April is Jazz Appreciation Month - and the Jazz Central Calendar is showing it in many ways.

One of the ways is theatrical - in the return of a musical play and review by the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater of Ernest McCarty’s exploration of the last year of legendary blues and jazz singer Dinah Washington. We talk to director Mark Clayton Southers, playwright Ernest McCarty Jr - and listen to a lot of Dinah Washington.

Also - music from Terence Blanchard and basist Christian McBride - both in Pittsburgh April 9th.

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

This week on the MCG Jazz Spotlight Show, Hosts Marty Ashby and Renee Govanucci preview the artists and music of the upcoming 38th Season, the "Season of Firsts."

The season contains 12 total performances, two of which will involve MCGJazz’s first-ever Artist-In-Residence, Ray Angry.

The MCGJazz Spotlight on WZUM - Friday and Sunday nights at 6, and Saturday afternoon at 1.

Kate Borger continues the celebration of Women's History Month on "Rhythm-a-ning" on WZUM. Friday morning at 10 and Saturday at 11 a.m., she’ll be featuring women currently working on the Jazz scene

Music from Jazzmeia Horn, Lakecia Benjamin, Samara Joy, Terri Lyne Carrington and more. Tune in and be inspired!

Jazz in Pittsburgh continues on an upward trajectory - with Jazz Appreciation Month (April) featuring a great number of special events in the city and beyond for the weeks ahead. The Jazz Club at the Greer Cabaret Theater with the Bell Family - Featuring Poogie Bell and Winston Bell April 13th; Richie Goods with vibraphonist Chien Chien Lu and their project Connected - April 20th; and Sean Jones & bassist Dwayne Dolphin, April 27th.

Also - music from Terence Blanchard and a nice visit with Basist Christian McBride - both in Pittsburgh April 9th.
The Scene - Thursday night at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday at 5 on WZUM

Hear how mentors pay it forward on the MCG Jazz Spotlight Show. Friday and Sunday night at 6, Saturday at 1 on WZUM with Marty Ashby and Renée J. Govanucci

Three Shirleys, Samara, Tania and More Women in Jazz - with Kate Borger on Rhythm-a-Ning

More phenomenally talented women this week on Rhythm-a-ning! Join Kate Borger on WZUM, Friday morning at 10 and Saturday from 11 a.m. until noon

A wealth of jazz riches continue to unfold for March in Pittsburgh

Jazz continues to March forth like an Art Blakey tune - and there’s a lot to hear about - and music to play - including vocalist JazzMeia Horn at MCG Jazz the Azar Lawrence Tribute to Pharoah Sanders for Kente Arts on Saturday March 23 and a full raft of clubs and venues filled with music through the month.

Plus, a good time to celebrate with this week’s birthday of George Benson - 81 years young on March 22.

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

Join Marty Ashby and Renée Govanucci for Jazz Birthdays in March in the MCGJazz Spotlight - including Wes Montgomery, Nat King Cole, Freddie Green, Marian McPartland, James Moody, Quincy Jones, Thad Jones, George Benson and Eddie Lockjaw Davis.

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