By Ellen Paul

The Woods Run Branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will welcome author and historian John M. Brewer Jr. at noon on Saturday, February 1 to talk about his book “Pittsburgh Jazz.”

Brewer’s book documents the almost forgotten magic created in the city of Pittsburgh by a host of musical artists, as well as the uptown inner city streets and jazz joints that served as venues for delightful and often improvised songs. Brewer will discuss the history of the African-American culture in Pittsburgh and discuss how that history helped create a type of jazz that went on to influence musicians all over the country. Jazz music and refreshments start at noon and the lecture starts at 12:30.

Brewer is a historian and consultant for the Pittsburgh Courier archive project, consultant for the Carnegie Museum of Art’s Charles “Teenie” Harris photograph project, and the curator and founder of the Trolley Station Oral History Center in Pittsburgh.

Mr. Brewer’s lecture kicks off African American History month at CLP – Woods Run. Check the website www.carnegielibrary.org for other great events.

This event is free and open to the public. The Woods Run Branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is located at 1201 Woods Run Ave, Pittsburgh 15212. Free parking is conveniently located next to the building. People with questions can contact CLP – Woods Run at 412-761-3730.