The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (8/14 – 8/17)

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by Michael “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh, August 14 through 17. This week you can go underground with the Underground Arts or go Underneath the Lintel, with lots of other stops in between.

 

Get Under

Brace yourself for some Day Bracey and “Underground Arts – National Comedy on a Local Scene” It will feature five funny men standing up telling jokes, including Terry Jones (of the YouTube sensation “Jello Pudding,” the tall, dark and hilarious John Dick Winters (emphasis on dark), James J. Hamilton, Harry Gilliand and hosted by Mr. Day Bracey himself!  There will also be music by Stationary Pebbles.  The Underground Arts event is above ground Saturday, August 16, at Club Café, 56 S. 12th Street (right off Carson Street in the South Side), Pittsburgh, PA 15203.  For more information, call 412-431-4950 or visit their Facebook page.

 

Caped Crusaders

The South Side will be hopping August 16th. There is also the Superhero Bar Crawl. The Heroes and Villains will gather at the Hofbrahaus for dinner. It’s like the Hall of Justice, but with food! Then, the caped crusaders will venture forth on East Carson Street drinking beers.  Grab a mask and a cape and join the fun! It’s strictly heroes and villains, no Doctor Who or Anime cosplay allowed.  Go up, up and away to the Southside Works. More information HERE.

 

Heart Emojis and lotsa LOLs

Love goes modern in “Virtually Yours: A Comedic Road Trip for the New Millennium.”  Mash up a 1930s romantic comedy with the reality TV craze and you’ll get “Virtually Yours.”  Local writer and performer Chuck Lanigan brings his madcap show to the Cabaret at Theater Square, Saturday August 16 at 10 pm.  The Cabaret at Theater Square is located at 655 Penn Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh.  For more information call 412-456-6666 or go to http://www.trustarts.org/visit/facilities/cabaret/

 

 

Middle Men

The Summer Reading series is on at 12 Peers. Up next, “The Middle Distance” by Sam Havens.  Ernie and A.J. hang out in lawn chairs on the campus of their old community college. Neither has figured out what to do with his life, so the guys while away the time dreaming up dubious schemes that range from heading for Alaska to creative ways of committing suicide. Then, the mysterious Peter comes along on a bicycle.  For more information, visit the 12 Peers website.

 

 

Under There!

It’s back. Glen Berger’s ‘existential detective story,’ “Underneath the Lintel” is down at Off The Wall Theater. If you missed it back when 12 Peers ran it at Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater earlier this year, you have another chance to see this amazing show.  Go “Underneath the Lintel” at Off the Wall Theater, 25 W. Main Street, Carnegie.  For more information, call 724-873-3576 or click http://www.insideoffthewall.com/

 

-MB.

 

 

Phipps for Foodies: Garden-to-Plate Dinner to feature local summer bounty

 

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Pittsburgh, Pa. — On Sept. 7, 2014, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will celebrate the bounty of field, farm and garden with a savory, multi-course feast served against the beautiful backdrop of its flower-filled glasshouse. This unforgettable Sunday garden party, featuring locally sourced fare, select wines and special entertainment will not only allow guests to savor the fresh flavors of a vibrant Garden to Plate Dinner, but also revel in the warm spirit of community and the company of friends.

   The Garden to Plate Dinner — with Diane Holder as event chair and Theodora Polamalu and Ryan B. Martin and Dr. Maureen Russell as honorary event co-chairs — will commence at 6:30 p.m. with a V.I.P. Reception for benefactors complete with fine wines and delectable hors d’oeuvres. At 7:30 p.m., all other guests will join the party for the Garden to Plate Dinner and enjoy select wines, the multi-course feast and live entertainment. Valet parking is available and attire is garden party.

