Phat Man Dee's new release with arrangements and talent from Pittsburgh and the World - the Scene

Vocalist, educator and Songwriter Phat Man Dee has been an active performer in Pittsburgh for many years - and her newest release was a product of both the global reach of the internet during COVID-19 and Pittsburgh connections virtual and real.

We speak with her on the show about this multi-year project, “A Thousand Miles,” which also has a release event at the Funhouse at Mr. Smalls in Millvale Sunday June 4th. Doors open at 7, Show at 8.

We’ll play the tune “Everything Must Change” from Phat Man Dee’s new release - with the reminder that change happens in Pittsburgh - including the closing this month of Casa Brasil in Highland Park - Friday will feature one last performance at the venue by vocalist Lilly Abreu guitarist Zé Maria and percussionist Hugo Cruz (Hugo also has an Afro-Cuban Music Workshop Sunday afternoon at the Afro American Music Institute in Homewood, Sunday at 2:30.

Another CD release event we shared last week is coming June 2nd - The Steeltown Horns - 5 years of Funk release will be one of two new projects featured at the Thunderbird Music Hall with Trombonist Reggie Watkins, saxophonist Rick Matt and trumpeter JD Chaisson. We talked with Reggie about it last week.

This weekend - pianist Emmet Cohen and drummer Joe Saylor do double duty in Indiana, PA: a concert Friday night at the Indiana Theater - and as a part of the live music day outdoors in Downtown Indian for the Westsylvania Jazz and Blues Festival. Emmet has been a frequent visitor to Western PA - and for Joe Saylor (also of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert band on CBS), he’s coming home

The Scene - Thursday at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday at 5 on WZUM.