Jazz in July has a decidedly Pittsburgh accent for the region - with homecomings and active showings by some of the best the ‘burgh has to offer.
Roger Humphries
In trying to keep up with the Scene for the Jazz Central Calendar at WZUM.org, we are delighted to share the creativity and resilience you can witness, in person, at venues all across the region.
Roger Humphries and the RH Factor will be touring to a stage near you - including at Katz Plaza - July 11 for BNY Mellon JazzLive; Point State Park for Jazz Day at the Black Music Festival July 13th, Saturday the 15th for Stars at Riverview Park and a club date at Con Alma, downtown, Friday July 7.
There’s also a spate of new and recent records from jazz artists with Pittsburgh roots and branches.
Just in town a few days ago, trumpeter, songwriter and vocalist Benny Benack III has a brand new record out - and we’ll do a sampling of it, here. “Third Times the Charm” features notables like Emmet Cohen,piano; Bria Skonberg, trumpet; Peter Bernstein, guitar; Michael Stephenson, vocals and Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, sax.
Another new release features saxophonist Jason Kush with his new one “Finally Friday.” including Alton Merrell - piano; Jeff Grubbs, bass and David Glover, drums. They’ll be featured at Katz Plaza, downtown for a 5pm show for JazzLive on July 25th.
One show from a visitor who is coming to town often, the marvelous new vocalist on the scene, Grammy Winner Samara Joy - with two sold-out shows Friday June 30th at MCG Jazz. Also coming to MCG Jazz will be the rescheduled show for Danilo Pérez and his Global Messengers, July 8th.
The Jazz Scene in Pittsburgh - Sounds of summer and on the air on WZUM!
Jason Kush
Samara Joy