Get in tune with Jazz Live!
Written by Madeline Milchman
Images Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Last week kicked off the first Jazz Live event with Adam Brock Quintet featuring Mike Tomaro. Adam, a semi-finalist on American Idol Season 11, was born and raised in Pittsburgh. Now, he teaches Jazz studies at Duquesne University, plays three instruments, and even wrote a book called “Instrumental Jazz Arranging - A Comprehensive and Practical Guide.”
Jazz Live is a series of concerts sponsored by BNY and put on by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust in partnership with MCG Jazz. They are entirely free and take place every other Tuesday from 5-7pm. Below are the upcoming performances.
Image Courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Kenny Blake & The New Hip: July 22nd
Kenny Blake is a saxophonist and composer, known for his “jazz hybrid” sound that combines traditional and modern jazz. In 1991, he reached number 15 on Billboard's Top Contemporary Jazz Albums Chart for his album “Interior Design.” Again in 1992, he made his way up the charts, reaching number 20 with his “Rumor Has it” album.
Image Courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Hugo Cruz and Caminos: August 5th
The Caminos are led by drummer and composer Hugo Cruz. Born in Cuba, he honors traditional Cuban form and fuses it with Afro-Cuban, American Jazz, and funk styles. The group released their first original album in 2022, titled “Punto de Partida”, which translates to “Starting Point.”
Image Courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
John Shannon’s Adventure Time: August 19th
This Pittsburgh native began learning music at just 6 years old. He is a guitarist and composer who studied at Berklee College of Music, where he joined a group called Walking Vision Tree and began touring at 19 years old. He also spent time playing in New York, Australia, and on tour with rock band theSHIFT before returning to his hometown. Here, he opened the city’s favorite Jazz bar, Con Alma.