   Tickets for the Garden to Plate Dinner can be purchased through Aug. 31 at phipps.conservatory.org, by phone at 412/651-5281, or via email at reservations@phipps.conservatory.org. Benefactor tickets cost $200 per person and include the V.I.P. Reception at 6:30 p.m. and Garden to Plate Dinner at 7:30 p.m. Patron tickets cost $175 per person and include the Garden to Plate Dinner at 7:30 p.m. Host committee tickets and sponsorship packages are also available. For event questions, contact Rachel Kernic at 412/622-6915, ext. 6404. For ticketing questions, call Cherise Clark at 412/622-6915, ext. 3966. Learn more at phipps.conservatory.org.

About Phipps: Founded in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pa. is a green leader among public gardens with a mission to inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse. Learn more: phipps.conservatory.org.

 

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (8/7 – 8/10)

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by Michael “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

 

Here are the Top Five Things To Do in Pittsburgh this weekend, August 7 through 10.

 

Magic Myq

The Last Comic Standing finalist Mike (Myq) Kaplan will be yukking it up down at the Arcade Comedy Theater, Wednesday, August 6th.  The small, dork and handsome comedian (hey, it’s the name of his one hour special on Netflix) will start your weekend off with laughs.  Arcade Comedy Theater is located at 811 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh.  For more information, go to http://www.showclix.com/event/3858747

 

Empiric Evidence

Continuum Dance Theater and Founding Artistic Director Sarah Parker is ready to dance at the 2014 World Premier of EMPIRE. Featuring Continuum Dance Theater 2014-2015 Company and guest artist LaMar Williams.  They’ll be whirling about over at the Off the Wall Theatre, 25 West Main Street, Carnegie, PA 15106.  For more information, go to http://www.showclix.com/event/3859402

 

Here’s the thing…

There’s an immersive theatrical experience over at Modern Formations Gallery August 8 through 10 with “Her Things: An Interactive Estate Sale.”  Search for clues among 100 touchable artifacts; interact with performers, both gracious and intimidating. The clever and the brave will be rewarded with the solution to a mystery!  This wacky show sold out in March, so now’s your chance to go to this crazy, innovative show.  You will find “Her Things” over at Modern Formations Gallery, 4919 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh.  For more information, go to http://www.uncumbertheatrics.com/

 

Today and Tamara

Quantum Theatre opens their season with John Krizanc’s “Tamara.” It’s another interactive, immersive theater event, where patrons get to follow along with their character of choice. Stalking as a theatrical event. Fun!  The action takes place at Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh.  For more information, call 412-362-1713 or click https://quantum-tamara.squarespace.com/

 

Cover the Exits

Three strangers are brought together unaware that they’ll be spending a lot of time together. Eternity! Go see Jean-Paul Sartre’s classic existential tale about the afterlife, “No Exit.”  You can enter “No Exit” by going to Schenley Park, Panther Hollow Road, Pittsburgh. Look for the bubble on Flagstaff Hill.  For additional details, call 502-263-3326 or go to http://bubblepgh.com

 

-MB.

 

 

City Theatre presents THE PAJAMA MEN

 

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PITTSBURGH, PA—August 4, 2014—City Theatre wraps up August with the Pittsburgh debut of award-winning sketch comedians The Pajama Men, performing their brand new show Just the Two of Each of Us. This City Events special presentation will run on City Theatre’s Mainstage  August 27 – September 7, 2014. Press night is Thursday, August 28 at 8pm.

Critically-acclaimed comedy duo The Pajama Men bring their trademark style of blink-of-an-eye character switches and sidesplitting humor to Pittsburgh! Originally from Albuquerque, the sketch comedians and masters of improv have become stars of the international comedy circuit, earning five stars from the London Times and comparisons to comic luminaries including Abbott and Costello, Monty Python, and “South Park.”

“Without elaborate costumes or props, The Pajama Men produce a riotous, theatrical evening of smart comedy—the kind that makes you laugh so hard it hurts,” says Tracy Brigden, City Theatre’s Artistic Director. “Expect fast-paced physical comedy and outlandish characters that you won’t find watching stand-up at a club. It is truly something you have never seen before. These guys take hilarity to new heights.”

