Carolyn McClair Public Relations

BILAL Takes the Stage at Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival

8/20/2025

GRAMMY Nominated Singer/Songwriter/Producer BILAL
Brings His Genre Bending Brilliance
to 15th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
Co-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
September 18-21

Pittsburgh, PA, August 5, 2025 – Bilal is an artist in every sense – an independent singer, songwriter, and producer whose forward-thinking sound defies convention. His music seamlessly weaves together jazz, Afro-futurism, classic soul, alternative R&B, rock, and even classical influences, showcasing a style that’s always been ahead of its time. Bilal will perform at the 15th anniversary of the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PIJF) co-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield on Sunday, September 21. The concert is free on Liberty Avenue in front of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) in downtown Pittsburgh. VIP seating and experience is available for purchase.

KINGFISH Comes to Pittsburgh Internatiional Jazz Festival

8/20/2025

Grammy Award-Winning Guitarist/Singer
CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM
Brings the Blues to the Sunday Lineup
of the 15th Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
Co-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
September 18 – 21, 2025

PITTSBURGH, PA, July 29, 2025 – Guitarist and singer Christone “Kingfish” Ingram is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young blues talents of his generation. Ingram, who lit up the stage at the 2018 and 2022 Highmark Blues and Heritage Festivals, makes a return visit at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PIJF) co-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield on Sunday, September 21. The concert is free on Liberty Avenue in front of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) in downtown Pittsburgh. VIP seating and experience are available for purchase.

SUPERSTAR, NAT ADDERLEY JR.'S NEW SINGLE, AVAILABLE NOW

6/23/2025

NAT ADDERLEY JR. Releases “Superstar,”
the First Single from TOOK SO LONG,
His Forthcoming Debut Recording as a Leader

Stepping Out Front with a Jazz Trio Album,
Adderley Was Luther Vandross’
Long-time Musical Director and Arranger

NEW YORK, NY, June 18, 2025 – For four decades, pianist, keyboardist, composer, musical director and arranger Nat Adderley Jr. helped craft some of Luther Vandross’ greatest hits, including “Superstar,” the long form ballad first recorded on the1983 Busy Body studio album, and in 2003, Live at Radio City Music Hall. Today, 20 years after Vandross’ passing in 2005, Adderley, the son of jazz cornetist Nat Sr. and nephew of alto saxophonist Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, releases his version of “Superstar” as the first single from his upcoming album, “Took So Long,” astonishingly, his first recording as a leader and jazz pianist.

25th ANNIVERSARY OF JAZZ IN THE VALLEY AUGUST 16-17

6/23/2025

Jazz in the Valley Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary
at Poughkeepsie’s Waryas Park, Saturday and Sunday, August 16 – 17, Featuring Craig Harris’ ***Breathe*, Jazzmeia Horn, Bobby Sanabria, and Echoes of An Era with Javon Jackson, Lenny White,
Lisa Fischer, Orrin Evans, Dr. Eddie Henderson and John Patitucci**

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY, June 18, 2025 – Located just 90 minutes north of New York City in Poughkeepsie’s Waryas Park, Jazz in the Valley (JITV), upstate New York’s premiere festival, celebrates its 25th anniversary for two incredible days, Saturday, August 16, 3:00 - 4:30 pm, and Sunday, August 17, 12:00 to 6:00 pm.

ERIC BENET Added to Pittsburgh Jazz Fest

6/10/2025

Grammy Nominated Singer/Songwriter
ERIC BENÉT
Just Added to the Saturday Lineup
of the 15th Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
Co-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
September 18 – 21, 2025

Saturday and Sunday Concerts Are Free on Liberty Avenue
in Front of the August Wilson African Cultural Center

PITTSBURGH, PA - June 4, 2025 - Vocalist/songwriter Eric Benét, who has been one of the most soulful and enduring R&B artists since the ‘90s with his chart topping hits, vibrant videos and intriguing collaborations, is newly added to the 15th edition of the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PIJF) co-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, on Saturday, September 20. The concert is free on Liberty Avenue in front of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) in downtown Pittsburgh.

