Pittsburgh has been home to so many of the musicians, arrangers and composers that created the music known today as jazz. While most people know of Pittsburgh-born legends such as George Benson, Stanley Turrentine, Billy Strayhorn and Billy Eckstein; MCG Jazz will pay tribute to the jazz artisans that have fundamentally stayed in Pittsburgh and have kept the hometown “Jazz Scene” vibrant and world-class. These musicians have been mentors both on and off the bandstand to many generations of jazz musicians.

On November 14, 2008 at Heinz Hall, as MCG Jazz opens An Evening of Pittsburgh Inspired Brazilian Jazz with an exciting Gala reception, attendees will have the chance to mix and mingle with many of Pittsburgh’s most renowned jazz legends. The honorees at this year’s event include:
Charles “Chuck” Austin
Harold Betters
Cecil Brooks, II
Dr. Nelson E. Harrison
Roger Humphries
Dr. James T. Johnson, Jr.
Gene Ludwig
Joe Negri
Dr. John Wilson

“It as an honor and a pleasure to celebrate these national treasures for their unwavering dedication to jazz and Pittsburgh,” says Marty Ashby, Executive Producer of MCG Jazz. “We hope that even more people become aware of their contributions and share their legacy with future generations.”

Each person attending the Gala will receive a Collector’s Edition set of Jazz Legends cards, and will be given a unique opportunity to talk with these jazz greats. This is the first class of musicians to be honored by MCG Jazz for their vital role in Pittsburgh’s jazz history. A subsequent class of legends will be celebrated next year and in future years as well.

The MCG Jazz Gala reception begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by the concert at 8:00 p.m. with Brazilian jazz superstar Ivan Lins and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, featuring guest performances by the GRAMMY® award-winning vocal ensemble New York Voices and trumpeter Sean Jones. (Note: Due to illness, Nancy Wilson will not be appearing as scheduled.) Along with the tribute to Pittsburgh’s jazz legends, the Brazilian-themed Gala reception features food, music and surprises from Pittsburgh to Rio.

Gala tickets are priced at $250 per person and are available by calling the MCG Jazz box office at 412-322-0800. Title sponsor for the event is UPMC Presents, with additional support from University of Pittsburgh, BNY Mellon, Alcoa Foundation, Comcast, PJ Dick and Trumbull Corporation, Gateway Financial, Bayer MaterialScience LLC, Roy Dorrance, Bill and Nancy Rackoff, Michael and Katherine Bryson, Reed Smith, Baierl Cadillac, Tim and Audrey Fisher, MARC USA, Oxford Development, NOVA Chemicals, Joy Borelli Edwards, Clyde Jones, David M. Hillman, Ms. Elsie Hillman, Edward Kocher, and Point Park University.