The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival connects the jazz roots of the city to the rest of the world through a weekend full of events. Through live music performances, tribute concerts, exclusive activities, and even fun for the kids, the festival brings together jazz enthusiasts across all walks of life and all generations. This year, the festival takes over Liberty Ave and beyond from September 18-21 with a line up will have you dancing from sunrise to sundown.
A Look at the 2025 Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
Starting on Thursday, those in New York, Newark, and Philadelphia can take the Jazz Train through Amtrak into Pittsburgh. The journey includes round-trip train tickets, live jazz performances onboard with host Orrin Evans, gift bags, and light refreshments.
But, for those of us in Pittsburgh, the party starts Friday. Take in a Jazz Crawl at restaurants and bars around Downtown featuring performances by local musicians. Plus, after the crawl, head to the George Benson Tribute Concert and Taste of Jazz afterparty. Not only will you hear the tunes of George Benson by Dan Wilson and Jonathan Butler, you’ll also get to experience live music parings that combine delicious samplings from Pittsburgh’s hottest restaurants with various jazz genres.
Public Concerts
Then, on Saturday and Sunday, the excitement heads outdoors for the free concert series. This year, the lineup includes famous faces (both local and worldwide) from albums, television, movies, and so much more. To get cozy for the concert, grab a cold craft beer at one of the bars curated by Barrel & Flow. Then, let the kids play at the KidZone and lose yourself in the music. Performers include Dee Dee Bridgewater, Eric Benét, Branford Marsalis Quartet, Keith David, Bilal, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jazzmeia Horn, Kandace Springs, Ekep Nkwelle, Kenny Blake, Tarbaby: Orrin Evans, Eric Revis, Nasheet Waits, Etienne Charles & Creole Soul, Ella Bric, Michael Mayo, Theron Brown, Be’la Dona, Obed Calvaire-Haitian Project, John Shannon, Selecta, DJ Big Paul, DJ KB, Nathan-Paul Davis & The Admirables, and T. Marie.
Not to mention you can head to the StrEAT Festival down the block between 7th Avenue and Strawberry Way. Here you can taste an array of international cuisines as you take in the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival.
We got to speak with actor, musician, and Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival performer, Keith David, about what he’s looking forward to this year. Learn a bit about this relationship to jazz and his passion for the city of Pittsburgh below.
Q&A with Keith David on the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
TABLE Magazine: How has jazz shaped your life?
Keith David: In my life, jazz has meant everything. I remember watching Nat King Cole in my youth. He’d walk out onto the stage, the spotlight would hit him, he’d perform a jazz tune, and I would think, “WOW, I want to do that someday!”
As we move through times of unrest in the world, how can jazz music contribute?
Music is one of the few things that unites us. I think that people don’t understand just how much jazz is a part of our everyday lives right now. I often hear other genres of music the younger generations enjoy – they don’t realize that music derives from jazz. The same music others turn to heal, or sometimes to escape the unrest happening all around us, comes from jazz, and I find that beautiful.
We know you do a lot of incredible work with TV and movies, as well. Have there been any parts you’ve had where jazz has been an influence?
I’ve been fortunate to have many roles that were influenced by jazz. Chimney Man in Jelly’s Last Jam, Husk in Hazbin Hotel, and of course, Dr. Facilier in The Princess and the Frog, are just a few characters I’ve portrayed who performed songs deeply rooted in jazz.
What does jazz represent to you?
Freedom!
What are you looking forward to at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival?
Pittsburgh is one of my favorite cities! First and foremost, I look forward to simply being there. I’m excited to play my first jazz festival, performing songs from my debut jazz album. I mean, what’s not to love? Being able to spend the day listening to some of the greatest jazz artists and musicians out there – it doesn’t get much better than that! I hope jazz enthusiasts from near and far come out and enjoy this piece of what the city has to offer.
Learn more about the festival and buy tickets to exclusive events here.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
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