All that Jazz

The rains came, as they are wont to do at the most inconvenient times this steamy, humid month. But the showers did not bring an end -- just the briefest of intervals -- to last Tuesday's Jazz in Katz Plaza, part of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's JazzLive series. Jazzmeister Nelson Harrison and his combo abandoned the damp, sauna-like atmosphere of the plaza last Tuesday for the air-conditioned comfort of the Backstage Bar at Theater Square, where the talented musicians wove some smooth, cool jazz and evoked its Pittsburgh halcyon days.

Don't know jazz? As Louis Armstrong said, "Man, if you have to ask what it is, you'll never know." Harrison, a true master of this quintessential American musical form, knows the art form not only academically (he holds a doctorate), but also in his very bones. He's written more than 400 pieces, including movie scores and soundtracks, and has played with the likes of the eminent Count Basie Orchestra, Billy Eckstein and Earl "Fatha" Hines, as well as recorded with Walt Harper and Nathan Davis.

"Not bad for an unrehearsed group, eh?" Harrison asked during intermission. Unbelievable understatement. The musicians sounded in peak performance, as if they had played together all their lives. Not so. It was the first night Harrison (on his intricately convoluted, self-designed "trombetta" horn) played with the group, which also included drummer James Johnson III (who toured with Pittsburgh jazz great Ahmad Jamal for years); Jessie Willis, who came in with mellow, expressive vocals; Donna Davis, whose fleet fingers flew across her keyboard; Jeff Grubbs on sonorous bass; and Calvin Pearson, whose bongos provided apt punctuation.

"If I get the right people, I can do that," said Harrison, who played often at the renowned Crawford Grill. "Sheet music can't hold a candle to jazz."

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust offers the two-part and free JazzLive, first in Katz Plaza, from 5-7 p.m. each Tuesday until the end of the month, followed each night by more jazz in the Backstage Bar from 7 until 10. Last Tuesday, the Tim Stevens Project took the second dazzling shift.

And what a trust it is. From nurturing jazz in Pittsburgh, which contributed much to the genre, including favorite sons Ahmad Jamal and Errol Garner, to enhancing Downtown as a bustling cultural destination, the Cultural Trust deserves some plaudits of its own. Janis Burley Wilson, vice president for education and programs for the Trust, takes her mission seriously, not only planning an entertaining schedule of summer events but also ensuring her darling young daughters, Margaux and Liza, hear and know the best of Pittsburgh jazz.

Also on hand were folks like Maria Scherin and Jeff Bretton, as well as Vernon Morgan; Teri Dawne; Teresa Hayward; and Mischelle McMillan. Fanfare also spotted Ron Protz; John Loverti; and Nellie Curran and Dick Rhoton in the Backstage Bar. Lynne Figgins walked over after work to hear the group. Mary Davis proudly watched her daughter's keyboard talent. Bill Harrison reminisced about his and his brother Nelson's days at Westinghouse High School, which he noted fostered a flock of talented jazz and classical musicians.

Also spotted: Diane Zupi and Andrew Forrest; and Lorene and Denis Vinski as well as Carolyn Mozlack; Nancy Lee Cochran; Karen Miller; Bonnie Trucco; and David Douthett. Other jazz connoisseurs included Rita Wilson; Kathleen Morris; Donna Perkins; Bert McConomy; Ruth Mozzy; Heidi Mashiska; Tom Mozzy; Leslie Goodman; and the dapper Demetrius Hammett.

-- Sandra Donovan

In the Pink

Pink, rose, fuchsia -- plenty of folks commemorated the theme of VIPink Tuesday by wearing a shade of this warm color that symbolizes good health at the chic and intelligently designed "smart house" of Steve Herforth and Peter Karlovich on Mt. Washington. The generous duo opened their doors for this prelude to October's Hot Pink Pittsburgh, Adagio Health's annual fundraiser to provide breast and cervical cancer screenings for uninsured women in our region.

Tim Wiebe, who won a party at the smart house at a fundraiser last year, donated the prize back to Hot Pink Pittsburgh. He was joined by better half Cathy and children Todd and Heather Edmunds; Jennifer Wiebe; and Craig Edmunds.

Co-chairs Ernie and Janice Meade and Judy and John Woffington admired the stunning city skyline from the patio. Around 110 guests gathered to hear our own Billy Hartung, of "Chicago" and stage fame, croon under the party room's stage lights and glittering disco ball. Talullah's of Etna provided delish bites and divine desserts and Mt. Lebanon Floral the gorgeous hot pink rose topiary on the buffet table.

Also mingling were Adagio Health CEO Rick Baird with Deanna; Christa Fleck; Holly Shields; Jim Schrott; Jennifer Lovitt; and Mary Ann Kominski. On hand, too, were Fred Griffin; Eleanor Schano Feeney; Georgia Berner with James Farber; Dr. Audrey Zelkovic; Andrew and Sharon Stockey; Jeremy Burnworth; and Lynne Federle.

-- Sandra Donovan

A Dog's Life

What better way for animal lovers to spend one of the dog days of summer than grazing the fine restaurants of Station Square, scouting adorable animals and contributing to the worthy Western Pennsylvania Humane Society? About 400 folks decided there was no better way Wednesday, and thronged Sample of Station Square to raise around $15,000 for HS efforts to better the lives of local animals. Canines from the society's facility on leashes attracted prospective owners on the closed main street through the complex. Meanwhile, smart felines were inside the mall, beating the heat.

Volunteers Sean Gray as well as Gail Gloeckl with John Hartner were on hand to give a boost to the HS, headed by able executive director Lee Nesler. Mark and Amy Benedetti cuddled miniature pinscher-Chihuahua mix Mary, while friends Lauren Bodnar and Amanda Short scouted prospective pets for Amanda.

Tony and Elisa Colio and their children, Raymond and Beatriz, along with relatives Rafael and Rafaela Rodriguez and their children, Juan and Rafael, enjoyed browsing the participating restaurants, which included Bar Louie/Red Star; Buca di Beppo; Buckhead Saloon; Hard Rock Cafe; Houlihan's; Joe's Crab Shack; Starbucks Coffee; Subway; and the Melting Pot. Guests later adjourned to the Gateway Clipper's Party Liner for a mouth-watering dessert buffet. Bag auction items also were available for perusal.

Also spotted Mary Lynn Gimigliano, Michele Bamburak, Denise Holland and Patti Weigold; Erica Guydosh and Doug Kolson; Jennifer Sweet with Gary Marino; Sharon Roberts and Winnie Watefka; and former Californians Diane Garcia and Tony Marasano.

-- Sandra Donovan

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