Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival Begins; Texture Ballet Opens ‘In This Moment;’ Penn Brewery Oktoberfest On Tap (Fri., 9/19/25)

Thursday – Sunday, September 18 – 21

1) The time is at hand when you can hear more good jazz for less money. Most events at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival are free, and this year’s festival—the 15th—offers a wide variety of acts and styles. Along with big names like the Branford Marsalis Quartet and vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, the festival showcases a lineup of intriguing up-and-comers and lesser-known talents. Composer/vocalist Michael Mayo, who musically invites you to contemplate your mortality in the video above, is regarded as a phenom on the rise. Kandace Springs and her all-female ensemble have an international fan base, but have you heard them? Fiery drummer Obed Calvaire, a son of Haitian immigrants, brings his Haiti Project to town. And Tarbaby, the trio with an in-your-face name, just might play selections from their recent album You Think This America. Pittsburgh artists on the bill include Kenny Blake & The New Hip, James Scoglietti (the DJ known as Selecta), and the August Wilson All-Star Jazz Band led by Howie Alexander.  

The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival is hosted by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and co-presented by Highmark. Special ticketed events on Thursday and on Friday evening are sold out. But the big draws are the outdoor concerts on Liberty Avenue, outside the Center, and they’re all free of charge. On Saturday that includes a total of 12 acts performing at start times from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and 11 acts on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Check the festival website for schedules and artist bios, then arrive early for the artists you want to see. Folding chairs are welcome while pets, weapons, and drones are not. 980 Liberty Ave. and nearby, Cultural District. (M.V.) 

IN THIS MOMENT  (dance) by Texture Contemporary Ballet. September 19 – 21.

2) Featuring three world premieres in one evening, Texture Ballet again brings fresh contemporary dance to the New Hazlett Theater stage. Choreographer Shana Simmons will present The Art of Conversation, a work first developed in 2020, but not fully performed until now. The piece speaks about the cacophony of the modern soapbox, social media, which seemingly drowns out the polarization of competing voices and opinion. Texture’s resident choreographer Madeline Kendall Schrieber will then present her new work, Portraits, which explores the richness of memories that may be ever evolving despite time which is forever fleeting. And, finally, Texture’s Artistic Director Alan Obuzor will premiere his Falling In/Out, a work he describes as a journey through the intricate tapestry of human connection. The evening represents the second production of the company’s 15 anniversary season. Float, march or skip your way to the New Hazlett Theater for any of four performances (including a special interactive children’s performance) at 6 Allegheny Square East, Northside. 7:30 p.m. (C.P.O.)

3) Penn Brewery is in full-swing with its Oktoberfest celebration at the brewery, restaurant and bar complex. Plenty of fine Penn Brews, German food and entertainment are on tap. Live music includes: The Heritage Band (formerly Autobahn), Kevin Solecki, The Polkamaniacs, Mädel Jäger, Zolkas Band, Tom Allen Duo and Wally Merriman. 5 to 11:30 p.m., Continues next Friday and Saturday. 800 Vinial St., Troy Hill.

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