February is Black History Month - and it is encouraging that so much attention is being paid by all of media to the importance of music as a part of that history.
Mind you, on WZUM, that’s something we have in mind every day with the station, the website and more. The rich history of black American culture in Pittsburgh permeates this American music and the ways in which it has grown, developed and is sustained.
This week, we look at that history looking forward, to the “now” and to a century ago. Reflections of all of that scope are a part of what WZUM is all about. That includes connections on this weeks program between Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and Earl “Fatha” Hines.
We look to the Jazz Central Calendar - with legends in our midst. Every day.
Live events of note included one just past - Reggie Watkins paying tribute to Mr. Trombone - Harold Betters on February 14 - a kickoff to new monthly events a the Pitt Hill Engagment Center, 1908 Wylie Ave. The next event comes March 6 with the Calvin Stemley Dream Band, sharing the music of Pittsburgh (and the Hill’s) Turrentine Brothers - Saxophonist Stanley Turrentine and his brother, trumpeter Tommy Turrentine.
Also - saxophonist Tony Campbell kicks off a new Jazz Brunch series at the City Winery, Pittsburgh - Sunday February 18 starting at noon. The show will feature two quartets featuring Tony Campbell sax, Pittsburgh legend Roger Humphries - drums, Dwayne Dolphin - Bass and Max Leake - piano and a second set with Howie Alexander - piano, Paul Thompson - bass and James Johnson III - Drums
And speaking of Billie Holiday - there’s two movies available now on HULU that might be of interest - BILLIE - a 2019 Documentary; and the 2021 film The United States VS Billie Holiday.
The Scene - Thursday at 6 - Friday and Saturday at noon - Sunday at 5 on WZUM
Harold Betters