Diana Dhzabbar and José James at 2023 PIJF by Michael Canton Soulshowmike.org
The days after the four days of the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival still have us catching our breath - and this time on the scene, we’ll just recount some of the highlights - more to come in the days ahead.
Bob James with Scott Hanley 2023 PIJF by Michael Canton Soulshowmike.org
The four days of the festival included two outdoor extravaganzas at Highmark Stadium at Station Square - also home to the USL Pittsburgh Riverhounds. While it wasn’t a sporting match there were some musical competitions of a sort - with three of the most notable Jazz Vocalists of today on Sunday in Kurt Elling, Jose James and Gregory Porter. We talked with Kurt Elling and José James, plus a visit with Janis Burley of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (and sponsor of the Jazz Fest) about the rain delay that caused Chelsea Baratz’s set to start 15 minutes late - there’ve only been two instances of rain in the 13 year run of this festival!
Kurt Elling by David Roth - 2023 PIJF
WZUM was on hand and broadcast from the festival on both days - and we also caught up with many more of the artists - including Bob James with his new band that feature Ukranian saxophonist Andre Chmut, vocalist Christie Dashiell, pianist Orrin Evans and saxophonist Caleb Wheeler Curtis who came in - and performed - on the Amtrack “Jazz Train” that went from New York City to Newark to Philadelphia and straight into Pittsburgh.
All in all, an amazing weekend - and we’ll have more highlights to share on the Scene - Thursday at 6 - Friday and Saturday at noon - Sunday at 5 on WZUM
Gregory Porter by David Roth - 2023 PIJF
Chelsea Baratz by David Roth 2023 PIJF
Christie Dashiell 2023 PIJF by Soulshowmike.org Michael Canton
