The Jazz Under the Stars Series Returns to the Mann Center
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts will present Jazz Under the Stars this season, with its first-ever Jazz Curator, legendary American jazz bass guitarist and celebrated music educator Gerald Veasley. Now a series, Jazz Under the Stars debuted at the Mann in 2021. Veasley will serve as curator through 2025.
The series highlights contemporary jazz artists, a favorite subgenre among jazz fans and a popular entry-point to the genre for newcomers. It kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 7 with trumpeter Rick Braun, who has more than 20 number-one smooth jazz hits. Grammy Award-nominated Maysa takes the stage on Saturday, Oct. 7. Both performances will feature the Gerald Veasley Band, recipient of the Philadelphia Clef Club Living Legacy Award, and will place the artists and the audience in close proximity to each other beneath the Mann’s top-of-the-hill Crescendo tent. Great performances, accomplished artists, and sweeping skyline views will create the series’ signature experience for patrons.
“We are always evolving our Mann Presents programming to reflect our region’s dynamic art scene,” said Mann President and CEO Catherine M. Cahill. “Philadelphia has a rich legacy of jazz music, and it is a privilege to partner with a leader in the jazz scene to elevate the genre through education, advocacy and live music. We are so deeply fortunate to have the legendary Gerald Veasley on board to curate Jazz Under the Stars. Gerald’s experience in the music industry as a composer and educator will bring incredible expertise and energy to the series and our audiences.”
Jazz Under the Stars underscores the Mann’s community-driven programming. This season, the Mann announced its first-ever Community Artist-In-Residence with prominent West Philadelphia hip-hop artist and entrepreneur Chill Moody. Moody not only curated the Mann’s Downstage @ the Mann series, but is also a guest and contributor to many of the Mann’s year-round educational programs that serve the Mann’s West Philadelphia and Parkside neighborhoods, in particular. As the Mann’s first Jazz Curator, Veasley will lend his creativity to Jazz Under the Stars, as well as lead several jazz master class sessions for youth in the Philadelphia School District.
“Jazz music has strong roots in Philadelphia, but it’s so important to also focus on the vitality that the genre and jazz community holds today,” said Veasley. “I’m looking forward to showcasing this incredibly talented group of musicians, who I also consider great friends, through my curation of Jazz Under the Stars. I can’t wait to celebrate this music with our jazz community at the Mann and work to foster a love for jazz with new audiences, including the young people in the Mann’s educational programs.”
