OUTBEAT KICKOFF: The Nation’s First Queer Jazz Festival Opens Tonight with Dena Underwood
Dena Underwood, via the Dena Underwood Facebook page
It’s been years in the making and tonight it becomes a reality: The nation’s first queer jazz festival, OutBeat, opens, thanks to the efforts of the William Way LGBTQ Community Center. The four-day musical extravaganza takes places all throughout Philly, and features some of the nation’s most renowned jazz players, players who just happen to fall into the LGBTQ spectrum.
Tonight kicks off the festival with a reception at William Way featuring Dena Underwood. The singing pianist takes the stage for a one-night-only performance of jazz and soul classics. Underwood, who attended Temple University, highlights her love for the craft in the video below. She also talks about her OutBeat engagement and includes her Tavern at Camac and Knock schedules:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivV91vppV-s
We have the full line-up of the festival below. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the event’s website.
Thursday, September 18
- The New York Times‘ Nate Chinen in conversation with Fred Hersch. Free. 5-6PM, William Way Community Center
- OutBeat Kickoff Reception with Dena Underwood. $100. 6-8PM, William Way Community Center
Friday, September 19
- “From Strayhorn to Cecil: Jazz Innovation in America” with David Hajdu, John Szwed, and Orrin Evans in conversation with JazzTimes’ John Murph. Free. 3PM, University of the Arts’ Arts Bank
- VIP Reception. Free with VIP Ticket. 5PM, Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Fred Hersch Trio. $23.50-$38.50. 5:45PM, Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Philadelphia Jazz Project presents “Lush Life: Philadelphia Celebrates Billy Strayhorn.” $25-$35. 8:30PM, Suzanne Roberts Theatre
Saturday, September 20
- Pre-Concert Discussion with Bill Stewart, Patricia Barber, and Chris Bartlett moderated by JazzTimes‘ John Murph. Free. 5PM, Painted Bride Art Center
- Bill Stewart Quartet. $25-$40. 7PM, Painted Bride Art Center
- Terri Lyne Carrington‘s “Money Jungle.” $25-$35. 8PM, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Sunday, September 21
- OutBeat Festival Finale: Includes Terri Lyne Carrington, Andy Bey, Patricia Barber Quartet, Andrew D’Angelo, Jennifer Leitham Trio, Mike McGinnis Splang-a-lang Trio, Dena DeRose Trio, David Cross Quartet, Ben Flint and the Diesel Puppies, Monnette Sudler, Weez the Peeples, and TreZure Empire. $40-$70. 1PM, Union Transfer.
