WZUM’s Scott Hanley just got back from Jazz Congress 2020 at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and saw many great artists, and also great news for the Pittsburgh Jazz Scene!

As often happens in New York, we run across many people with Pittsburgh associations - from musicians Tania Grubbs, Sean Jones and Benny Benack III to presenters and impresarios like Terri Bell of the Cultural Trust, Janis Burley Wilson of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and Suzanne Rideout of Kente Arts.

One surprise was meeting Pittsburgh area native and vocalist Aimée Allen. She grew up on the south hills, but has lived in New York for years and had her first performing experience in Paris, France. We talk with Aimée and share some of her music.

In New York, we got the details on a just-announced show by saxophonist Bobby Watson and Horizon on February 11 at the Greer Cabaret, plus vocalist Vanessa Rubin and the music of Tadd Dameron to be presented by Kente Arts on April 4 at the New Hazlett Theater.

Back in Pittsburgh, we checked in with keynote speaker, social justice writer/poet Robin Lynn Harris  about her coming session for Monday, January 20th’s special afternoon at the Union Project for the 18th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Celebration.

Plus, sounds from the Pittsburgh scene from harmonica artist Clint Hoover, and another sample from the new release from vocalist Tania Grubbs - recorded with Pittsburgh natives David Budway and Ron Affif at Maureen’s Jazz Cellar in Nyack, New York.

The path from New York to Pittsburgh seems to be getting well trod!

The Scene - Thursdays at 6pm, Friday at Saturdays at noon, Sundays at 5pm on WZUM.