Fall has more bounty to share in the Pittsburgh jazz scene as October leans in and November is just around the corner.
Also - with Daylight Saving Time ending, there be more of a nighttime groove in store for sounds in the city and the region.
WZUM is working to keep up with the many choices - which include this weekend with special shows by MCG Jazz and Kente Arts, plus the Monday return of the jazz and democracy celebration that is B-Pep Jazz, a fundraiser and Jazz marathon for the Black Political Empowerment Project.
ON the program, we visit with rising star saxophonist Isaiah Collier, whom we met last spring for a celebration of the music and life of saxophonist and musical innovator Pharoah Sanders.
Sanders came to wide notice with his work with John Coltrane when he was just in his early 20’s. That’s how old Isaiah Collier is, now, and the Chicago native has some deep and evolved musical ideas to share Saturday night at 7:30 at the New Hazlett Theater on the Northside. We got the chance to talk to Isaiah - and we have a sneak preview of his newest CD, which is just being released this weekend.
On Friday and Saturday, the 18th and 19th, noted composer and pianist Amina Figarova brings her Sextet and the World Orphan Choir with “Suite for Africa” to MCG Jazz for two shows over the two nights. The native of Aserb
Also, the 19th Annual Black Politics Empowerment Project brings B-PEP Jazz back the the Heinz History Center in the Strip on Monday, October 21st for an evening of celebration of democracy with Roger Humphries and the RH Factor, the Tim Stevens Project and more than 70 other performers.
Plus, we feature new music from Tania Grubbs, Dave Grusin and Lee Ritenour, Amina Figarova and Benny Benack III, who brings is “Some Enchanted Evening” tour to the Byham Theater, Tuesday November 12.
Finally, Friday at 1pm, October 18th - there will be a Celebration of Life event at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on the Northside for our recently departed friend and broadcasting colleague Evelynn Hawkins. There will be music and remarks and much deserved remembrance of our longtime colleague, friend, radio host and scholar.
The Scene - Thursday at 6pm, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday afternoon at 5.
Amina Figarova and the World Orphan Choir