BOBBY WEST'S REQUIEM FOR MARY TURNER

6/4/2025

Pianist Bobby West and Visual Artist Lori Precious Unveil
REQUIEM FOR MARY TURNER,
Their Impassioned Masterpiece that Commemorates the Martyrdom
of an African-American Woman
and 135 Other Women
Who Were Victims of Lynching

LOS ANGELES, CA, June 4, 2025 – Pianist/composer Bobby West is a four-decade “overnight sensation” who burst on the jazz scene a few years ago, with two critically acclaimed releases, Leimert Park After Dark (2021) and its 2023 follow-up Big Trippin’. Today he returns with Requiem for Mary Turner, which includes his classical 13-minute oratorio performed by a 22-piece symphonic orchestra, along with 10 other selections that span jazz, classical, gospel and ballad genres.

GEORGE BENSON SALUTE and TASTE OF JAZZ PARTY

6/4/2025

Guitarist Dan Wilson (Photo by Brent Veverka)

The 15th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
Co-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Presents An All-star Tribute Honoring
Pittsburgh’s Own GEORGE BENSON
Led by Jazz Guitarist DAN WILSON
and Special Guest JONATHAN BUTLER
Friday, September 19, 8:00 pm
at The August Wilson African American Cultural Center

The Celebration Continues at 9:00 pm
with the TASTE OF JAZZ PARTY,
An Unforgettable Evening Where Foodies and Jazz Lovers Unite

PITTSBURGH, PA, May 16, 2025 – Foodies and jazz enthusiasts unite at the 15th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PIJF) co-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield on Friday, September 19, at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC), for a very special tribute honoring Pittsburgh’s own George Benson followed by the Taste of Jazz Party, one of the city’s most highly anticipated events of the year.

AWAACC: HELP FUEL THE FUTURE

5/3/2025

August Wilson African American Cultural Center Launches "Fuel the Future" Fundraising Drive
to Secure Its Next Chapter

PITTSBURGH, PA – The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC), a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District and one of the largest Black multi-disciplinary arts centers in the nation, today announced its "Fuel the Future" fundraising drive. Marking the 15th anniversary of its iconic building and August Wilson’s 80th Birthday, the Center aims to raise $1.5 million to ensure its continued impact and success for generations to come.

ANDY BEY: OCTOBER 28, 1939 - APRIL 26, W025

4/29/2025

Grammy-Nominated Vocalist/Pianist Andy Bey
Passes Away at 85

ENGLEWOOD, NJ, April 28, 2025 – Singer Andrew W. “Andy” Bey, who illuminated the jazz scene for five decades with his four-octave, vocal virtuosity, which encompassed his bellowing baritone and high flying falsetto, died on Saturday, April 26, at the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, NJ, surrounded by loving family and friends. He was 85 years old. His death was announced by his nephew, actor/singer Darius de Haas.

JAMES MOODY'S 100th BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE CD & CONCER

4/26/2025

Celebrating Jazz Legend JAMES MOODY’S 100th BIRTHDAY
with a New Recording,
JAMES MOODY 80 YEARS YOUNG:
LIVE AT THE BLUE NOTE, MARCH 26, 2005
featuring Jon Faddis, Todd Coolman,David Hazeltine, Adam Nussbaum, Randy Brecker, Paquito D’Rivera, Cedar Walton and Slide Hampton to be Released for the First Time on Origin Records on May 16, 2025

Birthday Tribute Concert
Set for May 27, 8:00 pm, at New York’s Sony Hall
Featuring Christian McBride, Renee Rosnes, Randy Brecker,
Terri Lyne Carrington, Paquito D’Rivera,
Elena Pinderhughes and Madeleine Peyroux

SAN DIEGO, CA, March 26, 2025 – Tenor saxophonist and flutist James Moody (March 26, 1925 - December 9, 2010), whose hit song, “Moody’s Mood for Love” made him a popular jazz giant for seven decades, is being honored for his 100th birthday with a new CD, James Moody 80 Years Young: Live at the Blue Note, March 26, 2005, recorded during his week-long 80th birthday celebration. The CD will be released internationally on May 16 on Origin Records.

