The song “Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year” does not apply! Spring has come in a bit early this year - and in conjunction with that, sounds of jazz in Pittsburgh are in full bloom, already.
While the news of the closing of the Bridge in East Liberty takes several days a month out of the live jazz scene, other venues are picking up days and adding more.
Con Alma continues a busy schedule of regional and touring performers in their food/drinks and jazz mix, while Kingfly Spirits has built a consistent calendar of jazz and latin jazz events on Thursdays and Sundays.
The Winery action is picking up, too - in the Strip the Original Pittsburgh winery has added more jazz-related events, including every Wednesday with the John Hall Trio, plus partnering with NMO jazz for a number of smooth jazz shows, including saxophonist Marion Meadows.
City Winery in the Strip also has a monthly Sunday jazz Supper and Brunch Events, and more plans for the future.
Alphabet City / City of Asylum has now added a regular Thursday night live and online jazz event of regional and national and global performers.
Kente Arts continues their season with saxophonist Azar Lawrence with a tribute to Pharaoh Sanders at the New Hazlett - March 23.
Jazz at the Stifel in Wheeling has a monthly series that brings pianist Craig Davis to the grand piano in the fine decor at Oglebay.
March is women’s history month - and women in jazz are well represented this month - including Veronica Swift at MCG Jazz March 9 and Catherine Russell at the Greer Cabaret Theater on March 18th.
Add in the Herbie Hancock appearance at the Byham Theater March 27th presented by the August Wilson Center - and it’s a pretty exciting lineup in March - with a couple of hundred live events to choose from.
But get ready for April!
The band has just been firmed up for the return of a musical play and review by Ernest McCarty called “Dinah” at the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater - Directed by Mark Clayton Southers and featuring Delana Flowers as Dinah Washington, with Dwayne Fulton - piano; Roger Humphries - drums; Dwayne Dolphin - bass and Tony Campbell - sax.
Spring forward with the great sounds of jazz on the Scene - Thursday at 6 - Friday and Saturday at noon - Sunday at 5 on WZUM
Craig Davis
Catherine Russell
Veronica Swift