Roy Ayers Plays Juneteenth Jazz Night; Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors at Launch for Alleg. Overlook Park (Thurs., 6/24/21)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue1v0o9_hJM

1) “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” is certainly a true statement—it especially relates to us Pittsburghers as we savor our summer season. It’s also the title of one of funk/soul/jazz musician Roy Ayers’ top songs. Ayers—who plays keyboards and vibraphone—likes creating feel-good music because he says that type of music most closely matches his personality. He has the noted distinction of having more of his songs sampled by rappers than any other recording artist. Music industry phenom Pharrell Williams has said that Roy Ayers is one of his main musical influences. Ayers is performing at the Juneteenth Black Music Festival Jazz Day in association with WZUM FM. 7:30 p.m. Opening is Roger Humphries & RH Factor (3 p.m.) and Gerald Albright & Band (5 p.m.). Point State Park.

Jim Donovan (jumping guitarist) & the Sun King Warriors. Photo: Erica Dilcer.

2) Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors bring their lively brand of jam rock to the launch party for the Allegheny Overlook Pop-up Park. Donovan and the band’s latest album is 2018’s We See Through It. They describe it by saying, “It illustrates the transformational power of music. Featuring ten songs that span genres and eras ̧ the sound of the new album blends the vintage rock sound of Zeppelin with the alternative folk of Mumford & Sons propelled by barreling drums.” Several songs from the album garnered good radio airplay. New from Donovan and the Warriors is an extended live track of their drumming extravaganza. For a $1 donation you get a digital download of “Elephant in the Room LIVE” and they’ll donate 100% of it to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. 6:30 p.m. performance time. Elias Khouri opens at 5 p.m. Ft. Duquesne Boulevard, Downtown. (R.H.)

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