Dr. Deanna Witkowski, Billie Background and remembering David Sanborn - on the Scene

The Jazz Scene in Pittsburgh continues to roll forward with 2 score and more live events each week - and in new and unexpected places. The Jazz Central Calendar works to keep track of it all!

We also catch up with Deanna Witkowski - pianist, composer, author and now, DR Deanna Witkowski after successfully defending her dissertation last month at the University of Pittsburgh.

We also remember saxophonist David Sanborn. He passed away May 12th at age 78.

The Scene WZUM Thursday night at six, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday afternoon at 5 on WZUM.

A Billie Holiday Story at the Greer Cabaret Theater - on the Scene

A part of Billie Holiday’s story will be shared at the Greer Cabaret Theater May 17 through June 30th in a new production of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill starring Gabrielle Lee. The musical play is set in 1959, months before her passing that summer. We share sounds from her Carnegie Hall concert of 1956, around the time of release of her autobiography “Lady Sings the Blues.”

The Scene WZUM Thursday night at six, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday afternoon at 5 on WZUM.

Happenings in Spring and Summer - on the Scene

For Fans of Jazz, there will scores and scores of events to enjoy in the sunshine - including jazz at the parts, and on the rivers with the Roger Humphries River Boat Ride June 30th.

The 2024 Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival returns to Liberty Avenue, downtown, in front of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center with 3 days of free and ticketed events September 20 through the 22nd.

The 20th year for Jazz Poetry month - throughout the month of May at Alphabet City / City of Asylum on the North Side.

The Scene WZUM Thursday night at six, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday afternoon at 5 on WZUM.

Lost Sounds Found - Jazz treasures discovered in the MCGJazz Spotlight

Marty Ashby and Renée Govanucci discover lost recordings by unknown artists such as Claudia Thompson and Arv Garrison, as well as unearthed treasures by some of our favorite musicians including the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Mundell Lowe and Stanley Turrentine.

MCG Jazz Spotlight Show - Friday and Sunday night at 6, and 1pm, Saturday on WZUM.