Thursday Night Jazz: Kente Summer Madness Presents Everybody Loves the Sunshine: A Tribute to Roy Ayers

Kente Summer Madness is proud to present this funk-infused tribute to Roy Ayers. The great vibraphonist and composer passed away earlier this year at the age of 84, leaving the world a great legacy of original jazz, funk, and R&B. He is one of the most heavily sampled artists in the hip hop genre, which in turn gave him his final moniker, the Godfather of Neo Soul.

Roy was a mainstay on the live music scene for decades. He began his career as a sideman, most notably with the flautist Herbie Mann. In the early 1970s, he formed his band Ubiquity. Along with scoring films, Roy would go on to create his unique jazz/R&B/funk sound, which would spawn the iconic classics “Mystic Voyage” and “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” among others.

The Roy Ayers Tribute Band will feature veteran Pittsburgh vibraphonist Tubby Daniels, along with Pittsburgh smooth jazz and R&B bassist John Hall as musical director. Filling out the bill are Cleveland saxophonist Lou Harris, pianist Howie Alexander, and percussionist Brian Edwards.

About the Kente Arts Alliance:

Kente Arts Alliance is an African American arts organization whose mission is to present high-quality art of the African Diaspora. They aim to present art with a purpose by presenting programs that entertain, inform, and uplift the residents of underserved communities.

About Your Visit: 

The in-house restaurant, Cucina Alfabeto, is open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Please visit Open Table or call 412-435-1111 to make a reservation.