Jazz Poetry 2026: The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis

In a month celebrating infusion, collaboration, and unique, incredible performance, who better to herald in Jazz Poetry 2026 but newly crowned Artist of the Year (DownBeat Magazine) James Brandon Lewis? The beloved six-time headliner returns to City of Asylum this May with a fresh new sound and his punk-jazz group, the Messthetics.

This performance features improvisational collaborations with visiting poets, followed by a brief intermission, and then a full set from the band.

Featured Musicians:

James Brandon Lewis: saxophone

Anthony Pirog: guitar

Joe Lally: bass

Brendan Canty: drums

About the Band: 

Joe Lally was onstage, playing at full throttle, when he realized that his band had found a true kindred spirit. It was the fall of 2021, and the Messthetics—the instrumental trio of Lally on bass, his former Fugazi bandmate Brendan Canty on drums, and guitarist Anthony Pirog—were at Brooklyn venue the Bell House, digging into their uptempo riff workout “Serpent Tongue.” Joining them for the piece was a special guest, acclaimed jazz saxophonist James Brandon Lewis, making only his second cameo with the group after a drop-in at another New York show back in 2019. That first meeting had been a success, but this time, Lewis’ presence sparked something new.

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.