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A Celebration of Heritage and Hope: A vibrant jazz festival fuels artistic legacy in the Stell City
The Joy of Music with Your Morning Coffee: Friendships formed during Coffee Concert series
Passport to Opportunity: Kids and families unplug, connect and explore downtown
Pittsburgh’s August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) pulsated with life this year, celebrating its 15th anniversary and its profound impact on the city through the lens of its annual International Jazz Festival, which we co-presented this year. More than just a weekend of music, this festival — themed “Resilience” — became a powerful testament to Pittsburgh’s rich cultural heritage and its vibrant future. The festival isn’t just about notes and rhythms; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of community, economic growth, and artistic legacy.
The AWAACC, a stunning structure designed by renowned African American architect Allison Grace Williams, stands as a beacon. It’s the second-largest multi-disciplinary African American performing arts center in the nation, a testament to the city’s commitment to celebrating Black creativity and innovation. Its 8,000 square feet of gallery space, coupled with a robust schedule of performances, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives, ensures its relevance extends far beyond its walls, even into local schools.
“The Center has a commitment to fostering the next generation of artists and art supporters, echoing August Wilson’s legacy — a Pittsburgh native whose 80th birthday was commemorated this year,” said Janis Burley Wilson president and CEO of the AWAACC. “The center’s programming, reflecting Wilson’s universal themes of identity, continues to resonate deeply within the community and beyond.”
This year’s Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, a free event attracting diverse audiences, showcased both established and emerging artists from around the globe.
Robert Glasper brought his innovative blend of post-bop and hip-hop, while the velvet tones of Maysa and the blues power of Shemekia Copeland captivated audiences. The legendary Average White Band made a poignant stop on their farewell tour, sharing their decades of musical experience. International flavors were added by Cuban hip-hop artist Cimafunk and Brazilian singer Luedji Luna, bringing their unique grooves to the Keystone State. The pulsating energy of these and other performances on Liberty Avenue showcased the future of jazz, inspiring new generations of listeners and performers.
The festival’s economic impact is undeniable: attracting thousands of visitors to the city, filling hotel rooms, and boosting local businesses.
The Jazz Train, a unique initiative spearheaded by pianist Orrin Evans, further amplified the festival’s reach. This five-day musical journey from New Jersey to Philadelphia, culminating in Pittsburgh, fosters collaboration and community. This year’s journey included a particularly powerful exchange: a student quartet from Philadelphia performed alongside their Pittsburgh counterparts, facilitated by the Music Forward Foundation.
The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival is a powerful event that reflects the resilience of the human spirit, the vibrancy of Pittsburgh’s cultural scene, and the crucial role art plays in driving economic prosperity and fostering a sense of shared identity. It is a unique event, inextricably linked to the city’s history, deeply rooted in its present, and vital to its future.
For 90 years, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra has filled western New York with music. And for decades, we have been proud to support their vibrant community outreach, most recently their beloved Coffee Concert series.
Last year, over 15,000 people — many of them seniors – enjoyed the pre-concert treat of coffee, donuts, and the warm camaraderie of shared musical experiences.
Music Director JoAnn Falletta said, “The Coffee Concerts have become the ‘favorite concert time’ for many. Musicians mingle with guests, friends gather, new friendships bloom, and everyone leaves filled with joy.”
The Philharmonic’s history is woven into the fabric of Buffalo. Born as a Works Progress Administration orchestra, its mission has always been to bring music to the people. Today, nearly 200,000 western New Yorkers experience their music annually, and millions more worldwide enjoy their critically acclaimed recordings — over 50 in the last 25 years, earning multiple Grammy nominations and wins.
“You will have a great experience at one of our concerts,” said Falletta. “They prove that music can enrich lives and strengthen communities in profound ways. It’s a privilege to witness this impact year after year.”
We’re thrilled to continue supporting the Buffalo Philharmonic and to share the transformative power of music for years to come.
Visit the farmer’s market and pick out some fresh fruits and vegetables. Rent a book from the Osterhout Free Library. Find two petroglyphs in the Public Square and draw a picture of them.
These are just a few examples of the activities included on the Diamond City Partnership’s (DCP) Downtown Discoveries Passport Program and KidsFest event that we sponsor in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. These events are geared toward getting families into the community and connected to local resources.
The DCP is a nonprofit aiming to revitalize downtown Wilkes-Barre by focusing on the economy, environment and image of the area.
“We want to make this a place where people want to live, work, and visit,” said Shelby Monk, marketing and event coordinator at DCP. “We strive to keep downtown clean, safe and beautiful. We want to highlight the good things happening in our area and KidsFest is one of those events because it benefits a health initiative. We encourage kids and families to get out into the community, visit new places and spend a day away from technology.”
KidsFest kicks off the Passport Program. This free and fun day allows families to come out and enjoy activities together, even if their resources are limited. The event also gives attendees the chance to meet local police and firefighters to become familiar with law enforcement and learn about other helpful community organizations.
“This event is not just about having fun,” said Monk. “It’s a way to offer kids and families free health care items and connect them to needed resources. Highmark is really taking care of the people in their backyard by sponsoring programs like this.”
After the event, kids can start getting their passports stamped, which fosters the opportunity for them and their families to visit new businesses and hopefully return for future visits. Monk says it’s really impacting the local economy and hopes to see the events continue for years to come.
