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Enjoy a three-day celebration of the best in jazz music with world renowned and Pittsburgh musicians!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival returns September 16-18, 2022.
The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival is a three-day celebration with live music at various downtown locations. With Pittsburgh's rich jazz history, it's a huge party you won't want to miss! To ensure the health and safety of its audience, artists, and staff, the PIJF is a fully ticketed event.
Presented by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC), this Only in Pittsburgh festival showcases Pittsburgh's jazz legacy and brings the music to life. With performances from national and international artists, along with more than 100 local musicians, the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival welcomes everyone to celebrate jazz in the city.
This year's headline acts include the multi-Grammy winner Ron Carter, award-winning vocalist Samara Joy, jazz fusion pioneer Stanley Clarke, powerhouse vocalist Ledisi, funk icons Average White Band and many more remarkable jazz, funk and fusion artists.
Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
To ensure the wellbeing of all audience members, artists, and staff, all attendees will be required to show proof of receiving a full FDA or WHO-authorized COVID-19 vaccination at least two weeks prior to attending performances at Highmark Stadium and the AWAACC. Masks are mandatory for all festivalgoers, regardless of vaccination status, and are required for all indoor events, regardless of vaccination status.
Jazz History in Pittsburgh
Believe it or not, Pittsburgh was a jazz hub in the 20th century. The city's Hill District was known as “Little Harlem” and attracted jazz legends including Miles Davis, Billy Eckstine, Lena Horne, Duke Ellington and others. Earl “Fatha” Hines was a local pianist and bandleader from Duquesne, PA who influenced Pittsburgh jazz for decades to come. He mentored jazz legend and Pittsburgh native Billy Eckstine who continued to grow jazz in the city. Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn were also major contributors to the success of Pittsburgh jazz. Learn more about jazz in Pittsburgh on our #LovePGH blog.
Jazz in Pittsburgh can be found throughout the city. Con Alma is a restaurant and jazz bar with the goal of returning jazz to the forefront of the local music scene, showcasing current Pittsburgh musicians with live jazz seven nights a week.
Con Alma. Credit: @BurghNosh
Jazz-centric Theatres
Located on Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh's August Wilson African American Cultural Center showcases performing and visual art programs that celebrate Black culture. The building is named after American playwright and Pittsburgh native August Wilson whose film adaptations “Fences” and “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom” were nominated for multiple Academy Awards, with the latter winning two. The 490+ seat theatre is in a modern building that offers multiple exhibition galleries, an education center, gift shop and café.
The Kelly Strayhorn Theater, named after two Pittsburgh legends, Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, in East Liberty is an innovative theatre space that highlights the Pittsburgh renaissance era. Encouraging diverse, inclusive, artistic and educational performances, the KST continues to grow Pittsburgh's jazz and theatre culture.
