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November 20, 2014November 20, 2014

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (11/19 – 11/23)

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh for the weekend of November 19 through the 23.

Putting On Shorts

It’s time for Pittsburgh’s Second Annual Comedy Film Festival, “Unclaimed Shorts.” Local actors, writers and directors will make you laugh with their short films. They’ll be throwing their shorts up on the wall and seeing what sticks. It all goes down Thursday, November 20 at Cefalo’s Banquet and Event Center, 428 Washington Avenue, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, go to the Facebook Events page for https://www.facebook.com/events/760699960669626/?fref=ts

Stella!

Barebones Productions is taking you on a streetcar ride with “A Streetcar named Desire.” This all-star cast of local luminaries includes Tami Dixon, Patrick Jordan, Jeffrey Carpenter, Ben Mayer and Cindy Jackson. The house will rock with original music from Joe Grushecky and John Gresh (*Note:The music will be LIVE: Nov. 20th, 23rd, 26th, 28th, 30th and all dates in December, and recorded for other dates). It’ll be a Stella performance at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square East, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. For tickets go to http://www.showclix.com/event/3850184

Blonde Ambition

Catch the world premiere of “Smart Blond.” The “Born Yesterday” star Judy Holliday recants her rise to fame from Greenwich Village to Broadway. (Hey, I know she could just take the Red Line, but we’re talking metaphorically here). Get “Smart” at the Pittsburgh City Theater, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh’s historic South Side. For more information, go to http://www.citytheatrecompany.org/play/smart-blonde/

Checking In

Do I even have to tell you smart Burgh Vivant Followers to see “L’Hotel” at the Pittsburgh Public Theater? It’s the world premiere of Ed Dixon’s new play (Ed was just recently interviewed here at ‘Burgh Vivant). Watch hysterical historical figures like Oscar Wilde, Isadora Duncan, Victor Hugo and Doors frontman Jim Morrison cavort in a strange and wondrous hotel. Check in at the O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh. For more information, go to http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/production/40791/lhotel

Bonus Stages

There’s always something fun down at the Arcade Comedy Theater. This weekend, there’s the sci-fi lunacy of “Dodge Intrepid and the Pages of Time,” and the D & D wackiness of “The Knights of the Arcade,” but did you know that every Sunday is Bonus Stage? The Arcade Comedy Theater improvisation house teams hit the stage and with special guests and surprise events every Sunday at 7:00 pm. Best of all, tickets are just five bucks! Catch all the craziness at the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh. For more information, go to http://arcadecomedytheater.com/

– MB.

November 17, 2014

Green Christmas: Phipps’ Winter Flower Show Brings “Winter Wonderland” to Life

Pittsburgh, Pa. — Beginning on Nov. 28, 2014, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens presents “Winter Wonderland,” an all-new Winter Flower Show exhibit bringing to life the beloved carol of the same name. The public garden will also be staying open late through Jan. 11, 2015 for guests to enjoy the magic of the displays by candlelight, as well as its popular outdoor Winter Light Garden, which will be expanded this year to include both the Outdoor and Discovery Gardens, adding even more sparkle and shine to the holiday season.

Written by Pennsylvania native Dick Smith in 1934, “Winter Wonderland” is perhaps one of the best-known carols of all time. For this year’s Winter Flower Show, the lyrics of this delightful song will be brought to life as they are interpreted throughout many of the Conservatory’s exhibit rooms. Guests will be charmed when they recognize themes inspired by phrases like “Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?”; “Gone away is the bluebird, here to stay is the new bird”; “In the meadow we can build a snowman”; and “Later on we’ll conspire as we dream by the fire” as they are represented through artful arrangements of LED lights, decorated fir trees, whimsical props, and, of course, favorite seasonal blooms such as poinsettias, paperwhites and amaryllis.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, indoor displays of colorful illuminated glass mushrooms, ferns, bromeliads, tillandsia and stars will make a return this year, while outside, in the Outdoor and Discovery Gardens, the spectacular Winter Light Garden dazzles guests with glowing orbs, luminous trees and brilliant fountains and arches of light. Garden Railroad will be on view too, taking spectators back in time to the Gold Rush as they explore the landscapes of northern California and Mt. Shasta — complete with prospectors, water features, interactive buttons for children to push, and miniature living plants, shrubs and trees.

