(run-time 90 minutes)*Please note the 6:00 PM start time*

Join us for an evening of original jazz broadcasted live from the Alphabet City stage with The Off Minor Jazz Series. Sans a live audience, you can still give the band your energy by clicking the free registration button!

In the early 1950's, The Modern Jazz Quartet was on the cutting edge of American musical innovation as they were one of the primary groups involved in the fusing of European classical music and American Jazz music known as Third Stream music. In addition, they introduced the classical concert world to Jazz in earnest. As Black Americans, they also integrated the American concert stage paving the way for greater appreciation of American music in that world.

The Modern Jazz Quartet was founded in 1952 when pianist John Lewis, bassist Ray Brown, drummer Kenny Clarke and vibraphonist Milt Jackson came together to explore the possibilities of merging European classical music with American Jazz. Under Lewis' direction, they used fugal counterpoint along with the Blues and BeBop and found themselves at the forefront of a new musical expression - Third Stream. In addition, this group introduced Jazz to the symphonic concert audience and helped to pave the way for Jazz to be accepted and respected in the concert hall.

The Concord Jazz Quartet is made up of musicians from Pittsburgh's Jazz scene as well as from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

The Off-Minor Jazz series are thematic concerts performed at City of Asylum @ Alphabet City.  The series highlights the music of legendary jazz composers and players, and represents a style rarely played in commercial venues. Curated by drummer Thomas Wendt, the series features specialized musicians for each concert.

Off Minor Jazz Series Live from Alphabet City: Fusing Genres & Breaking Barriers; The Modern Jazz Quartet Ft. The Concord Jazz Quartet