Mardi Gras is just around the corner - and that celebration has a unique musical feel to it in the Caribbean and North America - which brings us to the confluence of sounds in jazz, and in Pittsburgh.

This weekend, we get a just - released sneak listen from trombonist and bandleader Delfeayo Marsalis from his new big group release, “Uptown on Mardi Gras Day.” It was so infectious, we had to rush it to you before next Tuesday.

On our way to Fat Tuesday, this weekend in Pittsburgh is filled with tasty musical treats and savories - with the jazz super group Artemis - led by pianist Rene Rosnes (from Canada) at MCG Jazz for two shows Friday night, South African pianist Ndudzu Makhithini in his Pittsburgh debut for Kente Arts on Saturday night at the New Hazlett. Also - Friday night - saxophonist Jim Snidero holds court from New York for a 6pm show at Con Alma on the launch of is newest record.

And next week, AFTER Fat Tuesday - the party continues with the Jazz At Lincoln Center presentation of “Songs We Love” at the Byham Theater in the Cultural District.

The Jazz Central Calendar is bursting with activity in this warmer-than-usual month of February - and in the shortest month - still 200 plus jazz happenings, here.

We’ll feature much of it - highlighting with our interview with South African pianist, bandleader and healer Nduduzo Makhathini. He is a fairly young artist - born in 1982, and is sharing his new release, The Spirit of Ntu - the FIRST release on the brand new Blue Note Africa label. Record label executive Don Was of Blue Note has been inspired by the jazz sounds from the diaspora - and we talk with Ndudzu about how the music has been evolving in fascinating ways across Africa and around the world, on parallel and diverging and reconverting paths. And from our story, a large tour bus in Southern California is also involved…

We also talk about the importance of getting lost, together. A major feature of jazz.

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