A shared musical practice — developing artists, serving the community, and keeping live jazz alive as a cultural heritage in Pittsburgh.
The music comes first.
Jazzmania Live was founded by Arthur Ray Crivella to create something Pittsburgh was missing: a jazz ensemble built around growth, not status. We bring together developing and experienced musicians and vocalists who share a commitment to live performance, serious musicianship, and giving back to the city that raised them.
Jazzmania is not a commercial organization. It exists to do the work, not to profit from it. Out-of-pocket expenses are covered; anything that remains is shared equitably among participants. There are no investors, no revenue targets, and no commercial agenda. The music comes first.
Learn More About Jazzmania"Jazzmania exists to develop and sustain live musical performance as a cultural heritage in Pittsburgh — by creating the conditions in which artists at every stage of their development can grow, and in which every member of the community can experience live music as something accessible, welcoming, and genuinely theirs."
The Encore is a virtual performance venue — one that doesn't live at a fixed address. It travels to wherever live jazz is needed, sets up its stage, and streams every show to the world. Its identity is built on the quality of performance and the values behind it, not on any building or room.
Visit The Encore ↗Two flagship seasonal homes in 2026: Elks Lodge #339 in winter/spring, The Cascades at South Park in summer. The venue may change — the music doesn't.
Cafés, galleries, community halls, outdoor courtyards — The Encore brings live jazz to spaces across Pittsburgh that wouldn't typically host a performance.
Every show streams free at theencorepittsburgh.com. Not a recording — a live experience for Pittsburgh and the world, always accessible, always family-friendly.
Jazzmania is always looking for serious musicians and vocalists who want to grow their craft in a collaborative, non-commercial ensemble. No auditions based on status. No hierarchy. Just real music and real growth.
Whether you are a developing artist building your live performance skills, or an experienced musician looking to sharpen your craft alongside others who share your commitment — there is a place for you here.
Find Out How to JoinWe hold a special commitment to audiences who are underserved, disadvantaged, or experiencing social isolation and loneliness. Live music is one of the most direct paths to human connection.
Every show is family-friendly and affordably priced. The experience of live music should not be gated by income, age, or circumstance.
Each performance is an act of cultural stewardship. We cultivate the love of live music that will sustain jazz as part of Pittsburgh's identity for generations to come.