Spring is almost here - and the sound of jazz are springing up all over in the world of the Pittsburgh Jazz Channel.
One of the “news” items is the just-announced 40th season for MCG Jazz - renewing subscribers just got their information - and new subscriptions open up on April 20. Individual tickets go on sale in July - more details at MCG Jazz.
We’ll hear some sounds from artists on the series - including vocalist José James, guitarist John Scofield, pianist Billy Childs, and vocalist Kurt Elling. There are many more big names on the season 40 roster (look below for the lineup).
Also on the program, another visit with guitarist Stephane Wrembel - coming to the James Simon Studio, Uptown, Thursday March 19th. The latest release from Spryo Gyra - playing at the Oaks Theater in Oakmont, March 26th - and trombonist Reggie Watkins - with music from his latest release, Rivers, at Con Alma, Sunday March 15 at 5pm.
The Scene - an hourlong radio show - Thursday night at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday at 5 on WZUM
Stephane Wrembel
Jazz Legends Event & Fallingwater 90th Celebration
with the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra
Saturday, September 26, 2026
7:30 PM
Renew an MCG Jazz subscription, or purchase a subscription to become one of the first to purchase tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime event featuring the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, and a post-concert reception.
Count Basie Orchestra with Nnenna Freelon
Saturday, October 3, 2026
6 & 8:30 PM
The Count Basie Orchestra, a living testament to Basie's enduring influence, will be joined by seven-time GRAMMY® Award nominee Nnenna Freelon for this extraordinary performance.
Rick Braun plays Chuck Mangione
Saturday, October 24, 2026
6 & 8:30 PM
Rick Braun pours his creative soul into his first-ever tribute project dedicated to the music and memory of the legendary Chuck Mangione.
Saturday, November 14, 2026
6 & 8:30 PM
Multi-GRAMMY® nominated saxophonist Gerald Albright returns to the MCG Jazz stage with his 24th career project Hot Chocolate, "a project designed for musicality, fun, unique grooves, and ingredients for the soul!"
John Scofield's "Electrospective"
featuring Oteil Burbridge, Larry Goldings & Adam Deitch
Friday, November 20, 2026
7 & 9:30 PM
Scofield and his stellar band of colleagues look back at many of his now classic fusion groove compositions through a new lens.
Stella Cole “Christmas Dreaming”
Saturday, December 5, 2026
6 & 8:30 PM
With a voice that bridges generations, powerhouse vocalist Stella Cole celebrates the holiday season this December with a fresh interpretation of classic repertoire.
Spanish Harlem Orchestra - Salsa Navidad
Saturday, December 19, 2026
6 & 8:30 PM
Spanish Harlem Orchestra celebrates their 25th anniversary with a vibrant new project that captures the spirit of the holidays through authentic Puerto Rican rhythms.
José James Sings Sinatra with the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra
Saturday, January 30, 2027
6 & 8:30 PM
Celebrated jazz vocalist José James explores the legacy of one of the greatest American voices of all time alongside the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra.
Billy Childs 70th Birthday Band
with Sean Jones, Steve Wilson, Matt Penman and Ari Hoenig
Saturday, March 6, 2027
6 & 8:30 PM
One of the foremost American composers of his era, pianist Billy Childs celebrates his 70th birthday with an all-star band.
Artist-in-Residence Benny Benack III
“The Magic of Manhattan”
Saturday, March 20, 2027
6 & 8:30 PM
Benack hosts an elegant Jazz-inspired affair highlighting songs and artists along the way that made New York City simply the place to be.
Kurt Elling & Yellowjackets Celebrate Weather Report
Saturday, April 10, 2027
6 & 8:30 PM
The renowned Yellowjackets and one-of-a-kind vocalist Kurt Elling honor one of jazz history’s most influential ensembles.
Saturday, April 24, 2027
6 & 8:30 PM
Ten-time GRAMMY® winner and Dizzy Gillespie protégé Arturo Sandoval is considered the world’s foremost guardian of Afro-Cuban jazz trumpet and flugelhorn and one of the most brilliant and multifaceted musicians of our time.
Django Festival All-Stars with Anat Cohen
Saturday, May 15, 2027
6 & 8:30 PM
The Django Festival Allstars bring the music of 20s and 30s Paris to the present day, joining forces with esteemed clarinetist Anat Cohen to carry forward the Gypsy jazz tradition.