June is important for fans of jazz and the jazz traditions of Pittsburgh, and for what comes next. In addition to being the end of WZUM’s budget year, there are several notable events with June connections:
June 18, 2024 is the date of the unveiling of a new Pennsylvania Historical Marker at the home of the father of modern Jazz Piano, Earl “Fatha” Hines, 11am at 600 Priscilla Avenue, Duquesne, PA 15110.
State historic plaque presented by HAYLEY HALDEMAN of the PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, plus special guest Speakers
June 19-20, 2024 marks the 60th Anniversary of the first-ever Pittsburgh Jazz Festival, held at the Civic Arena and co-produced by Mary Lou Williams and George Wein – and sponsored by the Catholic Youth Organization of Pittsburgh
June 2019, the Jazz Restaurant Con Alma opened in Pittsburgh - 5 years ago!
Roger Humphries River Boat Ride for youth scholarships takes to the Three Rivers June 30th with the RH Factor and Hugo Cruz and Caminos.
Howie Alexander’s Artist In Residence with the August Wilson African American Cultural Center features a performance Tuesday June 18th, too!
Jeff Goldblum, reunited with Frank Cunimondo in Pittsburgh at Jeff’s show with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, June 1.
Frank Cunimondo and Jeff Goldblum at the piano at the Duquesne Club - June 1, 2024 by Scott Hanley
These events are of historic note and cultural pride for our community and reflect the longstanding and continued importance of jazz in Pittsburgh and of Pittsburgh in the world of jazz – and the fact that Con Alma is now celebrating its 5th anniversary is an important indicator that the legacy continues.
Jazz Matters. WZUM shares those sounds and wants to share those sounds and stories every day.
The New Single
Earl Hines - the long-awaited historic marker recognizing the Duquesne home of the “Father” of modern Jazz Piano will be unveiled June 18th. WZUM has produced special programing celebrating HInes’ career and Pittsburgh roots which can be found at this link.
Similarly - the Pittsburgh Jazz Festival first happened in 1964. Mary Lou Williams’ role in the music and story has a fascinating background that WZUM has been delving into on the air and on our website.
Fred Wesley
We’ll have more, soon, on the latest with Con Alma - but the story of a new jazz club in a legendary jazz city has been one of hope, evolution, a pandemic and now, live music most every day. We’ve done features at the launch, the 3rd anniversary, the building of the new Con Alma Downtown location and more.
The Scene - Thursday at 6pm, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday afternoon at 5.