MCG Jazz is pleased to announce our 32nd Annual Jazz Concert Series. The new season has been designed
all for you. We have learned, through conversations, surveys and emails from you, the many artists whom you would like to see here on the MCG Jazz stage. The result is Season 32 For You.
MCG Jazz will host almost 100 musicians for the 2018-2019 series for you to enjoy! There are 21 headliners performing 13 concerts. More than half of these artists have never performed at MCG Jazz; for many this marks their Pittsburgh debut. The diversity of styles from straight-ahead jazz and fusion to Rhythm & Blues pr
ovides an opportunity for a unique experience at every show.
Masterful vocalist Bobby McFerrin opens the season September 23, 2018 leading the way for veteran singers Kurt Elling and René Marie as well as emerging vocal sensation, 24-year-old, Veronica Swift. We will celebrate the 100th birthday of the legendary Joe Williams with a world premiere program featuring award-winning actor/singer Keith David accompanied by a Jazz Orchestra to bring to life Joe’s personal stories and his days with the Count Basie Orchestra.
We heat up winter and spring with Latin Jazz. In February 2019, a pianist, percussionist, harpist and harmonica player will present an eclectic evening of Latin Jazz duos and, in April, we have a triple bill Latin Jazz Festival for you featuring music from Brazil, Argentina and Cuba with some of the top musicians performing in the world today.
Contemporary jazz favorites including Take 6, Jeff Lorber and Gerald Albright will be joined this season by artists who are sure to become new favorites including Kirk Whalum, Booker T. Jones, Fred Hersch and NEA Jazz Master Delfeayo Marsalis.
Choose-your-own concert subscription packages of four or more concerts are available now. Please visit www.mcgjazz.org or call the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild Jazz Box Office at 412-322-0800 for more information. Tickets can also be purchased with the MCG Jazz free mobile app available through Google Play and the Apple store.
The concert series is held at the MCG concert hall and includes:
Bobby McFerrin: Circlesongs – September 23, 2018
Kurt Elling– October 6, 2018
Veronica Swift featuring the Benny Green Trio– October 20, 2018
Jeff Lorber Fusion + Grace Kelly – November 9, 2018
Here’s to Life: Celebrating Joe Williams Centennial, starring Keith David and Big Band – November 30, 2018
An Albright Family Christmas with Gerald and Selina Albright –December 15, 2018
Kirk Whalum – January 19, 2019
Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez Duo + Edmar Castaneda and Grégoire Maret: Harp vs. Harp –
February 2, 2019
René Marie + Delfaeyo Marsalis – February 23, 2019
Take 6 – March 16, 2019
Fred Hersch Trio – April 5, 2019
Latin Jazz Festival featuring Diego Figueiredo, Emilio Solla, Chuchito Valdés, –
April 26 and 27, 2019
Booker T. Jones – May 10, 2019
Artists and dates subject to change.