The Pajama Men are Shenoah Allen and Mark Chavez. The duo met in high school in the early 1990s in Albuquerque, auditioning for the high school improv team. It was at a time when having three side-by-side mohawks seemed like a good idea to Shenoah, and Mark was annually being voted class clown. They were teenagers. They didn’t know where they were headed, but they found, in each other, a vast ocean of bizarre, imaginary worlds that they chose to live in. The immeasurable blandness of their suburban surroundings became a blank canvas, and they spent their time talking in ridiculous voices to each other, absentmindedly creating long soap operas between characters that they spent more time inhabiting than they did being their “normal” selves. Eventually the lack of creative influences in the vicinity allowed, for better or worse, their unique comic voice to emerge in the form of partially-improvised, multi-character, narrative-sketch comedy shows. They have since written nine shows together and toured them to theatres and festivals around the world, receiving awards and acclaim, including “Double Act of the Year” by the London Times.

 

CITY THEATRE PRESENTS

 

The Pajama Men

Just the Two of Each of Us

Created and performed by Shenoah Allen and Mark Chavez

 

When: August 27 – September 7, 2014

PRESS / OPENING NIGHT

Thursday, August 28 at 8pm

 

Performance Schedule

Wednesdays at 7pm

Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm

Saturdays at 5:30 and 8pm

Sundays at 2pm

Where: City Theatre, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (South Side)

Tickets: $35 to $40

Run time: approximately 70 minutes

 

Contains some suggestive content suitable for mature audiences.

 

Box Office: 412.431.CITY (2489) or citytheatrecompany.org

Audiences under 30 may reserve $15 tickets in advance for all performances except Fridays 8pm and Saturdays 5:30pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, rush tickets are available two hours prior to show time and based on availability.

Seniors age 62 and older may purchase $22 rush tickets at the Box Office beginning two hours before show time. Based on availability.

City Theatre season subscribers are eligible for $25 tickets by phone only at 412.431.2489.

Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts.  Call Kari at 412.431.4400 x286.

City Events is City Theatre’s annual series of limited engagement special presentations.

 

City Theatre is now in its 40th anniversary season. Located on Pittsburgh’s historic South Side, City Theatre specializes in new plays, commissioning and producing work by playwrights including Daniel Beaty, Jessica Dickey, Christopher Durang, Michael Hollinger, Willy Holtzman, Tarell McCraney, and Theresa Rebeck. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Tracy Brigden, Managing Director Mark R. Power, and a 45-member Board of Directors, City Theatre’s mission is to provide an artistic home for the development and production of contemporary plays of substance and ideas that engage and challenge a diverse audience.  CityTheatreCompany.org

 

AS YOU LIKE IT marks 10th anniversary of free Shakespeare in city parks

 

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Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks marks its 10th season of presenting free Shakespeare plays in city parks by reprising its inaugural 2005 production  of “As You Like It,” one of the Bard’s finest comedies which takes place in the ‘Forest of Arden’ and deals with the familiar themes of gender-disguising and mistaken identities. Free performances run Saturday and Sunday afternoons, Sept. 6-28.

Directed by local favorite Lisa Ann Goldsmith and featuring PSIP Artistic Director Jennifer Tober as the spunky female protagonist “Rosalind,” PSIP’s 10th anniversary offering will present the First Folio, using Shakespeare’s original language.  PSIP promotes its own unique brand of engaging, physical classical theater outdoors in public parks, using no set except the natural environs.

“What PSIP offers our audience is so different from what we think of as ‘typical’ theater – we use the grass, trees, woods – and bring the text to life in an exciting way, often right up in the audience’s face,” Tober says. “Our style is vibrant and our language understandable; we make Shakespeare accessible to those brand new to the Bard (even tiny children) as well as seasoned theatre-goers.”

Tober, a New York transplant, started the company upon arriving in 2005.  The inaugural production of “As You Like It” ran for two weekends in Frick Park in November, right before Thanksgiving.  One show ended in light snow flurries.

