WZUM’s Scott Hanley was in New York in January for the 2nd ever Jazz Congress at Jazz at Lincoln Center. It was 2019, also the 100th Birthday year of legendary jazz drummer and Pittsburgh Native Art Blakey.

The event had some wonderful music and discussions about jazz, including an amazing tribute to Art Blakey. As a part of that tribute, nearly 30 former Jazz Messengers from 4 decades of the band were on hand.

Standing Room Only a the Art Blakey Centennial Celebration - S. Hanley

On the radio, we talk about that event and more, and share a few stories. To hear the whole event, click on the video from Jazz At Lincoln Center. Lee Mergner, former editor of JazzTimes has the introductory remarks which start about 23 minutes in to the presentation.

It was an SRO event - and we were privileged to be there - with Wynton Marsalis, Jon Faddis, Branford Marsalis, Kevin Eubanks, Bobby Broom, Randy Brecker, Terrence Blanchard, Bobby Watson, Ralph Moore, Reggie Workman, Steve Turre, Benny Green, Steve Davis, Ralph Petersen Jr, Melissa Slocum, Donald Brown, Leon Lee Dorsey, Robin Eubanks, Donald Harrison, Bill Pierce, Cameron Brown, Harold Mabern, Eddie Henderson, Billy Harper, Jimmy Owen, Gary Bartz, Bill Saxton, and Charles Tolliver. Panel moderated by Celine Peterson. The event went on for two hours!