Jazz Greats Convene for 46th Annual Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert

PITTSBURGH—A talented group of international jazz musicians will convene on the University of Pittsburgh campus Oct. 31 through Nov. 5 for the 46th annual Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert, the longest-running event of its kind in the country.

Jazz Week will include evening lectures, seminars by guest musicians, community appearances, and a performance by the Pitt Jazz Ensemble. All events are free and open to the public.

The week culminates with the Pitt Jazz Concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5 in Carnegie Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland.

Guest artists this year will include: Ambrose Akinmusire, trumpet; Dwayne Dolphin, bass; Perry Hughes, guitar; David McMurray, saxophone; Jamison Ross, drums; Fred Wesley, trombone; and Cassandra Wilson, vocals. The entire ensemble will perform under the direction of Geri Allen, pianist, associate professor, and director of Pitt’s Jazz Studies Program, which is in the Department of Music within the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.

Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress S. Epatha Merkerson, best known for her role as an NYPD lieutenant on the police drama Law & Order, will serve as master of ceremonies.

Orchestra or floor seats at the Pitt Jazz Concert are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. General admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets for students with a valid ID are $10 in advance and at the door.

Tickets can be purchased at http://music.pitt.edu/tickets or through the University of Pittsburgh Stages box office by calling 412-624-PLAY (7529) or by visiting the box office on the 16th floor of the Cathedral of Learning Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m.

The Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert, founded by former Pitt Jazz Studies Director Nathan Davis, was the first academic jazz seminar in the country to feature international artists connecting with aspiring student musicians in a lecture format, then performing together as an ensemble. Information about seminars and other activities will be forthcoming.

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