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

PITTSBURGH-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 lecture/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. Nathan Davis, founder of the event, is director of the Jazz Studies Program.

Concert Details

The Nov. 1 concert is a one-of-a-kind 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 the Pitt William Pitt Union (WPU) box office, 3959 Fifth Ave., Oakland. 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/Lectures

(Free and Open to the Public)

Tuesday, Oct. 28

7 p.m.

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 and interviews with friends and family about the offbeat genius, considered one of the founders of bebop.

Thursday, Oct. 30

7 p.m.

Heinz Memorial Chapel, Fifth and Bellefield avenues, Oakland "The History of the Recording Industry"

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)

Friday, Oct. 31

10-11:15 a.m.

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.

WPU Lower Lounge

"A Tribute to Pittsburgh Drummers Kenny Clarke and Art Blakey"

Leon Ndugu Chancler (drums)

3-4 p.m.

WPU Lower Lounge

"The Music of Saxophone Greats Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane"

Antonio Hart (alto saxophone)

Bennie Maupin (tenor saxophone)

Saturday, Nov. 1

10-11:30 a.m.

WPU Assembly Room

"The Role of Guitar in Jazz Fusion"

Larry Coryell (guitar)

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

"A Tribute to Piano Legends Art Tatum, Bud Powell, and Bill Evans"

Patrice Rushen (piano)

Community-Outreach Appearances

Friday, Oct. 31

1 p.m.

Falk Laboratory School

Aliquippa and Brackenridge streets, Oakland

Cecil Bridgewater (trumpet)

1 p.m.

Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts

111 Ninth St., Downtown

Mike Mossman (trumpet)

Saturday, Nov. 1

11 a.m.

Ronald McDonald House

500-512 Shady Ave., Shadyside

Antonio Hart (alto saxophone)

For more information on Jazz Week events, call the Pitt Jazz Studies Program at 412-624-4187.

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