Thursday night at 6, at noon on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday at 5 - we focus mostly on Pittsburgh roots and branches with an overview of things on the horizon for the next few weeks.

Thursday November 14th marks the beginning of a regular date for drummer Roger Humphries at Con Alma in Shadyside. Roger has been keen on finding a regular weekly place to share the music and good vibes, and he’ll join Lou Stellute, Dwayne Dolphin and Max Leake for an every-Thursday residency.

Also coming to Con Alma for the late show on November 30th, guitarist Shawn Purcell. Shawn grew up around Pittsburgh (he’s the son of trombonist Randy Purcell), but lives in the DC area, now. He was back in Pittsburgh in October for a performance with the US Navy Commodores Jazz Band at Soldiers and Sailors in Oakland - and he’ll be back “home” at the end fo the month for the gig in Shadyside. We chatted with Shawn, and also have music from his new CD.

Duquesne’s Jazz program is bringing pianist and vocalist David Budway back to his hometown for a couple of shows November 17 and 18.

Drummer Reid Hoyson has a new CD out featuring pianist Don DePaolis and guiarist Mark Lucas that we’ll take a listen to. Don DePaulis died shortly after the recording session in early 2019, and this new release “NATURAL GIFTS” is dedicated to Don’s memory. Reid Hoyson will be at Con Alma on November 22 for the 7pm show.

The next few weeks also have Guitarist/Vocalist Jonathan Butler on November 16 and another concert by John Pizzarelli and Catherine Russell at MCG Jazz November 22; Saxophonist Erik Lawrence headlining a night of Music and Experimental Theater at the James Simon Studio, Uptown, also on the 22nd; and Antonio Hart with his Sextet for Kente Arts at the New Hazlett Theater, December 7th.

There are at least 16 jazz-related events on Friday, November 22nd - and that doesn’t count the overnight late-set from 12:30-4am on the 23rd with Miss Freddye’s Homecooking Trio for Pitt Stop Lindy Hop at the 20th Century Club!

All tolled, the Pittsburgh jazz happenings in November now add up to more than 250 jazz events - and that’s with a very light music lineup on Thanskgiving Day (all we know about for now is Hakim Rasheed at Eddie V’s - but send us an email if you know about more!).

A reminder - Jazz Central is a great place to keep up with so much great music on the Scene!

Tune in Thursday at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon and Sunday night at 5 - the Scene on WZUM with Scott Hanley