"A Blue Note: Ortlieb's Has Closed"

Hi friends!

It's been a while since my last post, my apologies... I've been in mourning over the closing of my absolute favorite spot in the city--arguably the best jazz club in Philadelphia--Ortlieb's.  More about that here: http://www.philebrity.com/2010/04/27/r-i-p-ortliebs-jazzhaus-1986-2010/ 

In all seriousness, the closing of Ortlieb's did make me very, very sad.  I hope that someone will step in and revive the place, but only time will tell.  Ortlieb's was always packed and jammin' with a variety of people enjoying the Creole style cuisine and best jazz in town... I find it hard to believe that there isn't enough demand for such a venue in Philadelphia... your thoughts?

That aside, there are other jazz venues in Philly, such as Chris' Jazz Cafe at 15th and Sansom in Center City, and a less known place (shhhh) the 23rd Street Cafe,which has a live jazz jam session every Tuesday evening from 7:30 - 11:30.  On Tuesdays at 23rd Street, catch the house band, "Father John" D' Amico on piano, "Big Jim" Dofton on drums, and Kenny Davis on bass.

Additionally, I recently learned that the familiar and talented house band from Ortlieb's is back for Tuesday Night Jazz Session and Open Jam on Tuesday nights at Grey Social Lounge in Old City--exciting stuff!  Admission is free, and all jazz musicians are encouraged to perform.  If you're not familiar, the following familiar names make up the house band:  Byron Landham - Drums, Mike Boon - Bass, and Syd Simmons - Piano.  The music starts and sign-ups begin at 8:30 pm.  Did I mention admission is free?

At this point, even though Ortlieb's isn't around (for now) you have no excuse to get out and listen to live jazz, or jam with some fine jazz musicians, on Tuesday nights at least!  And if you ever need a buddy to tag along, you know who to call...!

Cheers!
Tina