Bruce Klauber is a snappy dresser, tireless raconteur and Philly jazz legend. The drummer led big bands, wrote books and produced DVDs about Gene Krupa. His album, Bruce Klauber Salutes Legends of Jazz Drumming, is an epic in the world of rhythm. His business and health took a dive in 2008, but, with the help of Jazz Bridge — local providers of financial and spiritual aid — and his best friends, pianist Andy Kahn and bassist Bruce Kaminsky, Klauber’s swinging again. “I liken myself to Sal Mineo, who played Krupa in The Gene Krupa Story,” says Klauber. “In one scene toward the end, Mineo’s Krupa was trying to rehabilitate himself after a drug bust, and was forced to work a few joints in the process. The barker who announced Krupa’s appearance at a strip joint said, ‘It’s the champ himself, on the comeback trail!’ I identify with that. I’m back.” Klauber calls tonight’s date at Chris’ his “coming-out party — just to demonstrate that I’m here, happy, healthy and swinging my rear end off.” His pals Kahn, Kaminsky and alto saxophonist Asher Stein are on board.

Thu., Dec. 13, 7 and 9 p.m., $10, Chris’ Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 215-568-3131, chrisjazzcafe.com.