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America's music, jazz, is a true "fusion" of different ethnic and cultural elements. In the mid 1930s, when Jazz was America's popular music, American society was still extremely segregated. But when clarinetist Benny Goodman hired pianist Teddy Wilson in the spring of 1936, and then hired vibraphonist Lionel Hampton and guitarist Charlie Christian shortly thereafter, America's music would never sound or look the same. We'll musically trace the integration and innovation that took place on America's bandstand in the mid/late 1930s.

About the Artist

A graduate of the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Thomas Wendt has been a professional musician since the age of 14. Based in Pittsburgh, Thomas is an active member of the current jazz scene playing with groups led by Joe Negri, Dwayne Dolphin, Mark Strickland, Kenia and the Latin Jazz group Salsamba, in addition to leading his own groups including the sextet, Firm Roots. He is also a member of the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra. Thomas has played with many visiting international jazz greats including Clark Terry, Donald Byrd, David “Fathead” Newman, Benny Golson, Monty Alexander, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Christian McBride, Curtis Lundy, and Geri Allen. During the last five years, Thomas has toured with NEA Jazz Master Hubert Laws and also played with pianist Alan Broadbent for the Nyack, NY library jazz series. He has recorded with Gene Ludwig, Sandy Staley, Maureen Budway, Steve Davis and Jay Ashby, Joe Negri, David Budway, Ron Affif, Freddy Cole and Sean Jones (with the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra), Gloria Reuben and Brazilian vocalist, Kenia. Thomas has been on the faculty of the Afro-American Music Institute since 1998, and Duquesne University since 2015 where he teaches drums, chamber jazz ensemble and jazz history.

Updated March 29, 2022: Proof of vaccination and masking is not required for this event. This decision was made in response to low positivity levels in Allegheny County. We will continually monitor CDC, state and local health requirements and adjust as necessary. Individual touring productions may have their own health and safety requirements. Updates will be noted on individual event pages and in pre-show emails, if applicable.