“Pittsburgh had been missing outdoor Shakespeare, and thus I started the company – outdoor Shakespeare has been such a huge, and fantastic, part of my creative life for so many years,” Tober says.

Her professional experience includes appearances at such companies as Quantum Theatre, The REP, PICT, UnSeam’d Shakespeare, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, the Shakespeare Project, and New York Classical Theatre.

“Really, nothing makes me happier than doing or seeing Shakespeare outdoors on a beautiful day – or even a yucky day. It really has been a joy to see how the company has grown over the past 10 years,” she adds.

Goldsmith and Tober are happy to be working together again, having both performed in UnSeam’d Shakespeare Company’s 2009 production of “Macbeth 3,” directed by Michael Hood.  Goldsmith is fresh off playing ‘Rachel’ in Quantum Theatre’s “Pantagleize” as well as directing “The Devil’s Arithmetic” for Prime Stage Theatre.

“As You Like It is arguably Shakespeare’s finest comedy.  And where better to play the Forest of Arden than in the parks of Pittsburgh?  Filled with love, deception, gender reversals and laugh-out-loud comedy, “As You Like It” is a great late-summer offering for theatre-goers of all ages,” says Goldsmith.

SHOWTIMES: AYLI runs each Saturday and Sunday through September.

Sept. 6 and 7 Frick Park, Blue Slide Playground, Beechwood Blvd. & Nicholson Street, Squirrel Hill2 PM

Sept. 13 Allegheny Commons West Park, Ridge Ave & Arch St, North Side (behind the Aviary)2 PM

Sept. 14 Arsenal Park, 40th and Butler Streets, Lawrenceville, 2 PM

Sept. 20 and 21 Schenley Park, Flagstaff Hill at Frew St. 2 PM

Sept. 27 Frick Park, Blue Slide Playground, Beechwood Blvd. & Nicholson St., Squirrel Hill 11 AM & 2:30 PM (note: this is a two-show day!)

Sept. 28 Frick Park, Blue Slide Playground, Beechwood Blvd. & Nicholson St., Squirrel Hill 2 PM

www.pittsburghshakespeare.com

Twitter:  @Pgh Shakespeare

 

LAVISH IN LAWRENCEVILLE: Eye Kandy fashion show dazzles at Revision Space

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by Brian Edward, ‘Burgh Vivant.

On the evening of Saturday, July 26th, Revision Space gallery in Lawrenceville hosted and elegant fashion show featuring the wares of Eye Kandy Boutique Clothing and Accessories with hairstyles by Velvet Salon and Boutique.  Eye Kandy owner Kandy Barkley designed the evening’s fashion ensembles to to compliment Revision Space’s exhibiting artists.

The gallery walls were adorned with works from the current exhibition GREAT WAVES, featuring works by artists Masha Fikhman, Zack Lee, and Travis Schwab. GREAT WAVES is a rotating exhibition curated by Revision Space Director Cindy Lisica.  Audiences will see different iterations of the exhibition on various visits and events at the gallery through September 7th. The art works are available “off the wall” and the show will be actively re-imagined throughout the summer.

 

Adding to the delightful decadence were a variety of cake pops and cupcakes prepared expertly by 2 Local Girls, and locally brewed beers courtesy of Roundabout Brewery.

It is the mission of Revision Space to offer an energetic program of curated solo and small group exhibitions and to maintain a diverse roster of both emerging and established artists. The gallery is interested in providing a quality space for artists to expose their work and for their work to be appreciated in Pittsburgh. Their new storefront gallery is situated in the growing and creative neighborhood of Lawrenceville and exhibits local, national and international contemporary artists.

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THE PERFORMER, by Travis K. Schwab.

 

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I COULD SEE FOR JUST ONE MOMENT, by Masha Fikhman.

 

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Decadent delectables by 2 LOCAL GIRLS.

 

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Roundabout Brewery brought the party with three original and local brews.

 

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Eye Kandy owner Kandy Barkley with daughter, Zaydra.

 

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Kandy Barkley and Revision Space Curator, Cindy Lisica

 

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-BE.

