Jazz Poetry 2026: Poet-Vocalist Erika Denae J’s “In the Mood For” (Book Launch & Album Teaser)

Photo Credit: Kitoko Chargois. Photo Courtesy: Erika Denae J.

In this unique Jazz Poetry performance, multi-disciplinary artist Erika Denae J launches her poetry collection, In the Mood For. A perfect fit for this festival’s long history of melding poetry and music, the poems in Erika’s collection also make up the lyrics of her upcoming companion album. It is a fusion of alternative jazz and soul that explores the pursuit of contentment at the intersection of self.This program features special arrangements by James Johnson III.

In the Mood For—where poetry inspires music and music inspires poetry—explores themes of forgiveness, self-love, faith, and healing. It is meant to embolden readers and listeners to express their fullest selves. This aim was burgeoned from Erika’s personal experience of minimizing the most authentic parts of herself.

These poems and compositions echo an awakening and resurrection of the innate within. They encourage all who engage with them to explore any moods or needs freely, to inspire richness in such freedom of oneself, and to remove anything that has disrupted that freedom. 

The production of Erika’s book, In the Mood For, and her forthcoming album were funded by The Pittsburgh Foundation. 

Featured Artists:

Erika Denae J: poems, lyrics, vocals

Julia Flowers: vocals

Keea Dorsey: vocals

Matt Mason: backup vocals

Jennifer Orchard: violin 

Shannon Lock: viola

Will Teegarden: cello

Tommy Lehman: trumpet

John Shannon: guitar

Theron Brown: piano

Denzel Chismar-Oliver: bass

Joe Garner: percussion

James Johnson III: drums, arrangements

About the Artist:

Erika Denae J is a musical artist, writer, and graduate student pursuing a Master of Music Therapy, whose work centers on the power of shared narrative and wellness. On stage, she laces the classic and modern sound of jazz into a seamless voice of swing and soul. Off stage, she is a committed advocate for mental health and youth development, leveraging the creative arts to inspire healing and wholeness. In 2022, Erika released her debut EP, Rx Melodies, alongside Rx Conversations—a vlog series exploring mental and emotional wellness within the context of faith. These pillars of artistry and advocacy continue to define her current trajectory as she expands her reach through academia, recorded music, poetry, and prose.

About Your Visit: 

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