The 50th Annual Jazz Seminar and Concert, titled “Celebrating Dr. Nathan Davis and Geri Allen,” will be held on Nov. 2nd through Nov 7th. We are encouraging people to post their favorite recollections, memories and photos from past Pitt Jazz events and of Nathan and Geri on social media with the hashtag #50PittJazz, now till Nov. 7th. Founded by the late Nathan Davis, the event was the first academic jazz seminar and remains the longest-running of its kind in the country. Below are the events scheduled for Pitt Jazz Week 2020. We hope you’ll take part in the celebration with us. All events listed below can be accessed at jazz.pitt.edu and are free.
Jazz Ensemble Tribute
A prerecorded video performance of a Nathan Davis composition by members of the Pitt Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Ralph Guzzi, will be posted on jazz.pitt.edu throughout Jazz Week.
Monday, Nov. 2
12 noon
“Dr. Nathan Davis: Musician, Innovator and Educator”
Former students of Davis will share recollections in this live discussion, moderated by Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies Dr. Aaron J. Johnson. Panelists include: Dale Fielder; James Johnson Jr.; Alton Merrell; Kenneth Prouty; and Doretta Whalen.
Wednesday, Nov. 4
7 p.m.
“Jazz Talk” with Nicole Mitchell
This episode, titled “Racial Equity in Jazz and Jazz Education,” will feature panelists Gail Austin, managing director of the Kente Arts Alliance; Ayana Contreras of WBEZ in Chicago; and national arts consultant Willard Jenkins.
Thursday, Nov. 5
9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
“Feed the Fire: A Cyber Symposium in Honor of Geri Allen”
This all-day conference in collaboration with Columbia University will bring together internationally renowned scholars and performers to discuss Allen’s legacy as an artist and educator. The event will coincide with the release of a special issue of Pitt’s journal Jazz and Culture, focusing entirely on Allen, slated to be published this fall. The final keynote presentation will feature Angela Davis, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Gina Dent. During the breaks, an extended performance video of Geri will be played. Registration is required for this event.
Friday, Nov. 6
7 p.m.
“Reminiscing Eminence”
International jazz artists Terri Lyne Carrington (drums) and Vijay Iyer (piano) along with Nicole Mitchell (flute) and Pittsburgh-based Dwayne Dolphin (bass) will discuss the influence of Geri Allen. Following the conversation, each will perform a pre-recorded solo as well as a collaborative piece inspired by the work of Geri Allen.
Saturday, Nov. 7
7 p.m.
Pitt Jazz Faculty Showcase
Pre-recorded at Pittsburgh’s Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, small ensembles of Pitt jazz faculty will perform songs, many of them composed by Nathan Davis. Musicians will include Frank Cunimondo (piano); Aaron J. Johnson (trombone); Sandra Dowe (voice); Nicole Mitchell (flute); Ralph Guzzi (trumpet); James Johnson Jr. (piano); James Johnson III (drums); Jeffrey Mangone (bass); Irene Monteverde (piano); Kenneth Powell (saxophone); Mark Strickland (guitar); and Yoko Suzuki (saxophone). Special guest appearance from Pitt Senior Vice Chancellor for Engagement Kathy Humphrey (voice).
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