On Thursday, September 14, Pittsburgh held the 13th annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival.The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) organized the event, presenting four days of music and events that lasted until September 17.
On their way to Pittsburgh, participants could travel on the Jazz Train, an Amtrak train that picked fans up in New York City, Newark, and Philadelphia. The ride contained live jazz from pianist Orrin Evans.
The Jazz Train arrived on Thursday night, after which fans could attend the Uhura Jazz Session. In an evening of improvisation, Madison McFerrin and Nigel Hall performed at the AWAACC.
On Friday, fans could spend the day exploring the city or begin the Jazz Crawl, a collaboration with local restaurants and bars to provide live jazz throughout the city. Later that night, the festival held its first major concert. Ledisi headlined a show at the AWAACC, followed by the Taste of Jazz party that included more live music, food, and beverage samplings. Fans returned to the Jazz Crawl after the show.
The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival kicked off its outdoor activities on Saturday at Highmark Stadium. The stadium filled with merchandise tables, food vendors, and a kid’s zone for the younger attendants. Saturday’s lineup consisted of Orrin Evans, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Bob James, Christie Dashiell, Howie Alexander, PJ Morton, and headliners Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. The performances started at 1 p.m. and continued through 10 p.m.
Sunday’s format was identical to Saturday’s, but there was a brand new lineup of artists. To conclude the weekend, Sunday’s performers were Chelsea Baratz, Gerald Albright, Nicholas Payton, Keyon Harrold, Charlie Hunter, José James, Kurt Elling, and closer Gregory Porter.
Gregory Porter has been performing at the festival for all 13 years. Since his debut in Pittsburgh, Porter has been nominated for seven Grammy Awards, winning two of them for Best Vocal Jazz Album.
On Monday, Jazz Train participants returned on the Amtrak route to New York.
Tickets for next year’s Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival go on sale in December, and the lineups will be announced next year. The festival continues to be one of the most prominent jazz events in the country.