 

 

 

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (7/31 – 8/3)

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 by Michael “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

 

Here are the Top Five things to do this weekend, July 31 to Aug. 3

 

Holy Grail!

Start your week with “Spamalot,” the Tony-winning musical based on “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” The comedy troupe takes Arthurian legend and shish kabobs it. Now, with added music! Beware the Black Knight, the Knights that go Ni and the world’s deadliest bunny rabbit.  “Spamalot” runs from Tuesday, July 29th to Sunday August 3rd at the Benedum Center, 803 Liberty Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh.  For more information, go to http://www.pittsburghclo.org/shows/view/73/refer:clo-shows

 

True Romance

You have one last weekend to see, “Romance,” David Mamet’s courtroom farce. It’s being presented by the newly reborn Kinetic Theatre Company (rising from the ashes of the flash-in-the-pan Phoenix).  You can find “Romance” at The Alloy Studios, 5530 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh. Pretty much catty-corner to Salt of the Earth.  For more information, go to www.kinetictheatre.org

 

 

Well, Hello!

Bend a gender at “Hello Donna,” a sing-along at the Backstage Bar. Picture it, Karaoke meets “Wife Swap.” Men will sing songs normally sung by women, and vice versa. Originally titled, “Hello Donny,” a parody of “Hello Dolly,” things get kicked up a notch at “Hello Donna.” From this month’s title, we surmise that there will be fewer show tunes and more disco.  Things are happening July 30th at the Backstage Bar and Cabaret at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh.  You can call them at 412-325-6769 or visit the “Hello Donny” Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/events/270357209818981/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

 

Jungle Fever

Every once and a while; Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens pumps up the jams. On Friday, August 1st it’s time again to “Party in the Tropics.” Dance inside Phipps lush indoor garden. You can tour the grounds, eat drink and be merry!  There will be cocktails, dancing and some light hors d’oeuvres. It’s over 21 but its lots and lots of fun.  For more information, call 412-622-6914, or go to http://phipps.conservatory.org/exhibits-and-events/featured-event.aspx?eventid=815

 

 

Get the Frick outta here!

There’s an outdoor concert at the Frick. Every first Friday in the summer, the Frick hosts an outdoor summer concert. Bring chairs, blankets and snacks and listen to the music of Jerry Grevich and his Tamburitza Orchestra.  I can think of no other historical home offering Croatian string music for five dollars!  The Frick Art and Historical Center is located at 7227 Reynolds Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208.  For more information, call 412-371-0600 or visit http://www.thefrickpittsburgh.org/programs_events/concertsfilms.php

 

And now a sixth thing….

Da Dum. Da Dum…

No. It’s not safe to go in the water. It’s not safe to be on land. Actually, it’s not safe to watch SyFy The majesty of entertainment that is Sharknado returns with Sharknado II: Aftersharks!  On July 30 at 9:00, Cruze Bar will be having a Sharknado II Viewing party. You’re going to need plenty of alcohol to get slog through this mess of a movie. Did I mention that the main character’s name is Finn?  See the glory and majesty of Sharknado II at Cruze Bar, 1600 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh.  Check out their Facebook events page; https://www.facebook.com/events/1572872919606254/?fref=ts

 

– MB.

 

 

New Hazlett premieres new piece by Federico Garcia-De Castro

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Pittsburgh, PA— This August, local composer and musician Federico Garcia-De Castro kicks off a new season of Community Supported Art at the New Hazlett Theater with an evening of music arranged for two pianos. Federico’s music will make you rethink your preconceptions of piano music with four distinct yet interconnected movements including: Alexander Borodin’s “Au covent,” Simon Eastwood’s Interference for two performers at piano, Federico Garcia-De Castro’s Livre Pour Deux Pianos (Book for Two Pianos) and the world premiere of Renderings, an all-new work specially commissioned for the CSA.

“Our internal image of the sound of the piano is usually tied to the technical and aesthetic limitations of the single performer,” Federico explains. “When two performers are present, the familiar sound emancipates, takes on new roles, reveals hidden possibilities.”

