Tuesday, October 29

7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Ebenezer Baptist Church

Free and open to the public. RSVP below.

Pitt Jazz Studies and the University Library System present a rare performance of the big band music of Sam Rivers. In adapting his personal compositional practices to the familiar jazz orchestra instrumentation, Rivers created an exciting and unique body of music that is rich in every dimension—dense harmonies, stacked and interlocking rhythmic and melodic fragments, striking melodies. Rivers' found a compelling solution to the tension between composition and improvisation in big band music.

Pitt Music Chair A J Johnson leads the Pitt Community Collaborative Jazz Orchestra (PCCJO) along with guest musicians from Rivers' Rivbea Orchestras in New York and Orlando. Joining the PCCJO are Steve Coleman (alto saxophone), Craig Harris (trombone), Joe Daley (euphonium), and Dave Mathews (bass) along with Pitt's New Artistic Director of Jazz Studies, Chad Taylor on drums.

Rivers was widely known in both traditional and avant-garde jazz circles. His extensive archive, which includes hundreds of scores and unreleased audio and video performances, was recently acquired by the University of Pittsburgh Library System. 

A partnership between the University of Pittsburgh Library System, Department of Music Jazz Studies, and the Community Engagement Center Hill District. 

Also join us for us for Reflections on Sam Rivers, a panel discussion featuring the performers, on Monday, October 28. For more information and to register, visit pi.tt/RiversPanel24.

Ebenezer Baptist Church is located at 2001 Wylie Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Free lot parking is available adjacent to the venue off of Devilliers Street. On-street parking is also available on various streets surrounding the venue.The venue is also accessible by public transportation. See the Pittsburgh Regional Transit website for planning your trip. 

The entrance to Ebenezer Baptist Church is located on Devilliers Street.

Please email uls-events@pitt.edu with any questions or accessibility accommodation requests.

RSVP