The welcome mat for jazz continues to be out for visitors, local artists, and especially, the public.

We visit with guitarist Stephane Wrembel - inspired by Django Reinhardt - and he gave us a sneak preview of a new release coming out in May (no one else has played it yet!). The new record has horns, even a tuba, giving a very different energy and sound to the project. He talks about that, and also about his trio (without a tuba) coming to Club Cafe on the Southside, March 24. (we will share more of the new record in a month or so, once the rest of the world gets a chance).

We will soon visit with drummer, bandleader and NEA Jazz Master Terri Lyne Carrington at the Playhouse at Point Park, March 18th. Her latest release “New Standards" Vol 1 has won a grammy - with an All-star lineup - with special guest like Dianne Reeves, Ravi Coltrane, Julian Lage, Samara Joy and more.

We also hope to chat with vibraphonist Steve Nelson comes home to visit the New Hazlett Theater, March 25.

We play Brazilian music from noted Chilean guitarist and vocalist Camila Meza comes to Alphabet City / City of Asylum Sunday March 19; The new national release from saxophonist and Slippery Rock professor Jason Kush, Finally Friday; We’ll also harken back to the wonderful album EXTENSIONS featuring Richie Cole as we look ahead to the Manhattan Transfer with the Diva Jazz Orchestra at the Palace Theatre, Greensburg, March 26th.

Please check the Jazz Central Calendar - more than 200 ive jazz highlights over the 31 days of this month - including Frank Cunimondo with a quartet at Con Alma, Friday the 10th, the Tuesday night festivities for BNY Mellon Jazz Live with shows coming up from Chris Coles, Lynn Speakman, Mark Jackovic and and much, much more —- you’ll find March has a lot to choose from.

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