MCG Jazz Announces its "Friends & Family" 2025-2026 Concert Series

Actor-Producer-Director Tamara Tunie Featured as the New Artist-in-Residence

PITTSBURGH, PA— MCG Jazz is thrilled to announce its 39th annual jazz concert series for the 2025-2026 season, aptly titled Friends & Family. This season serves as a fitting overture to MCG Jazz’s upcoming 40th anniversary, celebrating an extraordinary lineup of artists who have become part of the MCG Jazz family. Continuing its longstanding tradition of bringing world-class jazz to Pittsburgh, MCG Jazz welcomes back a stellar roster of musicians—each with a deep, time-honored connection to its stage—to share exciting new projects alongside beloved classics.

Join us as we honor the past, shape the music of today, and inspire the future of jazz. The season will feature renowned talents and audience favorites, including: Kurt Elling & the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra; Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, & Antonio Sánchez; Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra; Mindi Abair; Take 6; Bob James Quartet; a special double bill with Endea Owens & the Cookout and Michael Mayo; John Pizzarelli; and the legendary Paquito D’Rivera with the New York Voices on their Farewell Tour.

MCG Jazz VP & Executive Producer Marty Ashby says, “I am thrilled that so many of the artists that have been part of the MCG Jazz Family for decades can join us next season to celebrate the timeless spirit of Jazz and share new programs with our patrons.”

This season is more than just a lineup—it’s a full-circle celebration of the artists who have grown with MCG Jazz. The New York Voices, who first graced this stage before rising to international acclaim, now return on their Farewell Tour. Over 20 years ago, Kurt Elling was introduced to Pittsburgh by Bob Mintzer performing as a guest on his big band record and he is now a household name around the world. Edmar Castañeda, who played his first major gig here, now returns as a GRAMMY®-winning artist. Bob James, a legend in his own right, has used MCG Jazz as an incubator for his ever-evolving artistry, having performed here through five distinct eras of his career. As we celebrate these storied musicians, we also embrace the future, welcoming fresh talent like Endea Owens and Michael Mayo, ensuring that the next generation of jazz innovators always has a platform. For nearly 40 years, MCG Jazz has provided a stage where strangers become friends, and friends become family—continuing a legacy that honors the past while shaping the future of jazz.

Recently named one of DownBeat Magazine’s Best Jazz Venues in the World, MCG Jazz is also honored to announce Pittsburgh’s own Tamara Tunie as its second-ever Artist in Residence, succeeding Ray Angry as his tenure comes to a close. A Tony Award-winning performer, Carnegie Mellon University alum, and Homestead native, Ms. Tunie is a celebrated vocalist, actor, director, and producer. Her career has spanned from Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music to the new CBS soap opera Beyond the Gates. Audiences may also recognize her from Law & Order: SVU and the biopic Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and more.

“We are honored to have Tamara Tunie as our Artist-in-Residence next season, and together we will build on the tremendous community impact realized during Ray Angry’s residency. Ms. Tunie brings a rich history of performing experiences to share and inspire our MCG Jazz students and community partner’s constituents,” says Ashby.

The Friends & Family season will conclude with a special evening of song and storytelling as Ms. Tunie wraps up her Artist-in-Residence appointment at MCG Jazz. Concert subscriptions and individual show tickets will be coming soon! Visit www.mcgjazz.org to check availability or sign up for the MCG Jazz email newsletter. You may also call our Box Office at 412-322-0800 for more information or to subscribe for the season. Shows will be held at the MCG Jazz music hall, located at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, 1815 Metropolitan Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. For a full list of 39th Season concerts, see below.

Kurt Elling with the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra| September 27, 2025
Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, & Antonio Sánchez | October 4, 2025
Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra | October 25, 2025
Mindi Abair | November 15, 2025
Take 6 | December 13, 2025 |Take 6 Christmas
Bob James Quartet | January 31, 2026
Endea Owens & The Cookout and Michael Mayo | February 28, 2026 | A Special Double Bill
New York Voices with special guest Paquito D'Rivera | April 4, 2026 | Farewell Tour
John Pizzarelli Trio | April 18, 2026 |Tony Bennett Tribute
Tamara Tunie: Artist in Residence | May 23, 2026 |An Evening with Tamara Tunie

*Artists and dates are subject to change. | *For artist assets, click here.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Executive Producer Marty Ashby | mashby@manchesterbidwell.org | (412) 322-1773 ext. 121
Ashley Boynes-Shuck | ABoynesShuck@manchesterbidwell.org | (412) 722-4655

For more information about MCG Jazz and its upcoming performances, please visit mcgjazz.org or call the MCG Jazz Box Office at 412-322-0800. Media inquiries can be directed to mashby@manchesterbidwell.org or aboynesshuck@manchesterbidwell.org.