July 26, August 2, 2007. 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, (215) 247-5777, www.morrisarboretum.org
14. Smooth Jazz Summer Nights celebrates its 10th anniversary this summer with free outdoor performances by national artists every Friday night in August. Penn’s Landing Great Plaza, Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street, (215) 922-2FUN, www.pennslandingcorp.com

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) builds the region's economy and image through destination marketing to increase the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county region. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.