This week on the Scene - we check in on Jazz / Poetry at City of Asylum / Alphabet City - now in year 19 - set for the month of May on the Northside.
It started with an impromptu event with City of Asylum’s first writer-in-residence, Huang Xiang, in 2004. Huang Xiang did not speak English. To help Pittsburghers connect with his poetry despite the language barrier, City of Asylum set up a collaboration between Huang Xiang and legendary jazz improviser Oliver Lake.
We visit with COA’s Director of Programs Kelsey Ford to look at what’s in store. We’ll also hear music from two of the 50 performers who will be at the nine live and online events - saxophonist James Brandon Lewis and vocalist Elina Duni.
The finish of Jazz Appreciation month in Pittsburgh is a strong one - with a gala fundraiser for the Afro American Music Institute Saturday night, two shows Thursday by the US Air Force Airmen of Note. Sunday brings saxophonist and composer Stephen Philip Harvey back home for the weekend to City of Asylum for a Sunday show in support of his Octet release (he’s from around Pittsburgh, graduated Seton Hill and then grad school at Youngstown State). Also and a Saturday show with drummer Mike Melito to Con Alma, Ellsworth - Melito just happens to have a new CD out, too - with saxophonist Grant Stewart and pianist Jeb Patton (whom we’ve heard of late with Samara Joy).
New music in from friend of WZUM John Pizzarelli (who will be playing in the Strip in June) - plus vibraphonist Joe Locke with a tribute to trumpeter Roy Hargrove.
And, Pittsburgh native Jae Sinnett’s new one with his quartet plus one - featuring pianist Alan Farham, Steve Wilson on sax and Randy Brecker, trumpet.
The Scene - Thursday at 6pm, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday at 5 on WZUM
