Specialties
MCG Jazz's mission is to preserve, present and promote jazz. Through our performances, we strengthen the long time Pittsburgh jazz community and contribute to the overall cultural and artistic diversity of the region. Through our live recordings we reach a national and international audience. Through our educational programs we are able to have students attend the concerts at low or no cost to them, make artists available for master classes and provide opportunities for internships in production and marketing.
Since 1987, MCG Jazz has brought audiences together with jazz artists at its 350 seat music hall in Pittsburgh. Many of these international masters of jazz would headline a list of Jazz's "Needs No Introduction" -- Joe Williams, Billy Taylor, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine, Ray Brown. MCG Jazz Archives now contain over 300 CDs worth of jazz history by those who represent the past, present and future of jazz music. The performance series, one of the oldest in the nation, is an anchor of Pittsburgh cultural and community life.
The jazz artists come to the Guild to perform with an understanding that we're a school. Most leave feeling that they got as much or more from their MCG experience than they gave. They frequently mention "hope" and "the spirit of the place." You will hear what they mean in their recordings. Artists spread the word and encourage others to perform here. Many come back time and again, choosing to record something unique on the MCG Jazz label.
History
Established in 1969.
Manchester Craftsmen's Guild is housed along with its sister organization, Bidwell Training Center, in a 62,000 square foot facility located at 1815 Metropolitan Street on Pittsburgh's North Shore. Designed by architect Tasso Katsalas, a pupil of Frank Lloyd Wright, Manchester Craftsmen's Guild houses visual arts and recording studios, classrooms,galleries, a cafeteria, concert hall and conference rooms designed to showcase the roles of creativity and craftsmanship in learning. Natural light pouring in through windows and skylights, terracotta-toned masonry framing archways and circular portals evoke stylistic influences of indigenous African architecture. The building's sense of warmth permeates the organizations' work with the arts and career education. Handmade objects, furniture,and paintings that adorn public and private spaces create a model environment for education, exhibitions, performances and social gatherings.
Meet the Business Owner: William S.
CEO