PHILADELPHIA (WPHL) — City sounds are drowned out inside a charming jazz club that’s tucked down a one-way street in Center City. Inside the legendary music joint, rhythmic tunes and blue notes vibrate the walls. On Friday night, Chris’ Jazz Cafe will tune up for its 35th anniversary with a lineup of veteran headlines and up-and-coming artists performing throughout September. The club is kicking off the month-long celebration with a dinner and show.
“We’re truly honored to be the longest continuously operating jazz venue in Philadelphia,” said Chef/Owner Mark DeNinno. “We hope area jazz lovers will come out and mark this milestone with us.”
DeNinno saved Chris’ Jazz Cafe 25 years ago when its previous owners felt they were losing money running the business. They offered for him to buy the club while he was executive chef.
“This was back in 2004,” DeNinno remembers. “At first I said no, but then I changed my mind and bought the club. We decided to make changes to the club and actually make it into a real jazz club.”