WZUM Jazz Central has released an updated calendar showcasing numerous live jazz performances across the Pittsburgh area for December 2025. The lineup includes holiday-themed concerts, regular jam sessions, and special tributes to jazz legends, drawing local musicians and ensembles to various venues. This schedule highlights the region's vibrant music scene during the festive season.
Overview of the Schedule
The December 2025 jazz calendar from WZUM Jazz Central provides a comprehensive guide to live performances in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. Events span from intimate trio sets to larger orchestral holiday shows, emphasizing both classic jazz standards and seasonal tunes. Venues like Con Alma Downtown, Eddie V's, and Uncorked Jazz Club host multiple nights of music, ensuring options for jazz enthusiasts throughout the month.
Holiday-Themed Performances
Holiday spirit infuses many events, such as the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra's Swing into the Season show at PNC Theatre on December 19, featuring Christmas favorites. Delana Flowers portrays Dinah Washington in a Christmas revue at Pittsburgh Playwrights Cabaret Theatre on December 13, backed by local musicians including Dwayne Fulton and Tony Campbell. Other festive highlights include the Pleaktunes Trio's interpretation of Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the Original Pittsburgh Winery on December 20, and Phat Man Dee's Merry ChristmaChannaKwanza at Blue Moon Bar on December 21.
Notable Artists and Ensembles
Prominent figures like Roger Humphries with the RH Factor appear at Kingfly Spirits on December 18 and Con Alma on December 26, blending drums, saxophones, and piano. Vocalists such as Chantal Joseph, Grace Elliott, and Benny Benack III perform at venues including Eddie V's and Con Alma. Tributes include a discussion on Tony Williams' Blue Note years at Morgan-Lee Arts Centre on December 13, led by David Throckmorton, and the Adam Lee-Morgan Jazz Orchestra's rendition of Ellington and Strayhorn’s “Nutcracker Suite” at Carnegie Music Hall on December 22.
New Year's Celebrations
The calendar closes the year with New Year's Eve events, including Paul Cosentino's Boilermaker Jazz Band at Con Alma on December 31, offering swing-era sounds amid celebrations. Roger Barbour’s Motown Band plays at Dorothy 6 Cafe, mixing jazz with Motown hits for a lively countdown.
This diverse programming underscores Pittsburgh's enduring commitment to jazz, providing accessible live music experiences for the community.