Woodmere’s lineup delivers a love letter to music

Jazz (and more) returns for the winter season

Posted 1/9/25

After a program of mostly sold-out shows this fall, Woodmere has unveiled the schedule for the Chestnut Hill museum’s upcoming winter series of jazz concerts featuring music that explores themes of love, peace and soul.

Bassist Warren Oree and his fellow musicians in the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble return starting next month for shows that will highlight the music of “The Maestro” Barry White, Stax Records royalty The Staple Singers and singer/pianist Roberta Flack whose contemplative R&B dominated the charts in the 1970s.

A sure-fire highlight will be a concert that …

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Woodmere’s lineup delivers a love letter to music

Jazz (and more) returns for the winter season

Posted

After a program of mostly sold-out shows this fall, Woodmere has unveiled the schedule for the Chestnut Hill museum’s upcoming winter series of jazz concerts featuring music that explores themes of love, peace and soul.

Bassist Warren Oree and his fellow musicians in the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble return starting next month for shows that will highlight the music of “The Maestro” Barry White, Stax Records royalty The Staple Singers and singer/pianist Roberta Flack whose contemplative R&B dominated the charts in the 1970s.

A sure-fire highlight will be a concert that features the Philly Soul sound developed by songwriters such as Thom Bell and Linda Creed and award-winning writer/producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Along the way, the jazz ensemble also will pay tribute to legendary producer Quincy Jones who died last year.

If you’d like to plan ahead, here’s the upcoming schedule.

The Music of Nancy Wilson: The First Lady of Romance

Feb. 14

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with vocalist Suzanne Burgess as she brings the romantic stylings of Nancy Wilson to life with songs including “The Masquerade Is Over” and  “All of Me.” 

 

Barry White Tribute: The Feelings of Love

Feb. 21

The music of the man who passionately touches the heart and inspires the soul. Vocalist Roy Richardson will put his spin on songs including “Practice What You Preach” and “Ecstasy.” 

 

Riding the Love Train with Music of the O’Jays

Feb. 28

Get on board for the music of one of Philly’s favorite groups. Vocalist Roy Richardson returns with music that reflects the many colors of the O’Jay’s sound, from “Love Train” to “For The Love Of Money.”

 

Soul from the Heart of The Staple Singers

March 7

 The gospel-tinged sound of The Staple Singers has danced across the global stage for many years. Join Sherry Butler and Kim Payton as they evoke the lead vocals of Mavis Staples and dig deep into the real soul sound of “Respect Yourself,” “I’ll Take You There” and more.

 

Motown Magic of Martha and The Vandellas

March 14

From “Heat Wave” to “Dancin’ In The Street,” Martha and The Vandellas have been the exciting soundtrack to many fun times. The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble will take the audience on a trip of  nonstop dancing, laughter, and partying.

 

 

Roberta Flack: The Voice Of Quiet Strength

March 21

Revel in the music of Roberta Flack with songs such as “Killing Me Softly” that spin tales and make you listen and feel their depth.  

 

Anita Baker Tribute: Sweet Love

March 28

She started out behind the scenes. Several years later, she was behind a microphone singing about “Sweet Love” and all its wonders.  Vocalist Sherry Butler will interpret the songs of gifted singer and composer Anita Baker, including tunes such as “Sweet Love,” “Been So Long” and “Rapture.” 

 

Remembering Quincy Jones

April 4

A creator, performer, and producer, Quincy Jones was a man of many talents and neverending vision. His musical ideas have touched and inspired innumerable performers in a career marked by collaborations with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson. The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble will perform some of his well-known works.

  

Cannonball Adderly: The Soul Jazz Pioneer

April  11

Julian “Cannonball” Adderly hit New York City like a musical hurricane in 1955 with his alto sax. Soon after, he began working with Miles Davis before forming his own group and making the soul jazz sound so appealing with tunes like “Mercy Mercy Mercy,” “Jive Samba,” “One for Daddy-O” and others.

 

The Sounds of Philly Soul

April 25

The music that comes from Philly is legendary and timeless. Enjoy an evening with the music of The Intruders, Teddy Pendergrass, Phyllis Hyman, The Stylistics and more with vocalists Gerand X and Sherry Butler. Come and jam with us Philly Style!

 

 An Evening of Four Tops

May 2

The Four Tops were a study in harmony and rhythm as they sang and danced to some of the greatest tunes. Travel with the audience back in time with “I Can’t Help Myself,” “Sugar Pie Honey Bunch,” “Same Old Song,” and other popular tunes.

 

Anything Goes and More of Cole Porter

May  9

The music of one of the great composers and lyricists of all times graces Woodmere’s gallery with tunes such as “Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall In Love),” “Anything Goes,” “Love For Sale,” “Night and Day” and more.  

Tickets are $28 ($18 for members). Concerts are at 6 p.m. For ticket info, visit woodmereartmuseum.org.