Roger Humphries and RH Factor’s Tribute to Art Blakey with special guest, Brazilian jazz vocalist, Kenia.

Roger Humphries

Art Blakey, born in Pittsburgh in 1919, was profoundly influential on mainstream jazz. Legend has it that Blakey started his music career as a teenager on piano and was switched to drums – at gunpoint by a club owner – to clear the piano for a young Erroll Garner. Regardless of how he found his way to the drum set, Blakey went on to become a prominent name in jazz with his band, the Jazz Messengers.

Kenia

Roger Humphries is a household name in Pittsburgh.  He is rated by music critics as one of the most exciting percussionists in the business today.  He credits Blakey with “teaching (him) how to swing.” 

Brazilian Jazz Vocalist Kenia is acclaimed the world over, but also calls the Pittsburgh area her home. When Roger and Kenia join the stage, musical magic ensues.

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