The Outsiders Improvised & Creative Music 

Our Mission

Founded in 2015 by the master bassist, producer, and creative visionary Jamaaladeen Tacuma, The Outsiders Improvised & Creative Music Series serves as a vibrant catalyst for sonic exploration, community building, and cultural preservation. What initially began as an acclaimed annual music festival has undergone a transformation since 2020, evolving into a dynamic music series that spans the entire year, dedicated to championing progressive and audacious music, along with the innovative artists who create it. 

We proudly present 3-4 concerts each year across a variety of venues, ranging from upscale dining establishments to bohemian art centers, as well as pop-up events and engaging panel discussions. We collaborate with organizations that share our mission in Philadelphia and beyond, even expanding our reach to include events in Vancouver, BC, Essaouira, Morocco, and Paris, France. As production costs continue to escalate due to inflation -- including transportation, accommodations, food, and venue expenses -- artists often find themselves bearing the brunt of these financial pressures. We strive to keep our administrative costs low through the dedication of volunteer hours, in-kind donations, and innovative solutions. By leveraging Jamaaladeen's existing touring schedule and securing grants, we successfully create international events at a minimal cost to our supporters. 

We are on a mission to:

• Elevate Creative Pioneers: Provide vital performing opportunities for visionary, unconventional musicians who push the boundaries of genre and structure.
• Activate Historic Spaces: Bring world-class, non-conventional entertainment into alternative, culturally rich spaces, with a deep-rooted commitment to showcasing art in historically Black-owned venues.
• Fuel the Philly Arts Ecosystem: Highlight Philadelphia as a premier global hub for the creative arts, fostering local talent while simultaneously bringing the world's most innovative international artists to our local stages.
• Connect Global to Local: Export the unique, fiery creative spirit of Philly to the world, while curating unforgettable, world-class musical experiences right here at home.

Your Generous Contributions Sustain Our Passion and Reinforce the Creative Economy.

Why We Need You

Creative music thrives when it has a community to support it. By contributing to The Outsiders, you aren't just funding a concert series—you are investing in cultural preservation, supporting independent artists, and keeping the spirit of avant-garde and progressive music alive in the heart of Philadelphia.

Your support directly funds artist fees, secures our historic venue partnerships, and ensures that alternative, groundbreaking art remains accessible to a diverse and growing audience. Join us in breaking boundaries, honoring history, and building a global community through the power of improvised music.