Spirit on the Hill was established in recognition of the need for a jazz ensemble that would present music that, while of limited commercial appeal, has significant artistic and cultural value. Pittsburgh is known throughout the world for its contribution to the jazz tradition. The Spirit on the Hill jazz ensemble seeks to continue this legacy and, in doing so, to be a “creative presence” in the community.

Kenan Foley is a jazz drummer and educator who has been a contributor to the Pittsburgh jazz scene for more than twenty years. Known as a tasteful and swinging drummer, Foley has performed with many of the local jazz greats including: Jerry Betters, Sandy Dowe, Shawnee Lake, Hosea Taylor, Harold Young, Roger Barbour, J. Spencer Bey, John Hughes,
Hon. Warren Watson, Eric Johnson, Mobutu, Marcus Kelly, Gerry Elliott, Gerald “Shotgun” Heymon, Horace Turner, “Duke” Spaulding, Art Nance, Dr. Nelson Harrison, Dan Wasson, Dr. James and Pam Johnson, Howie Alexander, Mark Strickland, Lovey Green, Tim Jenkins, P. J. Oh, and Paul Thompson to name a few. As a member of the Mike Taylor Trio, Foley was the house drummer at the legendary Crawford Grill and he enjoyed a monthly residency at the Black Beauty Lounge as a member of the Kenny Fisher Quartet.

Foley holds a PhD in ethnomusicology from the University of Pittsburgh where he studied with Prof. J.H. Kwabena Nketia and Dr. Nathan Davis. His research centers on aesthetics, performance practice, the problem of meaning, and the cognitive basis of African-derived music with particular focus on the music of oral traditions. He is active as a performer, scholar, educator, and community arts programmer. He currently teaches at Carlow University, The City Music Center of Duquense University, and The Afro-American Music Institute and is a board member of The African American Jazz Preservation Society of Pittsburgh, Inc.