Welcome to Philadelphia Jazz Project
Swing Jam With DivaNation
Dec 31, 2015
The ladies of DivaNation, in collaboration with The Studio at Take the Lead, present an intriguing event.
Swing Jam: A live music event for a dancing crowd
Friday, January 15, 2016
8pm - Midnite (Doors 7:30)
Studio at Take the Lead
4701 Pine St., Philadelphia, PA 19143
Tickets: Click Here
A BYOB Event
PJP recently spoke with DivaNation member and the event's producer, Gretchen Elise, about the event.
PJP: What exactly is this Swing Jam? Is it a jam session? A dance lesson? What’s the concept?
Gretchen Elise: Jazz was dance music. Let’s get back to that! This is going to be a great jazz session, with 9 vocalists, held at a dance studio, where people will dance to swing tunes that were written for the dance floor. Some veteran jazz listeners miss dancing. Most new jazz artists don’t even know the dances that were connected to the standards they perform. We want to change this!
PJP: Who’s playing?
Gretchen Elise: Aaron Graves (Musical Director, Keyboards); Nasir Dickerson; (Sax), Sam Harris (Bass) and Butch Reed (Drums).
PJP: Which DivaNation members are singing?
Gretchen Elise: For starters, the graceful Barbara Montgomery is Executive Producer and will Emcee. Vocalists include DivaNation performers Gretchen Elise (Co-Producer), Liz Filantes, Shekhinah B. Davis, Bethlehem, Vita Tew, Khadijah Renee, Saudah Al-Akbar, Alexis Simmons and Carol Harris.
PJP: What is this DivaNation group? Remind our audience.
Gretchen Elise: It’s a growing singer’s collective. To be exact - DivaNation is a sisterhood of singers connected to jazz of the past and future who strive towards growth, musical excellence, and success as individual performers and as a collective. A brainchild of PJP director, Homer Jackson and pianist, Aaron Graves, birthed through the Philadelphia Jazz Project in 2013 & 2014, and currently fiscally sponsored by The Women’s Coalition for Empowerment, we have brought workshops and concerts to the PHL area during 2015. Find out more at DivaNation’s YouTube Channel, website, FaceBook group or FaceBook page.
PJP: What if someone can’t dance?!? Why aren’t you just using a normal concert venue?
Gretchen Elise: No problem! There will be two lessons given , and some side tables set up if you need to take a break. Studio at Take the Lead has been working for a while to bring live music to their parties, and DivaNation has been seeking to reconnect jazz music to its original dancing roots. This collaboration is part of a partnership dating to DivaNation's founding workshop, also hosted at Take the Lead.
PJP: What does the evening look like in terms of schedule?
Gretchen Elise: Tentative Schedule:
7:30 p.m. - Doors Open

8:00 p.m. - 8:50 p.m. - 1st music set
8:50 p.m. - 9:35 p.m. - 1st dance lesson
9:35 p.m. - 10:25 p.m. - 2nd music set
10:25 p.m. - 11:10 p.m. - 2nd dance lesson / demo
11:10 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. - 3rd music set
PJP: Anything else audience members should know?
Gretchen Elise: It’s BYOB and refreshments will be served. Street parking is available. Close to 46 & Market El, Bus 42, 21, 34 Trolley. There’s a deli on the street for purchasing beverages. Also I’d like to recommend the 48th St. Grille, if someone wants to make this a dinner date.
PJP: I’m sold! How do I get tickets?
Gretchen Elise: You can get them here!
PJP: How about getting more information, or if folks have questions?
Gretchen Elise: Contact me, Gretchen Elise (Producer) at 617-792 -6376 or Dance Studio - 267-60-DANCE
Swing Jam: A live music event for a dancing crowd
Friday, January 15, 2016
8pm - Midnite (Doors 7:30)
Studio at Take the Lead
4701 Pine St., Philadelphia, PA 19143
Tickets: Click Here
A BYOB Event
SEE YOU THERE!!!!