New York City jazz musician Jon Irabagon was in the process of stringing together dates for an April 2021 tour with a brand-new ensemble when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Luckily for him, as he was setting up potential touring dates, he also heard about the Jazz Road Tours grant program from Atlanta nonprofit South Arts.

Now, armed with a $14,000 grant, Irabagon is planning a six-date tour that will include a stop at City of Asylum’s Alphabet City on Pittsburgh’s North Side.

“A lot of (musician) friends are in precarious situations,” Irabagon said, “so we’re just hoping that in the spring, we’ll be able to tour.”

While the dates and details of the funded tours are subject to change depending on health and safety conditions in the spring, they represent a solid commitment and dedicated plan between the artists and venues to bring jazz to their communities, according to Sara Donnelly, director for South Arts’ Jazz Road program.

“The past eight months have been exceptionally challenging for jazz artists,” Donnelly said. “We’re optimistic that some artists are proactively laying the groundwork to share their work with audiences in person soon.”

“Exceptionally challenging” is a very appropriate way to describe the regional jazz scene since March, according to Pittsburgh jazz drummer Roger Humphries.

“I had just a few gigs,” Humphries said. “Things have been terrible. For me, music takes me to a peaceful place. It really starts to get to you when you can’t get out there, create and make music.”

Jazz artists can apply for the grants on a rolling basis, and Humphries said it’s encouraging to see groups like South Arts willing to help promote the music.

“It would be great to have somebody help sponsor the band,” he said.

The feeling was similar for Irabagon, who is planning to take some time between now and April to write fresh music for his new quartet.

“Getting the grant has really been a mental mind-saver,” he said. “I can sit down and know that I’m able to focus on writing music.”

Donnelly said that’s precisely the nonprofit’s aim.

“Artists, as soon as you are able to safely begin planning tours, we are here to support your work and help make your gigs financially feasible,” she said. “There is no need to rush applications for this program, and submissions will be open until at least 2022.”

Irabagon said that not only is he excited to perform for live crowds again, but particularly to do it at City of Asylum’s Alphabet City here in Pittsburgh.

“I have many, many friends from the New York area who’ve toured through there and had nothing but great things to say about playing there,” he said. “It’s kind of a beacon of light, really, as you get farther from New York City. Everyone I’ve talked to said it’s one of the best venues in America right now.”

For more on South Arts and the Jazz Road Tours grant recipients, see SouthArts.org.

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