Preservation Hall Jazz Band in Concert at Byham; Con Alma Day of the Dead Dinner (Wed., 10/30/19)

1) One of the rocking-est music movies of recent years has the unlikely title A Tuba to Cuba. It’s a documentary about the Preservation Hall Jazz Band of New Orleans and their journey to jam with Cuban musicians and singers in Havana and Santiago. The film has now inspired a concert tour that combines the earth-shaking Preservation Hall players with acclaimed Cuban singer/songwriter Yusa and other special guests. Catch the A Tuba to Cuba tour in Pittsburgh, courtesy of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents Series. 7:30 p.m. Byham Theater, 101 6th St., Cultural District. (MV) 

2) Con Alma (Spanish for “with soul”) combines Latin cuisine with a jazz setting. The cuisine includes tacos, quesadillas, and entrées such as arroz con pollo (“rice and chicken,” Cuban style). There are also vegetarian items, including a jimaca salad that incorporates mango. Almost every night features live music. Noted jazz guitarist/music director and co-owner John Shannon and his Nosmo King Trio are the house band, playing many weeknights. Weekends will feature other renowned local jazz artists. The bistro is 1900 square feet; plenty of room to bust a move. Sundays is jazz brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This might be a good time to try one of the restaurant’s contemporary cocktails, like Root Down, which mixes Anejo Rum with coffee liquor among other ingredients. Con Alma is closed Tuesdays but opens 5 p.m. every other day except Sunday. An outdoor patio and daily vinyl happy hour are other big draws here. In addition to Shannon, the other co-owners are General Manager Aimee Marshall and Executive Chef Josh Ross. Con Alma is holding its First Annual Day of the Dead Beer Dinner with Hop Farm Brewing Company this evening from 7 to 9 p.m. The event will feature a five course dinner of Baja Mexican cuisine paired with Hop Farm Beers. 5884 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside. (CM,RH)

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