Philadelphia is not only taking over the sports world this week with the Phillies in the World Series and the undefeated Eagles soaring, but it's also taking center stage in the arts. Today and tomorrow (October 27 and 28) the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts will be one of the venues for the 5th annual Jazz Philadelphia Summit.
Bassist Gerald Veasley is president of the Jazz Philadelphia. The mission of Veasley's organization is to advance the development of the city’s thriving and vibrant local jazz scene and to gain recognition for Philadelphia as the world-class jazz destination it is.
Veasley and guitarist/singer/songwriter Heather Shayne Blakeslee, Jazz Philadelphia's Executive Director, spoke with WBGO News Director Doug Doyle about the two-day Summit that will have a host of in-person events and musical performances as well as online education sessions. The Summit’s theme this year will be Forward Together.
Vocalist Jazzmeia Horn will be the keynote speaker.
The Summit was planned this year in conjunction with the Mid Atlantic Arts Living Legacy Jazz Award, presented by PECO. honoring Pittsburgh’s Roger Humphries. Events include a new “Townhall” session focused on uncovering ways that we can provide more opportunity for emerging and established artists in the city to thrive. You can get more information at jazzphiladelphia.org.
You can SEE the entire interview with Gerald Veasley and Heather Shayne Blakeslee here.