Federico has a great number of conducting and composition credits to his name ranging from local performances with Alia Musica, to national and even international appearances. This past summer, Federico was featured composer in the Thailand International Composition Festival, and participated in a residency in Panama, taking to 10 the number of countries where his music has been performed. He returns to Pittsburgh this August to perform alongside Daniel Pesca in this New Hazlett CSA debut.

 

Federico Garcia-De Castro Piano Duet Concert will perform at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square East, Pittsburgh PA 15212 on August 14, 2014 at 8PM.  Tickets are available at http://newhazletttheater.org/#csa

 

ABOUT THE CSA

A brand new crop of local artists takes the New Halzett stage in the 2014-2015 Community Supported Art Performance Series. Now in its second year, this performing arts harvest is particularly bountiful with seven new performance groups creating work for a unique take on the traditional CSA.

Here’s how it works: for $100 per share in the program, patrons become shareholders in the New Hazlett CSA. In addition to six fresh performances from seven performance groups (the last show of the season is a double feature), shareholders also gain access to exclusive events and opportunities to interact directly with the artists they’re sponsoring.

 

Additional Upcoming CSA Performances
Moriah Ella Mason, October 11, 2014 at 8pm

Moriah Ella Mason’s Contained walks the line between wild and domestic. Inspired by the strange assortment of creatures found in natural history museums, dancers evolve from insects to animals, from humans to monsters, myths, and beyond.

 

Jennifer Myers, December 12, 2014 at 8pm

Rivers, streets, sidewalks, and bridges…Performance artist Jennifer Myers takes six performances created for public spaces and translates them into an all-new work for the New Hazlett stage.

 

Jil Stifel and Ben Sota, February 12, 2015 at 8pm

When contemporary circus meets dance, anything is possible. Dropped into this sweeping landscape, performers ignite the world around them. Surprise and wonder merge together, forming an unbelievable kind of beauty.

 

Anya Martin, April 2, 2015 at 8pm

Anya Martin, along with the Hiawatha Project and a team of performing artists, disassembles the legendary hero of the American railroad, John Henry. JH: Mechanics of a Legend looks deep into our cultural past for the human behind the folklore.

 

CSA Double Feature

Teena Marie Custer and Roberta Gudio, June 11, 2015 at 8pm

Teena Marie Custer examines how we create personas across social networks with a solo hip-hop dance performance. Roberta Guido uses dance to explore the powerful effects of touch on human emotion.

 

 

Red, Ripe, and Roasted: Summer crops steal the show at Phipps

 

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10th annual tomato and garlic festival to benefit Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

 

Pittsburgh, Pa. — On August 24, 2014, from 11 a.m. –  4 p.m., Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will celebrate two of summer’s most bountiful crops at its 10th annual Red, Ripe and Roasted tomato and garlic festival. Held on the public garden’s sustainably managed front lawn and in the Outdoor Garden, this family-friendly event features cooking demonstrations, a tomato contest, a farmers’ market and activities for kids — all to benefit Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

   Always a seasonal highlight, Red, Ripe and Roasted is a foodie’s dream-come-true with a focus on fresh, local produce and its many culinary possibilities. Café Phipps — a 3-star Green Restaurant Certified® eatery — will prepare and share a variety of delicious dishes to sample, there will be cooking demonstrations and a Phipps-grown garlic roast, and a farmers’ market featuring organic and Certified Naturally Grown produce will give guests an opportunity to buy plenty of tomatoes and garlic to experiment with at home. Beloved garden writer and television/radio host Doug Oster — author of Tomatoes, Garlic, Basil — and food writer Miriam Rubin, author of Tomatoes, will also be in attendance to present some of their favorite recipes and sign copies of their books.

   Another popular festival activity is a tomato contest for which home gardeners are invited to enter their ugliest, smallest or largest ripe tomatoes for a chance to win special prizes— among them a membership to Phipps. And, as always, a variety of discovery activities, including a fun food matching game and opportunities to pot garlic cloves to take home, will delight children of all ages. Let’s Move Pittsburgh and several other local organizations will also be in attendance to engage event-goers.

