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

Early Bird ticket prices end on September 4th! Purchase your tickets today!

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.

When:
Friday, October 9, 2026
5:30 PM | VIP Reception
6:30 PM | General Admission Reception
7:15 PM | Dinner, Entertainment, and Live Auction
8:45 PM | After Party
10:30 PM | That's a Wrap!

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

What to expect:

• Jazz from around the world with cats from around the way
• Dinner and drinks to send you
• A high energy, live auction with lots to make your paddle twitch
• Photo moments that give heat, groove, and get down
• VIPs will enjoy an exclusive reception, valet parking, and more

Tickets:

VIP ADMISSION: $270 (early bird discount price)
GENERAL ADMISSION: $135 (early bird discount price)
VIP Table (10 tickets): $2,700

Early bird pricing for VIP and General Admission single tickets ends on September 4th. Special VIP Table pricing available up until the event.

Wondering what a Soiree with the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh is like? Watch our Radiating Rhythms Soiree recap video to find out.

Presented in partnership with: MCG Jazz and the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival.

Thank you to our sponsors