This past Saturday, music and nature blended into pure magic as “The Mann’s Jazz Under The Stars” series, presented by Cadillac, unfolded under a crisp, and beautiful starry night.
Curated by the Mann’s first-ever Jazz Curator-in-Residence, Gerald Veasley, the evening was a celebration of jazz in its many textures — nostalgic, funky, soulful, and ethereal.
Veasley opened the night with his warm and inviting style, joined by his talented band that immediately set the tone. The standout was the saxophone player, whose solos carried both fire and finesse. The set took us on a ride through the grooves of the ’70s, touching on the sounds of the Funkadelics and Sugarhill before easing into some smooth, mellow vibes. A male vocalist stepped up for a rendition of a Stevie Wonder classic — a bit tentative at first, but ultimately reimagined with a cool, personal twist.
Then came the headliner: Keiko Matsui.
The internationally acclaimed pianist and composer is nothing short of extraordinary. She mentioned having recorded over 30 albums- an accomplishment instantly reflected in the mastery of her performance, and the richness of her sound.
Watching her command the piano — sometimes playing two or even three instruments simultaneously — was breathtaking. Matsui’s music felt perfectly aligned with the night sky above: multi-layered, emotional, and timeless.
Her compositions have a way of feeling both familiar and foreign at the same time, as if you’ve known them forever and yet are hearing something new.
The evening’s most moving moment was when Matsui performed a piece she wrote for her daughter at age two, titled ‘I Will Love You Forever.’ It was tender, heartfelt, and left the audience hushed in awe. One of our personal favorites was ‘Antarctica,’ a piece that was as expansive and mysterious as its namesake.
Beyond the music, what struck the most was Matsui’s message and presence. Each song carried a story or a hope — her artistry reaching beyond notes to speak about love, unity, and making the world a better place.
For those who may be unfamiliar, Matsui has collaborated with legends like Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Bob James, and Hugh Masekela. Her career spans decades, with achievements like topping the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts and even composing for PBS-TV specials and international soundtracks. Yet on stage, she radiates a humble, soft-spoken energy that makes her connection with the audience feel deeply personal.
The setting itself added another layer to the experience. The Presser Foundation Stage inside The Mann’s TD Pavilion created an intimate, almost immersive environment, with both the band and audience sharing the stage- blurring the line between performer and listener. Above us, the ceiling twinkled with star-like lights — a fitting backdrop for music that truly shined.
One draw back: the performers positioned at the front of stage and the audience faced outward toward the main concert hall, the performers were backlit by the overhead lighting casting their faces into shadow. It was a small distraction in an otherwise magical evening, and one the Mann could easily adjust to match the brilliance of the music.
All in all, Jazz Under the Stars lived up to its name — and then some. Under Gerald Veasley’s guidance and Keiko Matsui’s brilliance, it was a night of jazz that transcended boundaries, celebrated artistry, and left the audience wrapped in the glow of music, moonlight, and memory.
Take a listen to Matsui ‘s 30th recording ‘Euphoria’ released in 2023-and get ready for a musical journey of amazement at the depth of her artistry
*Special thanks to contributing writer Michael Johns.
About The Mann Center:
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, a leading non-profit organization, is one of the nation’s largest outdoor amphitheaters and a top summer destination for music lovers in Philadelphia.
Located in Fairmount Park, the Mann can seat more than 4,500 people in the TD Pavilion with room for nearly 10,000 more on the spacious Connelly Terrace and Great Lawn.
The Mann presents premiere artists and festivals in a world-class, entertainment destination. Each summer season, renowned symphony orchestras, iconic rock stars and some of the latest touring artists in indie rock, hip hop, R&B and pop take the stage including the legendary Roots Picnic shines bright over a two day festival event.
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