Chris’ Jazz Cafe has a lot to celebrate, and they’re doing it the best way they know how—through soulful sounds.
Located in Center City, the locale has been providing Philadelphians with the gift of jazz music for over three decades since its opening in 1989. In that time, the institution has seen many musical greats grace its stage drawing inspiration from icons like John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday and Ethel Waters. Audiences have flocked from all 50 states and 160 countries to see performances at the venue, and there are a few more fun occurrences set for the locale’s 36th anniversary next month.
The fun kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 6 with a performance from The Tribute Legacy Band featuring Don Braden celebrating the music of Grover Washington, Jr. (show times are currently set for 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.) Celebratory performances will continue with pianist Luke Carlos O’Reilly and his quartet (Sept. 12, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.) and an album release dubbed ’Love Endures,’ from the Tyler Henderson Trio (Sept. 20, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.)
The month-long celebration will then wrap up with a 36th Anniversary party featuring Benny Benack III and the Anaïs Reno Sextet. Trumpeter and band leader Benack recently released his new CD, ‘This Is The Life’ and vocalist Reno, is celebrating the release of her new album, ‘Lady of Lavender Mist.’ Shows will take place on Sept. 26 and 27 (7:30 and 9:30 p.m. both nights).
There are a few different tasty ways to enjoy the shows at the Jazz Cafe. General Admission ($30) allows diners to order a la carte off the menu. Options span truffle mac & cheese, New Orleans styled jambalaya, lamb pasta, smoked salmon deviled eggs, fresh burrata, homemade beignets, pink lemonade crème brûlée and more.

The Dinner & Show option includes a 3-course dinner for $100, while the VIP Dinner & Show pick includes the 3-course experience, plus, upgraded stage-front seating for $120. All of the options are available to purchase now online (note, beverages, tax and gratuity are not included in pricing.)
If you can’t make any of the highlighted shows, there’s something going on every night at the locale. Patrons can get a taste of everything Chris’ has to offer with their Saturday night jazz jam (weekly from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.) While there, guests can discover up-and-coming local jazz talent, a release notes. Every Thursday night, Jake Kaplan also hosts the Philly jazz series with special musical guests starting at 10:30 p.m. Plus, there’s additionally a special late night happy hour featuring $6 bar snacks, $5 drafts, $7 house wines, and $9 mixed drinks from 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on those nights.
Lastly, anyone who can’t make it in person can also wire in virtually for certain performances (a feature the venue added during the pandemic) through its YouTube Channel.
To find out more information on Chris’ Jazz Cafe (1421 Sansom St.), visit chrisjazzcafe.com