Other holiday events include: Poinsettias and Pointe Shoes (Nov. 21); Santa Visits (Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 29-Dec. 20, plus Nov. 28 and Dec. 1); Candlelight Evenings (Nov. 28-Jan. 11); Gifts and Greens Market (Dec. 4, 5 and 6); Saturdays with the Sugar Plum Fairy (Dec. 6 and 13); Family Fun Days (Dec. 26-30); and a New Year’s Eve Family Celebration (Dec. 31). More details can be found at phipps.conservatory.org.

Winter Flower Show, designed by Terra Design Studios, LLC, and Winter Light Garden, designed by Phipps Exhibit Coordinator Jordyn Melino, run through Jan. 11. Daily hours for Winter Flower Show are 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m. and 5-11 p.m. for Winter Light Garden. Phipps closes at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24 and reopens at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 26. Admission is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors and students, and $11 for children (ages 2-18). Members and kids under 2 enter free.

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.

November 12, 2014November 12, 2014

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (11/13 – 11/16)

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh the week of November 13 through the 16.

Get Indecent

Meet the Indecent Divas. Vocalists Rebecca Covert and Anna Elder for an evening of bawdy music, risqué humor, and lots of wicked surprises! It’s a cabaret with sass and questionable class. The fun starts Thursday at Off The Wall Theatre in Carnegie. Off the Wall is located at 25 West Main Street, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information and tickets go to http://www.showclix.com/event/3881987

You Gotta Get Wreck Loose

Kick off your Sunday shoes and get Wreck Loose on Novemeber 13. Wreck Loose will release their new single, “Feed Me.” You can also catch a performance by Josh Verbanets and the Commonheart. Hear all the excitement at the Brillobox, 4104 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh. For more information, go to http://brillobox.net/

Playing with Words

Alan Olifson hosts WordPlay on November 14. Hear true stories told to music at the Bricolage, 937 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, go to http://www.bricolagepgh.org

Science Fiction Double Feature

You can have a wacky sci-fi weekend. There are two events in downtown Pittsburgh to capture your imagination. The PNC Pops will feature the Sci-Fi Spectacular. Hear your favorite sci-fi tunes. I expect there will be a lot of John Williams’ music, hosted by George Takei. November 14 through 16, beam yourself over to Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. www.pittsburghsymphony.org

And/or…

Radio Days

November 14 you can hear a live action comic book with The Intergalactic Nemesis: Target Earth – A Live Action Graphic Novel. Actors will voice characters in a radio play like version of a sci-fi extravaganza while they project comic book panels onto a large screen. It sounds like it will be out of this world. Blast off at the Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, go to http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/production/43183/the-intergalactic-nemesis-target-earth-a-live-action-graphic-novel

November 10, 2014November 10, 2014

Review: AS YOU LIKE IT, Pittsburgh Playhouse Conservatory Theatre Company

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Try It, You’ll Like It.

The actors in Point Park’s Conservatory Theater Company run rampant in the Forest of Arden in this season’s production of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” It’s a delightful romp.

The play itself seems to be conceived on a whim. You could almost picture some merry fellow in Elizabethan times saying to the Bard, “Why do you always write tragedies, Will?” On this utterance Shakespeare rushed back to his ink and parchment and penned “As You Like It,” a play wherein no one dies, everyone gets a happy ending (even the most vile of villains). The title supports the hypothesis, “As YOU Like It,” as if he were challenging his audience. The play has plot contrivances that will strain your willing suspension of disbelief. Though, there are quite a few memorable lines, speeches and comic moments.

Even with the contrived plot, director John Amplas is making the most of it. He squeezes the lemons into the sweetest of lemonades. There’s lots of sugar in this production.

The set, designed by Lindsey B. Mayer, is a series of freshly-hewn wooden platforms. The set smells delightfully piney, like a lumber yard. When the lights dim, curlicues of green light spiral up and “grow” onto the wooden surfaces, in a stop-motion springtime. Animated deer frolic in the background. The trick of light and sound immediately immerses the audience into the show. We’re already rooting for Orlando (Mike Nicosia) when the lights come up on him.

This “As You Like It” teeters between the Elizabethan Age and the Age of Aquarius. The music cues are jaunty 60s tunes. The costumes are beautifully rendered by Michael Montgomery. They look like they were stolen from a Broadway production of “Hair.”

