By Justin Criado

The second Steeltown Jazz Storytellers performance will be this Saturday, March 21 at James Street Gastropub & Speakeasy on 422 Foreland Street in Historic Deutschtown.

This month’s show will celebrate the music of Pittsburgh jazz legend Billy Eckstine with local jazz musicians Tim Stevens (vocals), Roger Humphries (drums), Tony Campbell (saxophone), Howie Alexander (keyboards), Joe Badaczewski (trumpet), Ron Horton (trumpet), Lou Stellute (saxophone), Bobby Jones Jr. (saxophone) and Eva Lintz (bass) as panelists and performers, according to a press release.

This new monthly series, hosted by the “Voice of Jazz in Pittsburgh,” Mr. Bob Studebaker, is dedicated to promoting the amazingly rich community of jazz in Pittsburgh, while working to ensure its future as one of Pittsburgh’s greatest cultural assets.

The event will be on the second floor ballroom and doors will open at 6:45 p.n. Ticketholders are encouraged to come early to enjoy delicious food, signature cocktails and beverages available for purchase from the full bar menu.

At 8 p.m., Steeltown Jazz Storytellers will begin with an incredible video production of Billy Eckstine –Steel City Grooves: Celebrating Western Pennsylvania Jazz; presented by the Senator John Heinz History Center Volunteer Ambassador Program in collaboration with the California University of Pennsylvania Music Department. Following the video, a panel of incredible jazz artists, led by Studebaker, will discuss their memories and experiences of jazz in Pittsburgh. Attendees will have the incredible opportunity to hear firsthand stories from their favorite local musicians, as well as ask the panelists questions of their own. Following the panel discussion, the panelists will perform a two-hour set.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Steeltown Jazz website. Advance tickets for Steeltown Jazz Storytellers are $50 for VIP, which is seating directly in front of the stage, and $35 for general admission. Tickets will increase $10 at the door. Only 24 VIP tickets and 56 general admission tickets are available for each performance.