A true once-in-a-lifetime evening of music that showcases two emerging, extremely talented guitarists Lucian Gray and Leandro Pellegrino. These two musicians are destined to become household names. Piano Jazz Legend Bob James and Benedetto Guitars CEO, Howard Paul, often perform together. For this concert, we paired them with two of Pittsburgh’s finest musicians Paul Thompson on bass and James Johnson, III on drums. The music ranges from standards to some Bob James classic hits. The evening created the opportunity for Bob to be able to stretch out and show off his amazing improvising skills.

A special Jazz Appreciation Month concert from April 2016 premiered six songs from NEA Jazz Master Hubert Law’s repertoire arranged for the 17-piece Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra. While some of the arrangements were based on early Hubert Laws recordings, a couple - by Mike Tomaro - were created specifically for the occasion. This book of music went on to be used for the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra’s World tour “Jazz Beyond Borders” that featured Hubert Laws as Original concert date Saturday, April 2, 2016 guest soloist.

The Hot Sardines were an immediate hit when they first appeared at MCG Jazz in 2016 as a virtually unknown group. Their raw energy and passion for music from the early days of Jazz brings new life to time honored songs and their stories. The range of foot-stomping romps to sultry ballads, sung in French, make this talented group of young musicians a fun, and memorable experience.