A Huge Week for Jazz in Pittsburgh

Pianis Emmet Cohen has played the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival in the past, but the last time Emmet was in the Pittsburgh region, we think, was the Monroeville Jazz Festival in 2018. Much has changes since then.

The Covid Pandemic stalled a lot of live music in 2020 - but in Harlem, pianist Emmet Cohen found a way to keep and build upon a community of musicians - and a viral internet sensation.

We talk about that time of change, challenge and growth, including and invaluable part of that community, the late Michael Funmi Ononaiya, a supporter of the online musical events at “Emmet’s Place” which you can find on YouTube. Ononaiya was known as the “Vibe Provider” - and Emmet’s newest release is titled “Vibe Provider” in his honor.

We’ll talk and play music from Emmet - and also visit with Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival Artist in Residence - Howie Alexander.

Sounds also from other festival headliners, including Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band, bassist Endea Owens, guitarist Dan Wilson, and vocalists Vanisha Gould and Marsha Ambrosius.

The Scene - Thursdays at 6pm, Friday at Saturdays at noon, Sundays at 5pm on WZUM.