That’s also why Rogelio Douglas Jr., decided to audition for the role of Benny, a worker at Rosario’s Car Service, who dreams of owning his own car business.

“I grew up a young inner- city teen and I considered myself weird because I liked everything from hip-hop to alternative rock and I loved musicals too like ‘Cats’ and ‘Les Miserables.’ I wanted to help bring musical theater to a new generation. That’s what attracted me to the role,” said Douglas, who hails from New York. “I thought of how Benny grew up not knowing his dad too well and I threw myself into the role.”

ROGELIO DOUGLAS JR.

Will we drive cars that float so we can zip above traffic jams? Will you go to school at night and sleep during the day? Do you think there will be cities on the moon or beneath the sea?

And where will you be in the future? What do you imagine you’ll be doing when you grow up? In the new book “Who Will I Be, Lord?” by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by Sean Qualls, a little girl wonders that same thing…

This week I visited Billy’s Gold Door in Homewood, the Miller Street Church of God in Christ in the Hill District, Matrix in Station Square, CJ’s in the Strip District, Shadow Lounge in East Liberty and the Red Onion in the Hill District.

My first stop was at Billy’s Gold Door where everyone came out to hear great music and enjoy delicious food. I have to shout out Webb, Eric and Pooder for always holding it down at the Gold Door.

T. Brown and the ladies at Pharoah’s Night Club in the Strip District.

Jazz jam

CJ’s Restaurant & Lounge presents “The Roger Humphries & RH Factor Jazz Jam Session” at 8 p.m. at 2901-2911 Penn Ave., Strip District. There will be live jazz and fun every Thursday night. Must be 30 years or older and there is a dress code that will be enforced. No tennis shoes, sweats, or athletic gear. For more information, call 412-642-2377.

Friday 19

Music series

Sweetwater Center for the Arts and Clearview Federal Credit Union present The 6th Annual Clearview Federal Credit Union Sweet Jazz Music Series from 7-9 p.m. at 200 Broad St., Sewickley. Every Friday in February Sweetwater will use their series to showcase local talent. This week’s featured entertainer will be Robbie Klein. He performs a mix of classical, Latin, swing, funk and R&B. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 the day of the event for members and $12 in advance and $15 the day of the event for non-members. For more information, call 412-741-4405 or e-mail Abby Balik at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Saturday 20

Brazilian carnaval

The Heinz Endowment, The Multicultural Arts Initiative and The Pittsburgh Foundation present The Nego Gato African Brazilian Band at 8 p.m. at the Union Project, 801 N. Negley Ave., East Liberty. The band features a mix of American jazz styles mixed with a background of traditional African Brazilian rhythms of samba, ijexa, reggae and samba Afro. The cost of admission is $15. For more information, call 412-201-4546 or visit www.negogato.org.

Sunday 21

Sunday night jazz

The Pittsburgh Jazz Society presents The Sunday Night Jazz Concerts from 7-10 p.m. at the Rhythm House Café, 3029 Washington Pike, Bridgeville. The featured entertainer will be The Boilermaker Band and DUQ’s Tony Mowod will be the host. For more information, call 412-221-5010 or visit www.pittsburghjazz.org.

Monday 22

Jam session

AVA Lounge presents a Weekly Live Jazz/Jam Session with The Interval Trio & Friends at 9 p.m. at 126 S. Highland Ave., East Liberty. Every Monday jazz fans can enjoy great music from some of the best musicians. DJ J. Malls will be spinning the vinyl. Must be 21 years or older. There is no cover. For more information, visit www.shadowlounge.net.

Quilt exhibit

Alcoa and the Alcoa Foundation present the Cultural Quilts of Tina Brewer from 6-8 p.m. at the Alcoa Corporate Center, 201 Isabella St., North Shore. This is a special reception, presentation and viewing of quilts that tell the stories of African-American struggles, progress and growth through Brewer’s work. She mixes decorative stitching with the New Pittsburgh Courier’s photos and articles for each decade. Dress is business attire. Reservations are required by Feb. 18. For more information, e-mail Scott Hudson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tuesday 23

JazzLive

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Education & Community Engagement presents JazzLive from 5-11 p.m. at Backstage Bar at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District. Every Tuesday some of Pittsburgh’s most talented jazz musicians will perform. This week’s performer will be James Moore. For more information, call 412-456-6666 or visit www.pgharts.org.

Wednesday 24

Jazz workshop

Jazz Workshop Inc. Family Night presents their Black History Month Music Celebration from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Carnegie Library Homewood Auditorium, 7101 Hamilton Ave., Homewood. This month’s series is dedicated to the many musical treasures that have been lost. This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome. For more information, call 412-244-0480 or 412-731-3080.