38th Annual Pitt Jazz Week to Feature Lectures, Film, Nov. 1 Concert

International jazz greats will be on the University of Pittsburgh campus Oct. 28-Nov. 1 for the 38th annual Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert—the longest-running event of its kind in the United States.

A stellar group of jazz musicians will hold free on-campus lectures and demonstrations, conduct miniclinics at area schools, visit a community venue, and convene for the annual concert at 8 p.m. Nov. 1 in Carnegie Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland.

Guest performers include Cecil Bridgewater, trumpet; Leon Ndugu Chancler, drums; Larry Coryell, guitar; Antonio Hart, alto saxophone; Bennie Maupin, tenor saxophone; Mike Mossman, trumpet; and Patrice Rushen, piano. They will perform in concert under the direction of bass player Leon Lee Dorsey, Pitt assistant professor of jazz studies and coordinator of Pitt’s Jazz Studies Program. Pitt professor Nathan Davis, founder of the event, is director of the Jazz Studies Program.

Concert Details

The Nov. 1 concert is a unique performance, given the diverse playing styles and impromptu nature of the show. Tickets are $18; students with a valid college ID pay $8. Tickets are available at any TicketMaster location, by phone at 412-323-1919, online at ticketmaster.com, and at Pitt’s William Pitt Union (WPU) box office. Student tickets are available only at the WPU box office.

The Honorable William R. Robinson, a member of Allegheny County Council and former Pennsylvania state representative, will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies. At intermission, two of the guest musicians will be presented with awards and two other musicians not in attendance (one living and one deceased) will be inducted into the University of Pittsburgh International Academy of Jazz Hall of Fame.

Brown Bag Lunch Concerts

As a preview to Jazz Week and to set the mood on campus, members of the Pitt Jazz Ensemble, a student organization, have been performing throughout the month in Nordy’s Place, on the lower level of the WPU. The public is invited to bring lunch and listen to jazz at noon on Oct. 23 and Oct. 30.

Evening Jazz Film/Lecture (Free and open to the public)

7 p.m. Oct. 28
WPU Assembly Room
Film Screening: Straight, No Chaser

A documentary film about the life of pianist and late jazz great Thelonious Monk. Produced by Clint Eastwood and directed by Charlotte Zwerin, the film features live performances by Monk and his band, as well as interviews with friends and family about the offbeat genius, considered one of the founders of bebop.

7 p.m. Oct. 30
Heinz Memorial Chapel, Fifth and Bellefield avenues, Oakland
“The History of the Recording Industry”

A lecture by George Avakian, former record producer and executive known for his production of albums at Columbia Records by Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Louis Armstrong, and Erroll Garner, among others.

Morning and Afternoon Lecture/Demonstrations
(Free and open to the public)

10-11:15 a.m. Oct. 31
WPU Lower Lounge
“The Music of Trumpet Greats Roy Eldridge, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis”
Cecil Bridgewater (trumpet)
Mike Mossman (trumpet)

1-2:30 p.m. Oct. 30
WPU Lower Lounge
“A Tribute to Pittsburgh Drummers Kenny Clarke and Art Blakey”
Leon Ndugu Chancler (drums)

3-4 p.m. Oct. 30
WPU Lower Lounge
“The Music of Saxophone Greats Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane”
Antonio Hart (alto saxophone)
Bennie Maupin (tenor saxophone)

10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 1
WPU Assembly Room
“The Role of Guitar in Jazz Fusion”
Larry Coryell (guitar)

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Nov. 1
“A Tribute to Piano Legends Art Tatum, Bud Powell, and Bill Evans”
Patrice Rushen (piano)

Community-Outreach Appearances

1 p.m. Oct. 31
Falk Laboratory School
Aliquippa and Brackenridge streets, Oakland
Cecil Bridgewater (trumpet)

1 p.m. Oct. 31
Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts
111 Ninth St., Downtown
Mike Mossman (trumpet)

11 a.m. Nov. 1
Ronald McDonald House
500-512 Shady Ave., Shadyside
Antonio Hart (alto saxophone)

More information about Jazz Week events is availably by calling the Pitt Jazz Studies Program, 412-624-4187.