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People in Western Pennsylvania can ring in 2025 with jazz legend Roger Humphries.
The Pittsburgh jazz icon will present “Roger Humphries Celebrates the Music of Ray Charles” with his big band and vocalists from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 at the Byham Theater in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Humphries and his bandmates will bring to life the original arrangements from Charles’ big band book — Humphries was a drummer for Charles in the late 1960s — featuring blues, jazz, rhythm and blues and gospel.
“It’s the perfect time to bring joy and laughter to people on New Year’s Eve,” said Humphries, 80, of Pittsburgh’s North Side. “Music is a universal language and music is what keeps me going and will keep me going into the new year.”
In October, East Jefferson Street on the North Side was renamed Roger Humphries Way. Humphries said that is truly an honor because the North Side is the neighborhood where he grew up.
“I don’t think of my legacy,” he said. “I just keep doing what I love to do and what I love to do is music.”
Local rapper Frzy will headline the evening, performing songs such as “Gold In It” and his hit radio single, “You ain’t got no money” as well as some new tunes from the Highmark Stage at 10:45 p.m. until after midnight.
Courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Headlining the 31st annual Highmark First Night Pittsburgh will be Frzy.
Humphries’ and Fryz’s performances are two of many throughout the Cultural District for the 31st annual Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2025, a production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. The six-hour, arts-focused community celebration offers free and ticketed events.
“We’re thrilled to welcome visitors to the Cultural District for an incredible showcase of arts and entertainment,” Brooke Horejsi, chief programming and engagement officer for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, said in a statement. “From fireworks to an ice maze, hip hop to jazz, comedy to drag, and so much more, this is a joyous way for our community to ring in 2025.”
Comedians Ed Bailey and Day Bracey, hosts of the Emmy-nominated television show “Ed & Day in The Burgh” will bring “Ed & Day in the ‘Burgh: Epic Comedy on New Year’s Eve” from 10 to 11 p.m. at the Byham Theater. “Kierra Darshell’s Drag Show,” is happening from 7 to 8 p.m. and 10 to 11 p.m. at the Greer Cabaret Theater.
Darshell, the producer and host of Saturday and Sunday drag brunches, as well as Outrageous Bingo and Pittsburgh Leather Contests, has opened for Patti Labelle, Gloria Gaynor, Martha Reeves and Christine Ebersole. Phat Mandee will perform in the lounge before each show.
Courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
An acrobatic troupe from East Africa, Zuzu African Acrobats, which specializes in fast-paced performances that combine traditional African acrobatics, high-energy tumbling, balancing acts, and humor will perform in the James E. Rohr Building, Trust Arts Education Center starting at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 for the 31st annual Highmark First Night Pittsburgh.
An acrobatic troupe from East Africa, Zuzu African Acrobats, which combines traditional African acrobatics, high-energy tumbling, balancing acts and humor will perform in the James E. Rohr Building, Trust Arts Education Center starting at 6:30 p.m. The Alumni Theater Company will blend original songs and spoken word moments as 2024 ends. The performances will also be in the James E. Rohr Building, Trust Arts Education Center beginning at 7 p.m.
Liberty Magic is hosting “Luis Carreon: A Glimpse of The Beast,” a one-man magic show, which highlights his Latin heritage through off-the-wall comedy to share his real-life experiences, poking fun at stereotypes, cultural differences, and himself. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
Courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Liberty Magic is hosting “Luis Carreon: A Glimpse of The Beast,” a one-man magic show for the 31st annual Highmark First Night Pittsburgh on Dec. 31, 2024.
There will be a Highmark Holiday Block Party and AHN Family Zone with hands-on activities and family-friendly fun at the corner of Penn Avenue and 7th Street across from the Benedum Center. CitiParks will add a story set for kids.
The annual New Year’s Eve parade kicks off between 8 and 8:30 p.m. The route begins at Penn Avenue between the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and 6th Street.
Ice Maze by Ice Creations is a maze that encompasses 30 by 40 feet of the Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard. It will feature carved symbols representing different areas in Pennsylvania, ending at an ice throne for photos. Nearby will be a spot to race LEGO cars down an ice luge racetrack.
The Dollar Bank Children’s Fireworks are at 6 p.m. at Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street. There will also be a performance by this year’s GBU Life sing-off competition winner followed by a Family Rave with disc jockey Todd Griffin.
The evening culminates with the tradition of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball, which will rise nearly 75 feet to its pinnacle position as fireworks fill the sky as the song “Auld Lang Syne” is played.
There is a VIP experience in the O’Reilly Theater lobby. A freeze pass will allow people access to the front of the line at Ice Maze.
For the full lineup and ticketed events visit TrustArts.org.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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