The October Surprise - on the Scene on WZUM

This past summer of jazz, Pittsburgh saw a major resurgence of activity on the live music scene. During July, August and September, there were more than 250 jazz performances to enjoy EACH MONTH.

And in October - the musical treats in store will continue to entertain and surprise.

Kente Arts presents gifted vocalist, saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Camille Thurman - coming at the New Hazlett Theater on the Northside October 1. Camille Thurman is the first woman in 30 years to tour and perform full-time with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (2018-2020).

The same Weekend, the West Virginia Wine and Jazz Festival returns to Camp Muffly Park outside of Morgantown on Saturday and Sunday - with the likes of the Bleil Brothers, organist David Braham, Reggie Watkins, the Marshal University Jazz Ensemble, the WVU Jazz Ensemble and much more.

But the pace does not slow down as the Autumn Leaves start to fall - BPEP Jazz returns to the ballroom at the Heinz History Center in the Strip with Roger Humphries and the RH Factor and the Tim Stevens Project at the helm with some 70 jazz stars on call for a evening of jazz in support of political empowerment.

Plus - MCG Jazz has shows with guitarist Pierre Bensusan (October 8) and pianist Eddie Palmieri and his Latin Jazz Band (October 15).

Also - Brazilian guitarist Diego Figueiredo stops by Highland Park for a show at Casa Brasil (October 7)

Even more sounds of Brazil kick off the new fall and winter season for BNY Mellon JazzLive - with Kenia - October 4th 5-7pm.

This season of JazzLive will take place at the esteemed Liberty Magic speakeasy theater. The venue is nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, every Tuesday, October 4 – December 27, 2022 at 811 Liberty Avenue.

There’s also new records by artists with Pittsburgh Connections - like guitarist Shawn Purcell, drummer Reid Hoyson (with Rufus Reid and Hendrik Meurkens), and even more to come.

Plus - with the first Saturday of the month - Saturday features Dr. J and Pamela Johnson for Jazz at the Loading Dock the Afro American Music Institute in Homewood.

We’ll share as much as we can in this hour - and more October surprises to come!

The Scene - an hourlong radio show - Thursday night at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday at 5 on WZUM

Roger Humphries

Pierre Bensusan

Camille Thurman

Pamela Johnson and Dr. J at the AAMI