Percussion takes center stage at the University of Pittsburgh’s 55th annual Jazz Seminar and Concert from Nov. 3 to 8.
The annual event will reunite several original members of the legendary percussion ensemble M’Boom, founded by drummer Max Roach in 1970, with a new generation of musicians and instruments, creating a vibrant reimagining of the ensemble’s pioneering spirit.
Under the theme “Percussion Discussion,” Pitt Jazz Week celebrates the enduring legacy of M’Boom — an all-percussion jazz collective that broke new ground by weaving together drums, marimbas, xylophones, bells, timpani and countless other rhythmic voices.
The Nov. 8 Pitt Jazz Concert — 8 p.m. at Bellefield Hall — expands the palette even further, introducing new instruments and approaches that highlight the global language of rhythm. Tickets for concert are available at jazz.pitt.edu/seminar55. Admission is $20 or and $8 for students with valid IDs.
Guest artists will include: Melissa Almaguer, tap dancer; Sasha Berliner, vibraphone; Joe Chambers, percussion; Aaron Graves, piano; Erik Lawrence, saxophone; Mavis Poole, vocals; Harish Raghavan, bass; Joel Ross, vibraphone; Bobby Sanabria, percussion; Lee Smith, bass; Warren Smith, percussion; Emilio Valdes, percussion; and Craig Weinrib, drums. Several local and Pitt student horn players round out the ensemble.
“This year’s concert is a powerful blend of tradition and bold new expression,” Chad Taylor, artistic director of the Pitt Jazz Studies Program, said in a news release. “We're excited to honor M'Boom’s influence while spotlighting the next wave of jazz excellence.”
The concert is the culminating event of Pitt Jazz Week, which will feature a number of free musician workshops on campus, two free community performances, a jazz film, and other events. A complete schedule is below.
JAZZ WEEK EVENTS
Nov. 3
Noon: Pitt Jazz Ensemble Kick-off Concert, William Pitt Union, Lower Lounge
5 p.m.: Seminar on “Jazz on the Air and in The Hill.” Two local authors will discuss their recent books — “Jazz Radio America (Music in American Life),” by Aaron J. Johnson, and “Jazz in the Hill: Nightlife and Narratives of a Pittsburgh Neighborhood.” Hillman Library Archives & Special Collections, 3rd floor
Nov. 4
6 p.m.: Seminar on Pittsburgh’s Drum Legacy with Tom Wendt and Chad Taylor. Frick Fine Arts Auditorium
Nov. 5
3 p.m.: A Tribute to Jeff “Tain” Watts with Jevon Rushton, Hill District Community Engagement Center, 1908 Wylie Ave.
7 p.m.: Film screening of “Art Blakey: The Jazz Messenger.” Cathedral of Learning, Room G24
Nov. 6
3 p.m.: Seminar of “Cross Rhythms: The Life and Musicality of Joe Chambers,” with Chad Taylor. 205 Bellefield Hall
7:30 p.m.: Seminar on “Embodying Rhythm” with tap dancer Melissa Almaguer. 205 Bellefield Hall
Nov. 7
11 a.m.: Seminar on “Warren Smith: A Life in Music,” with Aaron J. Johnson. 205 Bellefield Hall, Room
Nov. 8
2 p.m.: Seminar on “Playing with Mallets” with vibraphonist Sasha Berliner. Bellefield Hall Auditorium
3 p.m.: “Afro Cuban Workshop” with Bobby Sanabria. Bellefield Hall Auditorium
3:30 p.m.: “Workshop with Joel Ross Trio” at Afro American Music Institute, 7131 Hamilton Ave., Homewood
More information is available by contacting Pitt Jazz Studies at pittjazz@pitt.edu or by visiting jazz.pitt.edu/seminar55.