The festival returns to Pittsburgh for the 12th year, with more than one hundred musicians, from award-winning legends to new and unique voices in jazz, funk, and fusion. The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PIJF) line-up includes the most recorded bassist in history, multi-Grammy winner Ron Carter; jazz fusion pioneer Stanley Clarke; powerhouse vocalist, Ledisi; soul funk icons and PIJF favorites, Average White Band; award-winning vocalist and current phenom, Samara Joy; vocal storyteller and stylist, Vanisha Gould; award-winning pianist, Orrin Evans; innovator and cultural interpreter, trumpeter, Chief Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott); UK based acid jazz favorites, Incognito featuring Maysa Leak, and so many other remarkable musicians and friends of PIJF.
The festival kicks off at the August Wilson African American Culture Center with a special, intimate performance by Ron Carter Foursight followed by the festival’s signature opening night party, A Taste of Jazz with live music, delicious culinary surprises, and signature cocktails. Mr. Carter celebrates his 85th birthday this year! The rest of the festival weekend takes place at the beautiful Highmark Stadium on the river, overlooking the downtown skyline.
Also on the lineup: Buster Williams & Something More, Nate Smith + KINFOLK, Melissa Aldana, Dan Wilson, Aymee Noviolo and Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Laurin Talese, and many more.