6 days of concerts and seminars Oct. 30 through Nov. 4, during the 53rd Annual Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concerts.
The week features a number of free lectures, films, and presentations, culminating with the annual concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse, 350 Forbes Ave., Downtown. Jazz masters from around the country are scheduled to participate.
This year’s national musician lineup on Saturday November 4th includes: Victor Gould (piano); Keyon Harrold (trumpet); Camille Thurman (saxophone and vocals); Charles Tolliver (trumpet); Lenny White (drums); and Buster Williams (bass). Aaron Johnson (trombone), assistant professor and interim director of the Pitt Jazz Studies Program, will join the musicians on stage Saturday evening.
Acclaimed pianist Benito Gonzalez (piano) will have a solo performance at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 3, at Bellefield Hall Auditorium in Oakland.
Tickets for the Friday concert are $10 for the public and $5 for those with a valid student ID. Saturday’s concert tickets are $40 for the public and $10 for students with an ID. Tickets are available at https://www.jazz.pitt.edu/jazzseminar. All other components of Jazz Week are free.
JAZZ WEEK ACTIVITIES AND PERFORMANCES
Monday, Oct 30
Noon - Performance by Pitt Jazz Ensemble Small Group
William Pitt Union Plaza, 3959 Fifth Ave., Oakland
Tuesday, Oct. 31
Noon - Performance by Pitt Jazz Ensemble - Big Band Concert
William Pitt Union Ballroom, 3959 Fifth Ave., Oakland
5:30 p.m. - “A Conversation with Jazz Photographer Jeffrey Kliman”
Hillman Library Archives & Special Collections Room, 3rd floor, 3960 Forbes Ave.
A casual conversation between Kliman and University Library System Archives & Special Collections Media Curator Miriam Meislik will focus on Kliman’s experiences photographing jazz legends. He will take audience members behind the scenes of the Newport Jazz Festival and similar events and will explain how his career evolved. A Q&A session will follow and some of Kliman’s work will be on display.
Wednesday, Nov. 1
7 p.m. Film Screening: “A Great Day in Harlem.”
Cathedral of Learning Room G24
This acclaimed documentary, directed by Jean Bach, explores the story behind the famous jazz image that came about when photographer Art Kane assembled dozens of leading jazz musicians for a group photo in Harlem during the summer of 1958.
Thursday, Nov. 2
7 p.m. - Film Screening: “Hargrove.”
Graduate School of Public Health, Second Floor Auditorium, Room G23, 130 De Soto St.
In a screening marking the fifth anniversary of Roy Hargrove’s death, this film follows the jazz trumpet legend through a summer European tour in what would be the last year of his life. Jazz icons from Sonny Rollins to Herbie Hancock reflect on Hargrove’s contributions and influence. Director Eliane Henri will present the documentary and take questions afterwards. This screening by Kente Arts Alliance is presented in cooperation with Pitt Jazz Studies.
Friday, Nov. 3
1 p.m. - Visiting Scholar Lecture - Maya Kronfeld, a visiting scholar from Duke University, will address “Retheorizing Spontaneity: Between Jazz, Philosophy, and Toni Morrison’s Verbal Art.”
Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, 650 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
3:30 p.m. - Academic Panel - “Ahmad Jamal: In Appreciation.”
Pitt’s Hill District Community Engagement Center, 1908 Wylie Ave., Hill District
Moderated by Michael P. Mackey, director of vocal music and the Masque Drama Society at Central Catholic High School, panelists will discuss the life and musical contributions of Pittsburgh pianist and composer Ahmad Jamal, who passed away in April of this year. Mackey, who holds a PhD in music from Pitt, wrote his dissertation on Jamal.
7:30 p.m. - Solo Concert by pianist Benito Gonzalez
Bellefield Hall Auditorium, 315 S. Bellefield Ave.
Tickets: $10 general admission; $5 students with valid ID
FREE JAZZ SEMINARS
Saturday, Nov. 4
1 p.m. - Nicole Mitchell, Professor of Music at University of Virginia and former director of Pitt Jazz Studies.
Frick Fine Arts Auditorium - 650 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
2 p.m. - Artist Seminar - Pianist Victor Gould
Frick Fine Arts Auditorium - 650 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
2 p.m. - Saxophonist and jazz vocalist Camille Thurman
Afro American Music Institute, 7131 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh
3 p.m. - Artist Seminar -Trumpeter and hip-hop producer Keyon Harrold
Frick Fine Arts Auditorium - 650 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
SATURDAY NOV. 4 53rd Annual Jazz Seminar Concert - 8pm
Victor Gould (piano); Keyon Harrold (trumpet); Camille Thurman (saxophone and vocals); Charles Tolliver (trumpet); Lenny White (drums); Buster Williams (bass) and Aaron Johnson (trombone)
PNC Theatre at Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse, 350 Forbes Ave., Downtown.
Tickets: $40 general admission; $10 students with valid ID.
During the concert, Pittsburgh trumpeter, arranger and long-time director of the Pitt Jazz Ensemble Ralph Guzzi will be honored for his years of service to the Pitt Jazz Studies Program.
The Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert was founded by the late Nathan Davis, former longtime director of Pitt Jazz Studies. It was the first academic jazz seminar in the country to feature international artists connecting with aspiring students in a free lecture format, then performing together as an ensemble at the end of the week.
