Fat Tuesday Comes Alive on March 4
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 4, 2025—Mardi Gras at Chris’ Jazz Café promises to be a full-on Crescent City experience. The Hoppin’ John Orchestra, a 10-piece brass powerhouse known for its horn-heavy sound and infectious second-line grooves, returns for its annual Fat Tuesday tradition. The festivities kick off at 7 p.m. with a free-swinging, foot-stomping parade led by the band, marching east on Chestnut Street from 15th to Broad Street, then swinging onto Sansom Street before rolling into the club and straight onto the stage.
Inside, the party continues with a menu bursting with New Orleans classics: jambalaya, gumbo, crawdad cheesesteaks, bayou mac & cheese, house-made beignets, buckets of steamed crawfish, and Mardi Gras cocktails. “It’s all about bringing the spirit of NOLA to Philly,” says the team at Chris’. “The music, the food, the good times—everyone’s invited to join the celebration.” Showtimes are set for 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., with admission at $20. Whether you’re dancing in the street or savoring the flavors inside, this is one Mardi Gras bash you won’t want to miss.
A Historic Live Recording with Alexander Claffy
The excitement doesn’t stop with Fat Tuesday. On Friday and Saturday, March 7 and 8, Chris’ Jazz Café will host a landmark event: a live recording by the Alexander Claffy Quintet. For Philadelphia-area native and bassist Alexander Claffy, this marks his first live recording as a bandleader—and he’s chosen Chris’ as the perfect stage.
“I’m recording with truly some of the greatest musicians in the world, live on stage at one of my favorite places,” Claffy said. Joining him are jazz luminaries Seamus Blake on saxophone, Sean Jones on trumpet, Bill Stewart on drums, and Kevin Hays on piano—a lineup that promises to set the room ablaze. The performances will be captured for a new album, Live in Philly, at Chris’, slated for release in early 2026.
For Claffy, the venue holds deep personal significance. “I wanted to do it at Chris’ because it’s the first place I ever played jazz, and it’s been an incredible home for me over the past 16 or so years,” he explained. “The staff, the vibe—it’s cultivated some of the most important music of the last 30 years.” Set times are 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. both nights, with admission priced at $35. This is a rare chance to witness history in the making at a venue steeped in jazz legacy.
Plan Your Visit
Dinner & Show packages, featuring a three-course chef tasting menu, are available alongside VIP and General Admission tickets for all March events (beverages, tax, and gratuity not included). All seating is premium, ensuring an up-close experience with the music. Check the Chris’ Jazz Café website for pricing and arrival times. Can’t make it in person? Streaming is available on their YouTube channel, @ChrisJazzCafePhilly.
For those looking to take a piece of the experience home, the Chris’ merchandise store offers everything from t-shirts and stemware to masks and matches—perfect keepsakes from a night of jazz and revelry.
A Hub of Jazz and Joy
Located at 1421 Sansom Street, Chris’ Jazz Café has been a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s music scene for decades, offering live jazz Tuesday through Saturday. Whether you’re drawn by the Mardi Gras festivities or the thrill of a live recording, March is shaping up to be a standout month at this legendary venue. For reservations or more details, call 215.568.3131.
From the streets of New Orleans to the heart of Philly, Chris’ Jazz Café is where the music lives—and in March, it’s louder and livelier than ever.
