Sewickley Jazz Series Returns Friday

SEWICKLEY — Sweetwater Center for the Arts believes people are ready to get back out on the town and experience live music, with some distance.

So the Sewickley facility has geared up its Summer Sweet Jazz Music Series, which is set to begin Friday with a free outdoor show.

Pittsburgh’s esteemed jazz drummer Roger Humphries and his quartet, the RH Factor, will play classic jazz under the gazebo at Riverfront Park in Sewickley.

Attendees to the 7 p.m. concert are encouraged to take lawn chairs, blankets, personal refreshments or snacks. Social distancing of six feet will be required and enforced by Sweetwater staff and volunteers.

Riverfront Park capacity is limited to 200 people, and once full, continued entry will be prohibited.

The rest of the Summer Sweet Jazz Series shows will take place Thursday nights in July as ticketed events inside the Sweetwater arts center. To maintain the recommended social distance, concertgoers may purchase a table to share with friends or family. Tables are limited and will be separated with adequate space between each. Complimentary drinks will be served tableside, as well as snacks at intermission from Sewickley restaurant 424 Walnut.

Those shows last from 7 to 9 p.m., with tickets costing $100 per table, seating from one to four people.

The schedule:

– July 2, the Boilermaker Jazz Band.

– July 9, Fusion Street Band, starring jazz and blues vocalist, songwriter and recording artist Jessica Lee and acclaimed Pittsburgh guitarist Mark Strickland.

– July 16, Noel Quintana, also known as Mr. Conga, and his band, the Latin Crew.

– July 23, Tania and Jeff Grubbs Quartet.

– July 30, the Aaron Lewinter Trio.