The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Celebrates National Jazz Appreciation Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact:

Veronica Corpuz
Public Relations Director
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
412-471-6082
corpuz@pgharts.org


The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust celebrates National Jazz Appreciation Month in April with Vocal Styling Series


PITTSBURGH, PA: The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust ushers in National Jazz Appreciation Month in April with a series of concerts celebrating the art of vocal jazz. The VOCAL STYLINGS series, presented by the Trust’s department of Education and Community Engagement, is supported by BNY Mellon Jazz Presents and is a part of the Trust’s regular ongoing jazz series, JAZZLIVE. The performances will take place at the Trust’s Cabaret Theater and Backstage Bar in the Cultural District.

Janis Burley Wilson, Vice President of the Trust’s Education and Community Engagement Department, says, “We are focusing on diverse voices in jazz. Each of the artists we are featuring in the VOCAL STYLINGS series has a distinctive sound and utilizes their voices in unique ways to tell a story.”

In describing the series’ line-up Burley Wilson added, “Benny Benack III is an emerging artist, destined to be an important voice in jazz. Sachal Vasandani is recognized by Downbeat Magazine; he brings a fresh interpretation and style to jazz. Bobby Caldwell is a legend in R & B and smooth jazz as well as an accomplished jazz standards revivalist. Regardless of what style Bobby Caldwell performs on stage, he is the consummate show man. Karrin Allyson’s richly textured phrasing and ability to tell a story with song has made her one of the most important voices in jazz today.”

The Smithsonian launched National Jazz Appreciation Month in 2001 to pay tribute to jazz as a both a living and historic art form. It has grown to include celebrations in all 50 states and 40 countries.



About the Artists and Performances:



Benny Benack III & Friends: The Next Big Thing

Tuesday, April 5 / 8 p.m. / $10.75 & $15.75



The Trust kicks off this special jazz series by celebrating the future of jazz with up and coming trumpeter and Pittsburgh native Benny Benack III. Benack hails from a family of established Pittsburgh jazz musicians and is passionate about keeping the art form alive and thriving. A student of the Manhattan School of Music, Benack is joined by some of his fellow students, as well other young, talented jazz musicians.

myspace.com/bennybenackiii



Bobby Caldwell: Up Close and Personal

Tuesday, April 12 / 8 p.m. / $25.75



Living legend Bobby Caldwell is respected in jazz andR & B circles worldwide. Revered for his smooth vocals and classic delivery, Bobby Caldwell has an expansive repertoire that is translated with great precision, passion and joy.

bobbycaldwell.com



Sachal Vasandani: Downbeat Rising Star

Tuesday, April 19 / 8 p.m. / $20.75

This is a rare opportunity to experience one of the jazz scene’s freshest, young talents. Jazz vocalist Sachal Vasandani displays a singular, deep brewed voice and an uncanny sensibility to straddle the fine line between jazz and pop with songs that teem with emotion and intellect. His new recording, We Move, has elevated Sachal Vasandani to DownBeat Rising Star by the venerated DownBeat magazine.

www.sachalvasandani.com



An Evening with Karrin Allyson

Tuesday, April 26 / 8 p.m. / $25 & $30



The Trust’s celebration of Jazz in April concludes with an outstanding performance by Karrin Allyson, one of today’s best jazz vocalists. Jazz critics and aficionados worldwide agree that whether she is performing scat, a ballad, or leading on piano, Karrin Allyson is equally expressive and captivating. A live performance by this classically trained, Grammy® award-nominated virtuoso is not to be missed.

karrinallyson.com



The “Early Set” takes place at the Backstage Bar at Theater Square beginning at 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The “Late Set” begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are available at the Box Office at Theater, by visiting pgharts.org or calling 412-456-6666.



Early Set (no cover)


April 5: Thoth Trio

April 12: MCG Quartet

April 19: Max Leake

April 26: Kenia

Late Set (ticketed events)

April 5: Benny Benack III & Friends ($10.75 & $15.75)

April 12: Bobby Caldwell ($25.75)

April 19: Sachal Vasandani ($20.75)

April 26: Karrin Allyson ($25 & $30)




For tickets, visit pgharts.org or call 412-456-6666
###