<<Previous

BILAL Takes the Stage at Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival

GRAMMY Nominated Singer/Songwriter/Producer BILAL
Brings His Genre Bending Brilliance
to 15th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
Co-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
September 18-21

KINGFISH Comes to Pittsburgh Internatiional Jazz Festival

Grammy Award-Winning Guitarist/Singer
CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM
Brings the Blues to the Sunday Lineup
of the 15th Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
Co-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
September 18 – 21, 2025

SUPERSTAR, NAT ADDERLEY JR.'S NEW SINGLE, AVAILABLE NOW

NAT ADDERLEY JR. Releases “Superstar,”
the First Single from TOOK SO LONG,
His Forthcoming Debut Recording as a Leader

Stepping Out Front with a Jazz Trio Album,
Adderley Was Luther Vandross’
Long-time Musical Director and Arranger

25th ANNIVERSARY OF JAZZ IN THE VALLEY AUGUST 16-17

ERIC BENET Added to Pittsburgh Jazz Fest

BOBBY WEST'S REQUIEM FOR MARY TURNER

Pianist Bobby West and Visual Artist Lori Precious Unveil
REQUIEM FOR MARY TURNER,
Their Impassioned Masterpiece that Commemorates the Martyrdom
of an African-American Woman
and 135 Other Women
Who Were Victims of Lynching

GEORGE BENSON SALUTE and TASTE OF JAZZ PARTY

AWAACC: HELP FUEL THE FUTURE

August Wilson African American Cultural Center Launches "Fuel the Future" Fundraising Drive
to Secure Its Next Chapter

ANDY BEY: OCTOBER 28, 1939 - APRIL 26, W025

Grammy-Nominated Vocalist/Pianist Andy Bey
Passes Away at 85

JAMES MOODY'S 100th BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE CD & CONCER

Archives

Categories

GRAMMY Nominated Singer/Songwriter/Producer BILAL Brings His Genre Bending Brilliance to 15th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz FestivalCo-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield September 18-21

Grammy Award-Winning Guitarist/Singer CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAMBrings the Blues to the Sunday Lineup of the 15th Pittsburgh International Jazz FestivalCo-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield September 18 – 21, 2025

NAT ADDERLEY JR. Releases “Superstar,”the First Single from TOOK SO LONG,His Forthcoming Debut Recording as a Leader

​Stepping Out Front with a Jazz Trio Album,Adderley Was Luther Vandross’ Long-time Musical Director and Arranger

Pianist Bobby West and Visual Artist Lori Precious UnveilREQUIEM FOR MARY TURNER,Their Impassioned Masterpiece that Commemorates the Martyrdomof an African-American Womanand 135 Other Women ​Who Were Victims of Lynching

August Wilson African American Cultural Center Launches "Fuel the Future" Fundraising Drive to Secure Its Next Chapter

Grammy-Nominated Vocalist/Pianist Andy Bey ​Passes Away at 85

Archives

Categories

GRAMMY Nominated Singer/Songwriter/Producer BILAL
Brings His Genre Bending Brilliance
to 15th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
Co-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
September 18-21

Grammy Award-Winning Guitarist/Singer
CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM
Brings the Blues to the Sunday Lineup
of the 15th Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
Co-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
September 18 – 21, 2025

NAT ADDERLEY JR. Releases “Superstar,”
the First Single from TOOK SO LONG,
His Forthcoming Debut Recording as a Leader

Stepping Out Front with a Jazz Trio Album,
Adderley Was Luther Vandross’
Long-time Musical Director and Arranger

Pianist Bobby West and Visual Artist Lori Precious Unveil
REQUIEM FOR MARY TURNER,
Their Impassioned Masterpiece that Commemorates the Martyrdom
of an African-American Woman
and 135 Other Women
Who Were Victims of Lynching

August Wilson African American Cultural Center Launches "Fuel the Future" Fundraising Drive
to Secure Its Next Chapter

Grammy-Nominated Vocalist/Pianist Andy Bey
Passes Away at 85