Jazz Harpists: The music of Dorothy Ashby - Alphabet City, North Side

Yoko Suzuki has created a brand new series of jazz concerts at City of Asylum that combine her saxophone skills with her expertise in ethnomusicology. This year Yoko explores the history of female jazz harpists / composers and the rarely heard contributions they made to the jazz scene. The first concert in a series of three spotlights the music of Dorothy Ashby. 

Featured musicians: 

Nuiko Wadden – harp; Jeff Grubbs – bass; James Johnson III – drums; Yoko Suzuki – saxophone

Dorothy Ashby

In the world of jazz, harpist Dorothy Ashby had a unique and singular presence. She was a bebop master on her instrument, and used her talents to convince naysayers who insisted the harp belonged in the classical realm. 

The program includes a conversation with Ashby scholar and harpist Dr. Jennifer Betzer followed by a concert featuring Pittsburgh based harpist Nuiko Wadden. 

With the health, well-being, and comfort of all as our top priorities, City of Asylum requires that staff, artists, and all those attending an event be fully vaccinated. Please click here to learn more about the Covid 19 policies.

Yoko Suzuki