   While highlighting western Pennsylvania’s quintessential crops, the festival also encourages guests to share the season’s harvest with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. By donating a bag of fresh produce to help community members in need, festival participants will be admitted for free to both Red, Ripe and Roasted and to Summer Flower Show, featuring bright blooms and whimsical model train displays, during event hours. In 2013, the festival resulted in the collection of 2,174 pounds of food.

About Phipps: Founded in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pa. is a green leader among public gardens with a mission to inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse. Learn more: phipps.conservatory.org.

 

The Sounds of Science: Symphony and Science Center partner for 21+ night

 

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PITTSBURGH, July 23, 2014 – Carnegie Science Center is teaming up with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for a special adults-only evening, featuring symphonic sounds with a scientific twist. “The Sounds of Science” is the theme of the Science Center’s next 21+ Night on Friday, Aug. 1, from 6 – 10 pm.

Throughout the evening, musicians will demonstrate their instruments, including a double bass and a bassoon. They’ll even hook up instruments to the Science Center’s Rubens’ Tube, which visually demonstrates an instrument’s sound waves and pressure by shooting flames into the air.

Visitors can dance on a giant floor piano and play a tune with Boomwhackers, hollow percussion tubes. Stations throughout the building will offer the materials for DIY musical instruments, including a one-note harmonica.

Guests can test their musical knowledge at a live action Trivial Pursuit game, complete with a prize giveaway. Visitors can pose with a Mozart-cut out – and enter to win a Mozart prize pack.

Fiddlesticks, the orchestra’s “fiddlin’ feline” ambassador, will make a special appearance.

As always, 21+ Night features music, cash bars, and the chance to experience four floors of hands-on exhibits – with no kids!

Participants get a discount on Omnimax films and laser shows that evening.

The cost of the event is just $10 with advance registration before noon on the day of the event or $15 after noon at the door. Guests will receive a voucher for $15 in free slot play at the Rivers Casino when they arrive, while supplies last.

21+ Nights are sponsored by Trib Total Media, and Bob and Q92 Radio.

For more information or to register, visit CarnegieScienceCenter.org or call 412.237.3400.

About Carnegie Science Center

Carnegie Science Center is dedicated to inspiring learning and curiosity by connecting science and technology with everyday life. By making science both relevant and fun, the Science Center’s goal is to increase science literacy in the region and motivate young people to seek careers in science and technology. One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the Science Center is Pittsburgh’s premier science exploration destination, reaching more than 700,000 people annually through its hands-on exhibits, camps, classes, and off-site education programs.

About Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1895, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is a collection of four distinctive museums dedicated to exploration through art and science: Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum. Annually, the museums reach more than 1.2 million people through exhibitions, educational programs, outreach activities, and special events.

About Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

For more than 116 years, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has been an essential part of Pittsburgh’s cultural landscape. The Pittsburgh Symphony, known for its artistic excellence, is credited with a rich history of the world’s finest conductors and musicians, and a strong commitment to the Pittsburgh region and its citizens. This tradition was furthered in fall 2008, when Austrian conductor Manfred Honeck became music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. With a long and distinguished history of touring both domestically and overseas since 1900, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra continues to be critically acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest orchestras. The Pittsburgh Symphony has made 40 international tours, including 20 European tours, eight trips to the Far East, and two to South America. Under the baton of Gilbert Levine, the PSO was the first American orchestra to perform at the Vatican in January 2004 for the late Pope John Paul II, as part of the Pontiff’s Silver Jubilee celebration. The PSO has a long and illustrious history in the areas of recordings and radio concerts. As early as 1936, the PSO broadcast coast-to-coast, receiving increased national attention in 1982 through network radio broadcasts on Public Radio International (PRI). The PRI series is produced by Classical WQED-FM 89.3 in Pittsburgh and is made possible by the musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

 

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