Monty Alexander – September 24, 2022

Monty Alexander, is a perennial favorite at Jazz Festivals and venues worldwide, and at the Montreux Jazz Festival where he has performed and headlined concerts 23 times since 1976. His spirited conception is one informed by the timeless verities: endless melody-making, effervescent grooves, sophisticated voicings, a romantic spirit, and a consistent predisposition, as Alexander accurately states, “to build up the heat and kick up a storm.” In the course of any given performance, Alexander applies those aesthetics to a repertoire spanning a broad range of jazz and Jamaican musical expressions—the American songbook and the blues, gospel and bebop, calypso and reggae—and gives the hardcore-jazz-obsessed much to dig into while also communicating the message to the more casual listener.

 

Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Band – October 15, 2022

NEA Jazz Master and eight-time GRAMMY® Award-winner, Eddie Palmieri is known as one of the finest pianists of the past 60 years. Band leader, arranger and composer of salsa and Latin jazz he fuses the rhythm of his Puerto Rican heritage with the complexity of his jazz influences. Having celebrated his 85th birthday in 2021, Eddie is hitting the road with his band, bringing his unique repertoire and timeless style to performing arts centers across the country.

 

Django Festival All-Stars – November 12, 2022

The Django Festival All-Stars bring the music of the legendary gypsy jazz guitarist, Django Reinhardt, fully into the twenty-first century. Their unique, high-energy performances pay tribute to Reinhardt, who is considered one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Reinhardt’s driving, swinging style became known as “hot jazz,” and it continues to grow in popularity throughout the world. The All-Stars honor his tradition while adding their own interpretations, arrangements, and original compositions with stunning virtuosity.

 

MCG Jazz Recording Label Celebration – November 19, 2022

A once in a lifetime event!

The MCG Jazz recording label began in 1995 with its very first release winning a GRAMMY® Award and featuring the World Famous Count Basie Orchestra.

Now, almost 30 years later with 11 GRAMMY® nominations and five GRAMMY® Awards, MCG Jazz is spearheading a project to produce and promote six Pittsburgh based artists.

The evening will feature all six leaders performing music from their new releases with some of the finest musicians in Pittsburgh accompanying them.  Over 20 musicians will grace the stage for this Pittsburgh Celebration!

Alton Merrell

Craig Davis

Deanna Witkowski

Jason Kush

Max Leake

Mike Tomaro

 

Mindi Abair’s "I Can't Wait for Christmas" with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster – December 2, 2022

By the fire with a glass of wine
The snow is falling and I'm feeling fine

And I, I can't wait for Christmas
No I, I can't wait for Christmas

Join Mindi Abair with guests Vincent Ingala, Lindsey Webster, and Adam Hawley as they get you ready to embark on the Holiday season.

Abair has been electrifying audiences with her dynamic live performances and saxophone prowess since her debut album in 1999. Since then, Abair has recorded with some of the biggest names in music and built a substantial following among jazz and blues audiences with her soaring melodies and powerhouse style.

 

Dianne Reeves with Romero Lubambo – February 4, 2023

Dianne Reeves is the pre-eminent jazz vocalist in the world. As a result of her breathtaking virtuosity, improvisational mastery, and unique jazz and R&B stylings, Reeves received the GRAMMY for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings – a GRAMMY first in any vocal category. Brazilian guitarist Romero Lubambo tours extensively with Reeves. This duo set will showcase material from their longtime collaboration.

 

Artemis featuring Renee Rosnes, Ingrid Jensen, Nicole Glover, Alexa Tarantino, Noriko Ueda & Allison Miller – February 17, 2023

This supergroup is comprised of six of the most acclaimed musicians in modern jazz. The current touring band includes pianist and musical director Renee Rosnes, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover, alto saxophonist and flautist Alexa Tarantino, bassist Noriko Ueda, and drummer Allison Miller.

The band initially assembled for a European festival tour three years ago. “I chose musicians whom I respected and wanted to make music with,” Rosnes says, “and after performing together, I realized that we had a brilliant chemistry. We decided to explore the possibilities of what might develop over time. That’s how ARTEMIS was born.”

 

Danilo Pérez’s Global Messengers – April 1, 2023

Danilo Pérez’s Global Messengers project advances a mission which is wholly relevant today. When discussing the healing properties of music, the Panamanian jazz pianist, humanitarian, and educator speaks of “recovering the function of the artist as a tool to redirect humanity in a positive direction.” The Global Messengers came to fruition through the culture and experiences of its members, hailing from North and Central America, Europe, and Western Asia. Pérez use their talents to make an impression through beautiful melodies and strikingly syncopated rhythms.

 

Samara Joy – April 15, 2023

With a voice as smooth as velvet, Samara Joy’s star seems to rise with each performance. Following her winning the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, Joy has dug deep to discover her jazz roots without losing sight of the innate simplicity that makes her sound shine. Her first album announces the arrival of a young artist destined for greatness.

 

Arturo Sandoval – May 5, 2023

Ten-time GRAMMY® Award -winner and 2013 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Arturo Sandoval is one to the world’s foremost guardians of jazz trumpet and flugelhorn as well as a renowned classical artist, pianist and composer. One of the most dynamic and vivacious live performers of our time, Sandoval has been seen by millions at the Oscars, GRAMMY Awards and Billboard Music Awards in addition to his extensive touring schedule.