Black History Month is a time to consider stories, connections and influences. As we look at jazz in Pittsburgh and beyond, we seem to be living in times of history-making for the future. The jazz scene in Pittsburgh in February and into the spring looks like an apt reflection of the significance of the now for the what is to come.

The jazz connections this month show that something of a new jazz history is in the making. Great performers and teachers and playing alongside their mentees on our airwaves and in our clubs and concert venues in Pittsburgh and around the nation and world.

Witness Con Alma - both locations - hosting artists from around the Pittsburgh region and beyond - coming on February 17th with alto saxophonist Jim Snidero - who also teaches at the New School. He has a new record out with pianist Orrin Evans and guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel that we talk with him about - as well as talking about the new generation of players - including his onetime student, Lakecia Benjamin - who has a great new release out, too.

Collaboration is at the heart of the next generation of players, as it was in the past. Vocalist Vanisha Gould plays the August Wilson African American Cultural Center on Friday, February 10th - and has notable collaborations out with bassist Alex Tremblay and another with Israeli baritone saxophonist Eden Baraket. We’ll something from each of those

Grammy winners this week include drummer Terri Lyne Carrington and Samara Joy - who just collaborated on their Terri Lyne’s grammy-winning release, New Standards, Volume 1.

Terri Lyne comes to the Pittsburgh Playhouse March 18th.

We’ll hear that track - and revisit our chat with Samara from last September BTW - Samara studied with vocalist Alexis Cole at SUNY-Purchase when just just started learning about jazz at the start of college - Alexis Cole comes to MCG Jazz with pianist Monika Herzig on April 22nd. Samara Joy plays MCG Jazz the week before, April 15.

The Spirit of Ntu is the latest project from South African pianist, bandleader and healer Nduduzo Makhathini - coming from Cape Town to Pittsburgh next weekend for the Kente Arts Alliance at the New Hazlett Theater on the Northside.

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