Wilkinsburg is a historic borough on Pittsburgh's eastern edge, next door to East Liberty and Homewood, two neighborhoods with deep jazz roots. Its standout music event is a monthly open mic at the Community Forge, where a live band of top Pittsburgh musicians backs every performer. Pittsburgh's jazz, bluegrass and open stages are a few minutes away. This guide covers Wilkinsburg's history, its music scene and venues, and where to find open mics and open jams.
A Brief History of Wilkinsburg
Wilkinsburg grew up along the old Greensburg Pike east of Pittsburgh. It was named for William Wilkins, a Pittsburgh judge, U.S. senator and Secretary of War. The Pennsylvania Railroad's main line brought commuters in the second half of the 1800s, and the borough was incorporated in 1887.
Wilkinsburg became one of Pittsburgh's most prosperous streetcar suburbs. Its many churches earned it the nickname "the Holy City," and for much of the 20th century it was known as a "dry" town where alcohol sales were restricted. Its stately Victorian homes and historic train station reflect that era.
Like many older suburbs, Wilkinsburg faced population loss and economic struggles later in the century. Community groups have led a revival in recent years, including efforts to restore the historic train station and the creation of the Community Forge, a hub for small businesses, education and the arts.
The Wilkinsburg Music Scene
Wilkinsburg sits beside some of Pittsburgh's most important jazz neighborhoods. Pittsburgh produced jazz giants like Billy Strayhorn, Erroll Garner, Ahmad Jamal and Mary Lou Williams, and the East End remains home to a strong community of jazz, R&B and gospel musicians.
That spirit is alive at the Community Forge, whose monthly open mic features a house band led by pianist Howie Alexander and a different special host and theme each month. The open mic has become a showcase for local singers, poets and players. Just over the line in East Liberty, Hotel Indigo hosts Tony Campbell's weekly Jazzsurgery jam.
Popular Live Music Venues In and Near Wilkinsburg
- Community Forge (1256 Franklin Ave.) – A community hub for small businesses, education and the arts, home to a monthly open mic with a live band.
- Hotel Indigo (East Liberty) – Home of Tony Campbell's Saturday afternoon Jazzsurgery jam.
- Kelly Strayhorn Theater (East Liberty) – A performing arts center named for Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn.
- Con Alma (613 Penn Ave., Downtown) – Pittsburgh's flagship jazz club.
- Carnegie One Braddock – A restored Carnegie music hall about 10 minutes southeast.
Open Mics and Open Jams In and Near Wilkinsburg
Wilkinsburg has one of Pittsburgh's most distinctive open mics, and the city's jams are a short drive away. Below are the best options, followed by a schedule.
Before you go: Open mics and jams change hosts, nights and venues often. Always check the venue's or host's website or social media before heading out with your gear.
In Wilkinsburg
- Community Forge Open Mic Night (1256 Franklin Ave.) – Monthly on a Friday, 8:00–11:00 p.m. Sign-up is first come, first served. A live band led by Howie Alexander backs performers; tell the band how you'd like them to support you, or bring a phone with your track. Each month has a different special host and theme. Free, no cover; food available for purchase.
Nearby in Pittsburgh
- Tony Campbell's Jazzsurgery Saturday Afternoon Jam (Hotel Indigo, East Liberty) – Saturday afternoons. Saxophonist Tony Campbell leads a house band with Howie Alexander on piano; instrumentalists and vocalists welcome.
- Smooth Jam at Genuine Pub (Verona) – Tuesdays, with Howie Alexander, John C. Hall and Dennis Garner.
- AcoustiCafe Open Stage at Mr. Smalls (Millvale) – Mondays; check-in from 5:00 p.m.
- Starlite Lounge Bluegrass Jam (Blawnox) – Tuesdays.
- Smallsgrass Bluegrass Jam (Mr. Smalls Cafe, Millvale) – Wednesdays.
Wilkinsburg-Area Open Jam & Open Mic Schedule at a Glance
| Day | Event | Venue | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | AcoustiCafe Open Stage | Mr. Smalls, Millvale | All Styles |
| Tuesday | Smooth Jam | Genuine Pub, Verona | Jazz |
| Tuesday | Bluegrass Jam | Starlite Lounge, Blawnox | Bluegrass |
| Wednesday | Smallsgrass Bluegrass Jam | Mr. Smalls Cafe, Millvale | Bluegrass |
| Friday (monthly) | Open Mic with live band (8 p.m.) | Community Forge, Wilkinsburg | All Styles / R&B / Poetry |
| Saturday | Jazzsurgery Afternoon Jam | Hotel Indigo, East Liberty | Jazz |
Tips for Playing Wilkinsburg's Open Mics and Jams
- Talk to the band. At the Community Forge, a quick word with the band about key and feel makes for a great set.
- Learn some standards. East End jazz jams are led by veteran players; know a few tunes in common keys.
- Use the busway. Pittsburgh's East Busway stops in Wilkinsburg and makes it easy to reach downtown jams.
Helpful Local Resources
- Community Forge (forge.community) – Monthly open mic dates and themes.
- WZUM Jazz Central (wzum.org) – Pittsburgh jazz and jam listings.
- Pittsburgh City Paper (pghcitypaper.com) – Weekly events, including an "Open Stage" category.
