The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival was held September 14-17, 2023 and featured concerts and events at various venues throughout the Steel City. Hosted by Orrin Evans, the "Jazz Train" kicked off the festival on Thursday with a trip on an Amtrak car from New York City, Newark, Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, featuring performances in the car filled with fans and artists. On Thursday night, Madison McFerrin and Nigel Hall performed a concert at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Ledisi paid tribute to the legacy of Nina Simone with her performance on Friday night, also at the August Wilson Center. That same night included the Taste of Jazz Party, featuring music, dancing, food and cocktails, along with DJ Selecta who spun hip-hop and jazz classic collaborations.
On Saturday and Sunday, the festival moved to Highmark Stadium with performances by headliners such as Gregory Porter, Jose James, Bob James, PJ Morton, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Chelsea Baratz, Nicholas Payton, Christie Dashiell, Kurt Elling & Charlie Hunter, Keyon Harrold, Gerald Albright, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Orrin Evans and others.
WBGO's Doug Doyle was there to cover the festival with interviews and photos. In addition, David Roth shared his photos from Highmark Stadium with us.