Orlando’s older brother Oliver (Tal Kroser) is being a douche. He’s usurped the land and treating his baby bro harshly. Meanwhile across the land, Duke Frederick (Perris Drew) had toppled his older brother Duke Senior (Stanley Graham) and banished him to the forest.

Things heat up when Duke Senior’s daughter Rosalind (Jennifer Arfsten) has a meet-cute moment with Orlando at a wrestling match.

The now love-struck Orlando returns home only to be told he must flee Oliver’s wrath. He is banished to the woods of Arden..

Meanwhile, Frederick grows weary of Rosalind’s presence and banishes her. There’s a lot of banishing going on here. Fred’s own daughter Celia (Hannah Morris) distraught by her father’s cruelty follows her dearest cousin Rosalind into banishment.

Fearing that they will be set upon by thieves and rapists, Rosalind disguises herself as a boy named Ganymede (the cup-bearer from Greek myth, male concubine of Zeus). Though her disguise is extremely thin, she fools all of the other characters in the play. Picture Lucy Ricardo dressed in a man’s clothes, but still retaining her eye shadow and lipstick. Ganymede and Aliena (Celia’s own thin disguise) take the court jester, Touchstone (Conner Gillooly) with them.

Doe-eyed Orlando pines for his love, pinning pine trees with putrid poetry. Ganymede wants to spend time with Orlando (for reasons obvious to the audience), and offers to instruct Orlando on how to fall out of love. Hint: It doesn’t take. Instead, Ganymede desperately wants to Orlando the truth, but, for some reason, has to wait till the last act to tell him.

Meanwhile, everyone in the forest is falling in love: Touchstone and Audrey (Angela D’Occhio), Silvius (Ricky Gee) for Phoebe (Doninique Brock); Phoebe for Ganymede (she doesn’t have a clue). Even Oliver’s heart turns from stone to butter at the sight of Aliena (ne: Celia).

The play ends with four weddings and no funerals. Even though early on, you’re hoping someone would have run a sword through Rosalind’s villainous uncle or Orlando’s spiteful brother.

As You Like It — Mike Nicosia, Hannah Morris, Jennifer Arfsten. Photo by Jeff Swensen.

The performances in the show are top notch. The leading man and his leading lady/boy are terrific. Nicosia is charismatic as Orlando. Arfsten does a masterful job. The play is a great showcase of Point Park’s talent pool.

Morris’s Celia/Aliena has impeccable comic timing. With tiny, crisply choreographed gestures she produced some laugh out loud moments.

If you like your comedy over-the-top; let me introduce you to Conner Gillooly’s Touchstone.

In this production, Touchstone is dressed like amalgam of bat-villains, circa ’66. The clown even brandishes an umbrella about like a weapon. Though he’s more Riddler than Penguin, as if channeling native Pittsburgher Frank Gorshin, owning every over-the-top, scenery-chewing moment he’s on stage. He sizzles with kinetic energy, a veritable whirling dervish.

Honorable mentions go to Toree Alexandre, Neiman Outlen (hilarious), Dominique Brock (beautiful and funny), Angela D’Occhio and Tal Kroser, and Stanley Graham; nearly everyone, actually.

George Bernard Shaw once criticized “As You Like It” as a “mere crowd pleaser.” However, pleasing a crowd is not necessarily a bad thing. The audience quickly rose to their feet with thunderous applause, a standing ovation without hesitation. It was a perfectly pleasing production with a cool set, clever actors and a terrific director. There’s a lot to like in “As You Like It.”

-MB.

November 4, 2014November 4, 2014

12 Peers Theater announces 2015 season

PITTSBURGH, PA: 12 Peers Theater announced its 2015 Season, which will feature exciting plays, all new to Pittsburgh audiences. 12 Peers will follow up on a well-received reading from the 2013 Summer Scribes Reading Series with the World Premiere of Existence and the Single Girl, directed by Todd Betker. After presenting the American Premiere of David Crawford’s Poe’s Last Night in 2012, David Crawford will return to 12 Peers to present the American Premiere of Lovecraft’s Monsters, fresh from a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 12 Peers will close its 2015 Season with the Pittsburgh Premiere of Lisa D’Amour’s Detroit, a 2011 Pulitzer Prize Nominee, directed by Founding Artistic Director, Vince Ventura.

