Oscar Hernandez on Grammys, Salsa, Jazz and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra - Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival

Grammy winning Pianist and bandleader Oscar Hernández with the Spanish Harlem Orchestra has had decades of musical experiences, including work with legends like Eddie Palmeri, Tito Puente and Celia Cruz (including a quick introduction on short notice trip to Toronto to accompany Celia Cruz when Hernández was just 21).

The Spanish Harlem Orchestra plays at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival Saturday March 16 at 4:45pm at Highmark Stadium.

A new Broadway-bound musical is taking shape in Pittsburgh at the Public Theater.

Marty Ashby hosts a special interview with playwright Rob Zellers, co-writer of “Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For.” 

Friday and Sunday night at 6, and 1pm, Saturday on WZUM.

Songs of Autumn this week on Rhythm-a-ning on WZUM The Pittsburgh Jazz Channel.

Tune in Friday morning at 10 or Saturday from 11 until noon. 101.1FM or wzum.org. (Smart speaker: Play WZUM!).

We visit with vocalist Gregory Porter - who makes note of the great Jazz Festival lineup - and shares a secret! There’ll be many other great singers for the festival - including a Sold-out show Friday with Ledisi. Also, music from Highmark Stadium headliners - José James, and brand new releases from Christie Dashiell, and Kurt Elling and Charlie Hunter’s Superblue.

WZUM will have booth on the pitch at Highmark Stadium - stop by and say “hi” to me (Scott Hanley), Chuck Leavens, Kate Borger, Mike Canton and more as we celebrate a great jazz weekend.

Hear about it all - on the Scene - Thursday at 6 - Friday and Saturday at noon - Sunday at 5 on WZUM

Hear about it all - on the Scene - Thursday at 6 - Friday and Saturday at noon - Sunday at 5 on WZUM

Trumpeter Nicholas Payton is very broad in his musical approach, and also in his instrumentation choices - from trumpet to keyboard and even bass. His years in New Orleans included influences from his musical parents as well as many others - and Clark Terry opened even more doors and ears. He plays at the PIJF Sunday September 17 at Highmark Stadium. We talked a bit about music, family and the importance of getting together with other musicians, young and old.

Saxophonist and South Hills native Chelsea Baratz, is coming home for the Jazz Fest - playing with her quartet and a “surprise special guest” Sunday, September 17th at 1pm at the Highmark Stadium, in Station Square for the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival.

Chelsea Baratz shares stories about growing up in Pittsburgh’s South Hills, her first jam session with Roger Humphries as a teenager; how living in New York during Covid led her to a new vocal project; and what’s in the works with her newest recording.

A visit with the pianist Aaron Diehl about the September 11th concert for Chamber music Pittsburgh, Songs of Black America.

The Rhythm Section's singers. Guests hosts - drummer Thomas Wendt and bassist Tony DePaolis join Marty Ashby to discuss their favorite jazz vocalists on this week's MCG Jazz Spotlight Show.

The three of them dig deep into the likes of Jo Stafford, Sandy Staley & Flo Cassinelli, Roberta Peck, Roberta Flack with Quincy Jones and more.

Friday and Sunday night at 6, and 1pm, Saturday on WZUM.