This collaboration taps into the work of three prolific and iconic composers: Charles Mingus, Henry Mancini and Thelonius Monk. Pittsburgh musicians Tania Grubbs, Jeff Grubbs, Alton Merrell and James Johnson III have curated an eclectic night of music by incorporating their unique arrangements into the legacy these masterful composers have left behind. To top it off, dancers from THE PILLOW PROJECT, directed by Pearl Ann Porter will join with improvisatory movement, sprinkled throughout the concert.

The KENTE AT HOME Series - Featuring Guitarist Dan Wilson Guitarist Dan Wilson grew up in Akron, Ohio, spending most of his youth within the church community, where his musical path began. His major guitar influences include Wes Montgomery, Charlie Christian, Joe Pass, and George Benson. However, his musical identity has been shaped by everything... more →

A virtual only performance
Formed in Tallinn, Estonia in 2021, Slow Motion Orchestra is made of esteemed jazz musicians, who'd played together in various iterations for decades, searching for a new creative outlet. The Orchestra's music fuses jazz, electronics, and instrumental, with a concert played in one continuous take.

A virtual only performance.
In August 2021 Thumbscrew lived on Sampsonia Way for a fourth residency at City of Asylum. The opportunity for intensive, collaborative, undistracted time to work on new music yielded a striking collection of tunes. The residency culminated in a video-recorded concert debuting new music—and the video of new songs premiers at Jazz Poetry 2021. as part of their fourth residency at City of Asylum, developing new songs for a 10-year anniversary album. The video recording of the first-ever performance of new songs premiers at Jazz Poetry 2021.   It's a special "sneak peak" of musical genius. 

Jure Pukl first performed in Pittsburgh as the Impossible Four Quartet in Jazz Poetry 2019. It marked the first performance of a Slovenian jazz group in Pittsburgh, and their 3-day gig lead to 3 days of sell out concerts and delighted audiences. Jure returns to the Pittsburgh stage, this time streamed live from his home in Slovenia. Featuring a quartet live on the stage at the Max Jazz Club in Velenje Slovenia and beamed to an audience gathered at Alphabet City, and an audience at home. 

In-person tickets for this event are SOLD OUT. You can still join us live via livestream by clicking the "watch online" button above. 

Our annual Freedom to Create Keynote features two distinguished authors: Nobel Prize-winning author and activist Wole Soyinka and author Richard Wiley.