It’s time to slip into your jazziest outfits, summon your groove, and get ready to sway to the melodious rhythm of the sax, the beat of the drums, and the soulful voice of legends. The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PIJF) is back for its 13th year, and you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
This isn’t just any jazz festival; it’s an ode to the city’s rich jazz legacy. Remember the stalwarts like Ray Brown, Mary Lou Williams, and Erroll Garner who redefined the jazz landscape? They were Pittsburgh’s very own! And now, the festival is a melting pot where the past, present, and future of jazz converge.
From September 14th to 17th, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) and Highmark Stadium will be alive with the electric energy of world-renowned jazz artists and emerging talent. Plus, fun fact: every year, PIJF employs over 140 local musicians. Yep, there’s truly no place like Pittsburgh!
What’s The Buzz About This Year?
The 2023 PIJF is a celebration of ‘Now’. It’s a nod to the ever-evolving world of jazz that respects its roots while simultaneously looking to the future. Whether you’re a fan of the classic greats or have a penchant for contemporary fusion, there’s something for everyone.
Heart yearning for those timeless classics? Let Gregory Porter, Ledisi, and Nicholas Payton serenade your soul. And when legends like Houston Person collaborate with fresh voices like Emmet Cohen, you know you’re in for a treat.
Feeling adventurous? Dive into the future with Somi, Madison McFerrin, and the very own Pittsburgh prodigies, Chelsea Baratz and Howie Alexander. And for those who love a splash of Hip Hop in their jazz cocktail, Selecta’s mix of Hip Hop and Jazz classics at the Taste of Jazz Party is unmissable.
Oh, and a shoutout to all Minneapolis groove lovers out there: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis are set to set the stage on fire at Highmark!
Grab Your Tickets!
Excited yet? Head over to www.pittsburghjazzfest.org to grab your tickets. There’s a flavor for everyone with options ranging from the Taste of Jazz Party tickets, One-Day and Two-Day Passes, to the unique Jazz Train tickets. And here’s the cherry on top: The PIJF ensures the youth get their fair share of jazz with special discounted tickets for students and young families.
To sum it up, the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of a rich legacy, a promising future, and a community that thrives on music. So, jazz enthusiasts and novices alike, mark your calendars. Let’s make this weekend all about the rhythm, the passion, and the jazz!
