Concerts and seminars Oct. 31 through Nov. 8, during the 55th Annual Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concerts.

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.

All events are free and open to the public, with the exception of our 55th Annual Jazz Concert on Saturday, November 8th, 2026. Tickets can be purchased at the link above.

*Please check back for schedule updates

FRIDAY, OCT. 31 

3:00pm- Visiting Scholar Series: James Gordon Williams, Frick Fine Arts Auditorium 

MONDAY, NOV. 3 

12:00pm- Kickoff Concert Pitt Jazz Ensemble, William Pitt Union, Lower Lounge 

5:00pm- Jazz On the Air and in the Hill, A Conversation with Authors Aaron Johnson and Colter Harper, Third Floor, Hillman Library

TUESDAY, NOV. 4 

6:00pm- Pittsburgh’s Drum Legacy with Tom Wendt and Chad Taylor, Frick Fine Arts Auditorium

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5 

3:00pm- A Tribute to Jeff “Tain” Watts with Jevon Rushton, Hill CEC, 1908 Wylie Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 

7:00pm- Jazz Film Screening, "Art Blakey: The Jazz Messenger,” Room G24, Cathedral of Learning  

THURSDAY, NOV. 6 

3:00pm- Cross Rhythms, The Life and Musicality of Joe Chambers with Chad Taylor, Bellefield Hall, Room 205

7:30pm- Embodying Rhythym with Tap Dancer Melissa Almaguer, Bellefield Hall, Room 205

FRIDAY, NOV. 7 

11:00am- Warren Smith, A Life in Music with Aaron Johnson, Bellefield Hall, Room 205

SATURDAY, NOV. 8 

2:00pm- Mallet Discussion with Sasha Berliner, Bellefield Hall Auditorium 

3:00pm- Secrets of Clave with Bobby Sanabria,  Bellefield Hall Auditorium 

3:30pm- Workshop with Joel Ross Trio, Afro American Music Institute, 7131 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208 

8:00pm- 55th Annual Pitt Jazz Concert, Bellefield Hall Auditorium, TICKETED EVENT - PURCHASE HERE!