2026 World of Jazz: The Council's 95th Anniversary Soiree

October 9, 2026 @ 5:30PM — 10:30PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar

The Duquesne Club: 325 Sixth Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Get Directions

2026 World of Jazz: The Council's 95th Anniversary Soiree image

Sip your drink, tap your feet, and place some bids for a good cause

Come Meet the Brass

Join the World Affairs Council as we celebrate 95 years of creating a world with you, right here in Pittsburgh, where we have connected as a community, considered global perspectives, and inspired each other to make a local impact. As we near the century mark, you can support the future of that work while simultaneously enjoying an evening of live jazz, a live auction, and live wires from around town. In other words, the best, brightest, and grooviest from across the region will be there to clink glasses with you.

World of Jazz: A note to remember

Wynton Marsalis once referred to jazz as "the perfect metaphor for democracy." Democracy has truly been at the heart of our work this year, so there can be no better soundtrack for the occasion than jazz.

The night's hot licks, blue notes, and swing rhythms will also honor the pivotal place that Pittsburgh's Hill District holds in jazz history. From the legacy of the Crawford Grill to Billy Strayhorn's collaborations with Duke Ellington, "Little Harlem" played a huge role in the global ascension of jazz.

Finally, the Soiree will channel what Herbie Hancock described when he said, "We all want to live in a jazz world where we all work together, improvise together, are not afraid of taking chances and expressing ourselves." Join us in that world for a night and celebrate everything we've accomplished so far, while at the same time, refilling our cups in preparation for the work still to be done.

Where:
The Duquesne Club
325 Sixth Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Gemma Stemley (Flute & Steelpan): Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Gemma Stemley is an accomplished author, poet, flutist, educator, and motivational speaker. Gemma has performed throughout the United States, sharing the vibrant sounds of Caribbean music.

Hendrik Meurkens (Harmonica and Vibraphone): Hendrik Meurkens' career has taken him from Brazil to Germany, then throughout the European continent before his move to New York in 1992. His 30 CDs have received rave reviews and strong airplay, and established his immediately recognizable style of Brazilian Jazz. In 2014 he won the Brazilian International Press Award.

Hugo Alexander Cruz (Drums): A Cuban-born, award winning international drummer, composer, and band leader, Cruz has performed in South Korea, Spain, Mexico, Venezuela, the United States and more. He is the leader of the group Caminos, who fuse rhythms and melodies of Afro-Cuban, Cuban, and American music. They have released two albums: Figure It Out (2026) and Punto de Partida (2022).

Craig Davis (Piano): Davis began piano at age 5, and was mentored in his hometown of Pittsburgh by jazz legend, Roger Humphries. After completing his masters degree in Jazz Arts from Manhattan School of Music, Davis toured with Artie Shaw Orchestra and joined trumpeter Sean Jones’ quintet ‘Mission Statement.’ He debuted as a band leader at “The Kitano” jazz club on Park Avenue in New York. Tony Bennett once referred to Davis as "...the best jazz pianist I've ever heard."

Dwayne Dolphin (Bass): Dolphin plays acoustic bass and bass guitar. After high school, he joined Wynton Marsalis's band. Dwayne has collaborated with Roger Humphries, Sean Jones, and Nancy Wilson, to name a few. Dolphin has lent his musical expertise in many areas including as Adjunct Professor of Jazz at Duquesne University.

Yoko Suzuki (Saxophone): Yoko Suzuki is a saxophonist and jazz historian. She lived and performed in Osaka, Japan and New York City before moving to Pittsburgh in 2006. Through her performance and research, she seeks to bring greater attention to underrecognized musicians and their contributions. She performs with her own trio and with the group led by legendary drummer, Roger Humphries.

Lilly Abreu (Soprano): Abreu has performed as a vocalist with orchestras and jazz ensembles all over the world. She sings with the Pittsburgh Opera and has been in various productions at the Benedum Theater. Abreu recorded her albums BRASILEIRA and BOSS with the Grammy winner string quartet, Cuarteto Latinoamericano.

Jeff Bush (Trombone): Bush has performed with some of the best big bands in jazz including The Count Basie Orchestra, and The Cab Calloway Orchestra, as well as with Harry Connick Jr.'s band. In other genres, he has played with Tom Waits, Christina Aguliera, The Temptations, HBO's The Sopranos, and The New York City Ballet. In 2024 Bush became Music Director of The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.

Eric DeFade (Saxophone): For the past ten years, DeFade has been a featured performer on the internationally broadcast PBS Series, ‘My Music,' playing with Patti Labelle, Isaac Hayes, and Robert Goulet, among others. DeFade has played on two Grammy award winning projects and won an Emmy for his work on the music special, ”Live From Studio A”. In the fall of 2012, Eric was inducted into the Pittsburgh Jazz Hall of Fame.

James Johnson III (Drums): Johnson has played drums since he was five years old. He was mentored by jazz great, Roger Humphries at Pittsburgh’s high school for the creative and performing arts (CAPA). He has performed with jazz masters George Coleman, Benny Golson, and Bob Mintzer. He is Artist in Residence at The University of Pittsburgh and faculty at the Afro American Music Institute.

Eric Susoeff (Guitar): Guitarist and composer Eric Susoeff began his career with Harold Betters at Pittsburgh's Encore in 1976. He has since played with Dizzy Gillespie, Sandy Staley, Kenia, Roger Humphreys, and many more. His founded Latin jazz quintet, Salsamba, who recently released their sixth recording, "Mojito Blues."

Pittsburgh Samba Group (Dance): Brazilian dancer and choreographer, Luciana Brussi, founded The Pittsburgh Samba Group in 2012. With a team of dancers and a spectacular collection of costumes, they bring the vibrant spirit, energy, and beauty of Brazilian and Latin culture to audiences in Pittsburgh and beyond.