Alphabet City Tent (318 Sampsonia Way)
Wednesdays September 16
7 p.m.
Wednesdays on the Northside are a lot more exciting thanks to a new live music series.
As part of its new Summer on Sampsonia series, City of Asylum Pittsburgh kicked off Jazz Wednesdays on July 22, with free concerts planned every week through September 16.
Transforming its Alphabet City pop-up tent into a BYOB live music club, City of Asylum invites Pittsburghers to enjoy performances by acclaimed Pittsburgh jazz icon Roger Humphries, experience cultural entertainment outdoors on summer nights and socialize with fellow jazz and literature fans in the historic Mexican War Streets neighborhood.
The series provides Pittsburghers with a unique chance to experience live jazz in a very welcoming and intimate setting by internationally renowned drummer and band leader Roger Humphries, who will perform weekly with his group, RH Factor.
Born in 1944 in Pittsburgh, Humphries first began playing drums at the young age of four, was playing professionally by age 14, led an ensemble at famed Carnegie Hall at 16 and started touring nationally in the 1960s. In 1964, Humphries worked with Horace Silver, appearing on the composer’s seminal album, Song for My Father.
Humphries’ impressive experience in jazz, R&B and pop includes performing and recording with musical giants such as Ray Charles, Billy Preston, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine and many others.
City of Asylum’s new Summer on Sampsonia programming series features a variety of events designed to create a vibrant community venue on the Northside. Additional upcoming programs not to miss include a new Silenced (banned) Films series featuring screenings of The Blue Kite on July 24 and Persepolis on August 21, as well as events co-presented by Silk Screen, hip hop performances hosted by 1Hood Media, a children’s series created in partnership with PAEYC and more.
Jazz Wednesdays concerts run through September 16. All concerts are free and open to the public and run from 7 to 9 p.m. City of Asylum’s Alphabet City Tent is located at 318 Sampsonia Way. Concerts are free but RSVPs are requested.
