A Careful, Enthusiastic Jazz Reopening in Pittsburgh

Jazz finds a way - and in Pittsburgh, that means the annual Jazz Boat Cruise and educational fundraiser hosted by drummer, bandleader and educator Roger Humpries is making a return to the Gateway Clipper fleet on August 22nd. Also, Tuesday Pittsburgh JazzLive returns to the Cultural District this summer, at a new location. We visit with Terri Bell of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust to learn more.

The long-awaited return for live jazz in the newly renovated music hall at MCG Jazz is just around the corner, and the lineup for the MCG Jazz 35th anniversary concert series has been announced.

This week on the MCG Jazz Spotlight show hosts Marty Ashby and Renée Govanucci showcase the music of artists returning to Pittsburgh during the 2021-2022 season.

Pittsburgh Jazz in a second century - and remembering all of it

We visit with pianist and historian Tom Roberts about that - including Pittsburgh natives like Babe and Frank Russin, and Hildred and Frank “Fat man” Humphries (uncles of Pittsburgh drumming icon and mentor Roger Humphries). Tom has a ZOOM program being hosted by Alphabet City on June 3 about Jazz: Lost Pittsburgh Found.

We also look at what is starting, with summer jazz gearing up, and rescheduled events being announced.

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

This week on the MCG Jazz Spotlight Show, MCG Jazz’s Marty Ashby shares sounds and some stories of two legendary Pittsburgh Jazz icons who both have strong ties to Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers Neighborhood: pianist Johnny Costa and guitarist Joe Negri. They also have close ties to MCG Jazz.

Friday and Sunday nights at 6, and Saturday afternoon at 1.

Earl Hines, Lois Deppe, Madame CJ Walker and Pittsburgh - and music that changed the world

We focus on the major jazz figure of Earl “Fatha” Hines. Called “Fatha” because he was, early in his career, considered the father of what became jazz piano.

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

This week on the MCG Jazz Spotlight Show, hosts Marty Ashby and Renée Govanucci celebrate the the birthdays and music of many jazz notables.

Featuring music from artists from Betty Carter, Woody Herman and Gary Peacock to Gil Evans and Jay Beckenstein, plus Pittsburgh’s own Maxine Sullivan and Jimmy Ponder

We visit with vocalist Jane Monheit on her time at home this past year, and her new project Come What May.

Also - a glimpse at some of what’s ahead in the rapidly open jazz potential in Pittsburgh.

Thursday night at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday afternoon at 5 on WZUM

Pittsburgh native Benny Benack III is a trumpeter, vocalist and a good keyboard artist, too! This weekend, WZUM is broadcasting his visit with pianist, singer and host Judy Carmichael on Jazz Inspired. Also, click the link for video extras!

Sunday at noon, Monday at 10am on WZUM