George Heid III, Thomas Wendt, George T Johnson III, Roger Humphries at the Pittsburgh Playhouse drummers extravaganza Photo Scott Hanley
With the lifting of many COVID-19 mitigations, more and more clubs and venues are opening up in the Pittsburgh region - and in the month of July, we see the likelihood of more than 120 different events, inside, outside and online in the jazz scene.
The start of July saw a busy night, all around - including a Pittsburgh drum extravaganza featuring Roger Humphries, Thomas Wendt, James T Johnson III and George Heid III. It was at the Pittsburgh Playhouse at Point Park University produced by MCG Jazz. The Series continues on Thursdays and Fridays through July, with Jazz on Thursdays and chamber music and more on Fridays.
Tony Campbell, Fred Pugh, Antonio Croes, Con Alma, Downtown Photo Scott Hanley
Thursday July 1 also had the opening of Con Alma, Downtown with Tony Campbell, Antonio Croes, Fred Pugh, John Shannon, Eli Naragon and Jason Washington Jr.; Rick Matt at the Brick Shop a the TRYP hotel; Roger Humphries and the RH Factor at Kingfly Spirits; Scott Boni at Con Alma, Shadyside; Antoinette Manganas at the Walnut Grill, Bridgeville; Reggie Watkins at McCandless Crossing; and a return of live music to Eddie V’s, downtown, with the Alex Peck trio. There’s more - visit the Jazz Central Calendar as we hustle to keep up the rapid return of live jazz to Pittsburgh!
Jacob Pleakis, Rick Matt, Leon Boykins at the Brick Shop, July 1 Photo Scott Hanley
Jason Washington, Jr; John Shannon, Tony Campbell at Con Alma, Downtown July 1 Photo Scott Hanley
Among the new features coming soon, the GH3 Jam Session hosted by drummer George Heid III is coming to the new Con Alma in downtown Pittsburgh on Tuesday nights. We talked with George back in March 2021 when the hopes for the GH3 return were just a dream - and now, there’s a regular place and a date!
There’s much more to share - check out the show, and especially check out Jazz Central!