The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival will return for its landmark 15th edition, bringing together an impressive lineup of musical luminaries and promising new artists to the heart of downtown Pittsburgh from September 18-21, 2025. Hosted by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) and co-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the festival promises a vibrant celebration of jazz in all its diverse forms.
Headliners include jazz veterans Branford Marsalis and Dee Dee Bridgewater, who will anchor a program featuring an extraordinary range of musical talent. The festival will showcase multiple genres, from straight-ahead jazz to neo-soul, Caribbean, and urban folk music, reflecting the rich complexity of contemporary musical expression.
Notable performers include acclaimed jazz vocalists like Jazzmeia Horn and Keith David, alongside emerging artists such as Michael Mayo and Ekep Nkwelle Howard. The lineup also features diverse musical styles, including go-go rhythms, trap-jazz, West Indian musical traditions, and blues, ensuring a comprehensive musical experience for attendees.
A significant highlight of the festival will be an all-star tribute to Pittsburgh's own George Benson, with guitarist Dan Wilson serving as musical director. This performance underscores the festival's commitment to honoring local musical heritage while simultaneously promoting emerging talent.
For the third consecutive year, the festival will offer The Jazz Train, a unique travel package in partnership with Amtrak that allows music enthusiasts to journey to the festival with live entertainment and jazz-related activities. VIP passes will provide attendees with enhanced festival experiences, including priority seating and exclusive lounge access.
The festival's importance extends beyond musical entertainment. According to Janis Burley, AWAACC's President/CEO and festival founder, the event has consistently introduced new artists at the beginning of their careers while also featuring established jazz legends. This approach not only celebrates current musical talent but also preserves jazz's rich historical legacy.
With most performances offered free on Liberty Avenue and additional ticketed concerts at AWAACC, the festival remains accessible to a broad audience. Major sponsors, including the Mellon Foundation, UPMC, and Carnegie Mellon University, underscore the event's cultural significance and community impact.
As the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival enters its 15th year, it continues to serve as a powerful platform for musical innovation, cultural celebration, and artistic expression, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of jazz in the 21st century.
