The Black Political Empowerment Project's marathon jazz "fun-raiser," featuring some of the city's top talent, takes place at the Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center.

The program promises "scores of musicians and vocalists," but the biggest names include vocalists Michele Bensen and Flo Wilson and trombonists Al Dowe and Nelson Harrison.

Guest celebrity emcees include WTAE's Kevin Stockey, the New Pittsburgh Courier's Debbie Norrel and WRCT DJ Kevin Amos. The event honorary chairman is retired Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch.

The show runs from 5:30 to 11 p.m. in the hotel's Bridges lounge. The Wyndham is located at 100 Lytton Ave., in Oakland.

Tickets are $30-35. Proceeds benefit the long-running community group.

B-PEP was founded in 1986, largely to encourage voting in the African-American community. The group's chief executive officer, Tim Stevens, is an outspoken advocate on social-justice issues. (He is also, of course, a jazz vocalist himself.)

More information is available on the group's web site, or at [email protected] and 412-758-7898.