In what has been a fairly long, hard winter with the combination of lingering cold and snow coupled with the challenges of a global pandemic, some signs of optimism with jazz as a major component are brewing in Pittsburgh as the scene looks toward spring.

In a press release from Friday (2/26), the Shadyside food, drinks and jazz venue Con Alma announced that they are expanding (not moving) into the Cultural District, downtown. Con Alma Downtown will occupy 613 Penn Ave, the former Peter Allen restaurant space.

From the release:

Con Alma Restaurant and Jazz Bar is excited to announce the that they will soon be expanding their Shadyside Restaurant, Bar and Music Venue footprint with the opening of their second location, Con Alma Downtown.

 Shortly following the opening of the Ellsworth Avenue flagship, it became apparent to partners Executive Chef Josh Ross, General manager, Aimee Marshall, and Music Curator John Shannon that it would be important to expand their presence to the heart of the cultural district in Downtown Pittsburgh. The space will include a 12-seat bar, lounge with couches and loveseats, (and of course a large Jazz vinyl collection and record player) and a dining room that will seat approximately 60 people.  The stage is considerably bigger than the Shadyside location at roughly 15ft x 6ft.  Heading the design of the space is Camden Leeds of 1412 Design who helped to curate the design at the Shadyside location as well.

Con Alma which means “with soul” will create a scene that offers an escape and musical jazz journey and a vibrant environment in which to our guests can dine, drink, & listen”.  This is what drives the energy at the Ellsworth location, and that’s the kind of excitement and vibe that the restaurant and bar will bring to the Cultural District.   Live performances by local jazz luminaries will merge with the theater, dance, visual and literary arts already in place in downtown Pittsburgh, to play an important part in the creative landscape of the Cultural District. 

.. “Eat- Drink- Jazz”, the Con Alma credo, gives equal and important attention to food, beverages, and live jazz…Con Alma has a culture of its own, beloved by the guests who have become their family, enthusiasts and advocates.  The team at Con Alma look forward to building upon that culture as they engage and connect with the arts and dining communities. 

For more information about the Grand Opening and Music Line Up, follow Con Alma on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or go to conalmapgh.com

This expansion will add a new venue to downtown for jazz, food, and drink at the same time other jazz-friendly presenters have restarted and expanded their offerings in the past month, and performers have continued to work, innovate and perform. You can keep track at Jazz Central on the schedules for Con Alma, MCGJazz, Kingfly Spirits, the Tryp Hotel, the Helltown Taproom, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and more.

Jazz Endures in Pittsburgh!

Aimee Marshall, Josh Ross, John Shannon