Proud of Our Successes!
The Jazz Workshop, Inc. (JWI) has a rich history of success stories and is one of the pioneers of outdoor music concerts in the Pittsburgh area. These concerts play a crucial role in fostering community spirit. Over the years, we've cultivated a dedicated following of jazz and music enthusiasts who eagerly await our live performances, both outdoors and indoors, making our events a cornerstone of cultural engagement in the region.
As a result of dedication to music In Wilkinsburg, PA, in 2020, Harold Young Parklet was proclaimed, by the State Senator at the time, who is now Mayor of Pittsburgh, Ed Gainey. The parklet is located at 739 Penn Avenue in Wilkinsburg. Two years later, the Mayor of Wilkinsburg, Dontae Comans, proclaimed June 11, 2022 as Harold Wallace Young, Sr. Day in Wilkinsburg.
There are so many students who have never been exposed to live music. Recently, during a concert at the Carnegie Library, a young lady approached the guitarist and asked him the name of his instrument. She appeared to be in her early teens. However, due to lack of exposure, she was simply unaware of the array of instruments. Unfortunately, there are a great number of individuals who do not know the names of musical instruments.
The JWI has had the opportunity to bring notable jazz musicians to Pittsburgh. This includes Sonny Stitt, Joe Henderson, Jon Faddis, Irene Reid, and Sonny Fortune. We have also had the opportunity to feature Richie Cole in concert along with other local jazz greats such as Kenny Blake and Tony Campbell.
There are so many amazing musicians with flourishing careers as musicians who have come through The Jazz Workshop, Inc. For example, a young man started taking guitar lessons at the JWI and is now involved in the music business in Los Angeles, helping to make music for Netflix.
A young girl with autism spectrum took voice and piano lessons for years, and it was amazing to see her blossom artistically and socioemotionally, as a result.
There is a young lady who states that Mr. Young gave her a trumpet when she was in high school and she was, therefore, able to learn to play and participate in the marching band.
