Jazz Week at Pitt Jazz begins at noon on Monday, Oct. 29, with a free performance by the student-based Pitt Jazz Ensemble at the William Pitt Union Lower Lounge, 3959 Fifth Ave., Oakland (Open to the public). 

The Pitt Jazz Ensemble will kick-off the 48th Annual Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert with a free lunch time performance in the Lower Lounge of the William Pitt Union. The program will feature vocalist Rosa Zhang and the ensemble will perform music by Sammy Nestico, Gordon Goodwin, John Clayton, Freddie Hubbard, Thad Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, and an original composition by Director Ralph Guzzi.

Free Day and evening seminars (open to the public) by the visiting guest artists and jazz scholars will take place throughout the week at the Frick Fine Arts Building,  650 Schenley Drive. There will also be a talk and performance at the Hill House Association’s Senior Center, 2038 Bedford Ave., Hill District. The jazz week schedule will be posted here: music.pitt.edu/jazz-sem  

The week culminates with the 48th Pitt Jazz Concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3, at Carnegie Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland.  

Guest artists this year include: JD Allen, saxophone; Andy Bey, vocals; Joey DeFrancesco, organ; Orrin Evans, piano; Billy Hart, drums; Ingrid Jensen, trumpet; Sean Jones, trumpet; Tineke Postma, saxophone; Reginald Veal, bass; and Mark Whitfield, guitar.

Musical direction is by award-winning drummer, composer and producer Terri Lyne Carrington, who is assisting with this year’s event.

Concert ticket prices:: orchestra or floor seats are $30 in advance, $35 at the door; general admission is $25 in advance, $30 at the door; and tickets for students with a valid ID are $10 in advance and at the door.

Tickets can be purchased at the University of Pittsburgh Stages Box Office, 1617 Cathedral of Learning, noon to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday; by calling 412-624-7529 (PLAY); or by visiting music.pitt.edu/tickets. Student tickets can be purchased at the William Pitt Union Box Office.