About
Jazz is a true, original American art form and The Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, in Philadelphia, is the first facility ever constructed specifically as a jazz institution – a testament to our national’s history. Located on the Avenue of the Arts at 738 South Broad St, the building houses a 240-seat performance hall, in addition to multiple classrooms and practice studios, making it ideally suited to fulfill its mission.
The mission is to “celebrate and preserve the legacy of jazz through accessible education for the Greater Philadelphia region, and to support the evolving art form through talent development, programming, and public performance.” Music education classes, music and related art performances, and community events are all held at the Philadelphia Clef Club building, which serves as a vital hub for the local artistic community in the Greater Philadelphia region.
Established in 1985, The Clef Club’s education program focuses on building a foundation of commitment and exploration of jazz styles and tradition. This holistic and rigorous approach developed by Artistic Director Lovett Hines has earned The Clef Club its reputation as a world-class education center sending students off with scholarships to Julliard and Berklee College of Music and boasting alumni such as Joey Defrancesco, Questlove (Ahmir-Khalib Thompson), and Christian McBride.
The Clef Club partners with Philadelphia charter and public schools to provide music education to more than 500 children annually. Youth and adults participate in a broad program of private instruction, master classes, summer camps, and community ensembles.
Fulfilling the second part of its mission, The Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts hosts a variety of concerts that highlight the great history of jazz in Philadelphia and the impact jazz has held on other disciplines. Through concerts, artist residencies, workshops and jam sessions, the music hall and attached social club see audiences as diverse as its host city and as eclectic as the nature of jazz.
