The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) will host the 15th Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival from September 18-21, featuring an impressive roster of jazz luminaries and emerging talent. Headliners include Grammy Award-winning artists Dee Dee Bridgewater and Branford Marsalis, promising a dynamic celebration of jazz in all its contemporary forms.
The festival will offer a diverse musical experience, spanning traditional jazz, neo-soul, Caribbean, and urban folk music. Audiences can expect performances from acclaimed vocalists like Jazzmeia Horn, Keith David, and emerging artists Michael Mayo and Ekep Nkwelle Howard. The lineup also includes innovative musicians such as pianist Kandace Springs, saxophonist Nathan-Paul Davis, and Trinidadian trumpeter Etienne Charles.
A special highlight will be an all-star tribute to Pittsburgh's jazz legend George Benson, with musical direction by Dan Wilson. The festival will showcase local talent alongside international performers, emphasizing Pittsburgh's significant role in jazz history.
The event goes beyond music, offering free performances on Liberty Avenue, food trucks, a beer garden, and a Game Zone. Supported by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Mellon Foundation, the festival represents a significant cultural investment in preserving and promoting jazz as an art form.
Festival President Janis Burley emphasized the event's commitment to introducing new artists, honoring jazz legends, and creating memorable musical experiences. The diverse lineup reflects the festival's mission to celebrate jazz's historical roots while highlighting its contemporary evolution.
