Andrés Franco
Two years ago at the start of September, WZUM’s Jazz events calendar, Jazz Central had about 240 gigs going on in the month - touring national performers filling the main stages while scores of venues featured local and regional artists. A resurgence of the art and collaboration of jazz, all around us.
Then, almost nothing for a while with the pandemic.
Now, with COVID-19 vaccines and careful mitigation and reopening - the scene is back up to an average of 200+ events a month for July, August and September - including the return of in person performances at Alphabet City - and the return of Jazz-Poetry Month.
We spoke with the new Executive Director of Alphabet City / City of Asylum, Andrés Franco, about the return and what’s in store. Jazz Poetry Month 2021 is an annual celebration of artists working together to experiment, collaborate, and express themselves - now with both in-person and online presentations from seven countries. Still from Pittsburgh, this Pittsburgh event is now global.
The return to in-person concerts also has new safety guidelines, but a return it is. We’ll also hear music from Waclav Zimpel, one of the performers who played last year for Jazz Poetry Month.
The live in-person Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival is on deck, too, with new venues and protocols - and an impressive lineup.
Also - The return of the Monroeville Jazz Festival on September 4th; MCG Jazz brings the Yellowjackets back to town for season 35, the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival is coming September 17-19, BPEP Jazz on September 20 , and a three day celebration of the Pittsburgh Cultural District gears up on September 9th. Unfortunately, vocalist Madeleine Peyroux shares a double bill at Heinz Hall, on September 21 has been CANCELLED Due to Unforeseen Circumstances
There’s even more - find it at WZUM’s always updating calendar of jazz - Jazz Central
Thursday night at six, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday afternoon at 5 on WZUM