Ventura said: “We chose these three plays for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they are all well written, and great examples of contemporary playwriting on a local and national level. We also chose these plays because they all deal, in some way, with disillusionment with modern life; from the unrealistic expectations of women in Existence, to empty relationships and deep, dark secrets in the suburbs in Detroit. Taken on their own, each play will be sure entertain, but as a season, I think we are offering a very specific message.”

Existence and the Single Girl

By Matt Henderson Directed by Todd Betker

Ashley is a 12-year-old girl with a severe psychological problem: she can’t stop pondering the meaning of life. Her long-suffering mother finally decides to call a psychologist for guidance, who provides her with the best treatment possible for a young girl with existential blues—she molds her into a pop culture phenomenon. Attempting to find her place in the world, Ashley adopts the various teen girl pop culture personas that are given to her, with the hope that she will discover the answer to the age-old question– can the secret to purpose and meaning in the universe be found in a Cosmo personality quiz?

Existence and the Single Girl performs Feb. 5-21, 2015. All shows at The Maker Theater, 5940 Ellsworth Ave., Pittsburgh. Thurs – Sat., 8 p.m.; Industry Night, Monday Feb. 9; Tickets $17 Online, $20 at the door / $15 with student ID. Tickets & Info: 12peerstheater.org

Lovecraft’s Monsters

Written and Performed by David Crawford March 12-21, 2015

H. P. Lovecraft spent his life haunted by harsh, unrelenting demons. Their tentacles wrapped him in fear, pushed him into poverty, and filled his brain with horrors that found expression in some of the world’s greatest works of “weird fiction.”

Pittsburgh based actor David Crawford portrays Lovecraft in this one man show as he fights those demons and shapes their horrors into art.

Lovecraft’s Monsters performs March 12-21, 2015. All shows at The Maker Theater, 5940 Ellsworth Ave., Pittsburgh. Thurs – Sat., 8 p.m.; Industry Night, Monday March 16; Tickets $17 Online, $20 at the door / $15 with student ID. Tickets & Info: 12peerstheater.org

Detroit

By Lisa D’Amour
May 14 – 30, 2015 Directed by Vince Ventura

In a first-ring suburb just outside a city that might be Detroit, Ben and Mary see sudden signs of life at the deserted house next door and invite their new neighbors Sharon and Kenny over for a barbecue. As the action unfolds we learn that Sharon and Kenny met at rehab, neither is employed, and they don’t own a stick of furniture. The quintessential American back-yard party quickly turns into something more dangerous—and filled with potential.

Detroit performs May 15-30, 2015. All shows at The Maker Theater, 5940 Ellsworth Ave., Pittsburgh. Thurs – Sat., 8 p.m.; Industry Night, Monday May 18; Tickets $17 Online, $20 at the door / $15 with student ID. Tickets & Info: 12peerstheater.org.

About the Company

12 Peers Theater was founded in 2011. Taking the name from the Twelve Peers of Charlemagne, its mission is to provide challenging and engaging theater for Pittsburgh audiences. 12 Peers Theater highlights social, political, and ethical issues in classical and contemporary works exploring myth and cultural identity, endeavoring to open a dialogue with the audience.

November 3, 2014November 3, 2014

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (11/6 – 11/9)

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Fun Things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend from November 6 through the 9.

Skullduggery

The work of artists Siena Baldi, Paul Bowden, Jeff Schwarz, Barbara Smith, and Ron Ulicny are skulking around the Revision Space Gallery in an exhibit called, “The Enduring Skull.” It’s a heady collection of art that has to be seen to be believed. The show goes until December 7. Revision Space Gallery is located on 5262 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 (Lawrenceville). Get the skinny over at http://revisionspace.com/exhibitions.html

Party People

Gala season is in full swing. Sunday, November 9 Little Lake Theatre Company hosts “Speed Volume Energy.” They will dole out some awards, sip some cocktails and celebrate a terrific season of theater. On Monday, my friends will discuss love, loss and what I wore. Join the party at Valleybrook Country Club, 425 Hidden Valley Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15317. For the full scoop, go to http://www.littlelake.org/fundraiser.htm

This Just in…

On November 8, Len Barcousky can tell you everything you need to know about the Civil War but was too afraid to ask in History class as part of Carnegie Library’s Second Saturday Lecture Series. He will discuss Pittsburgh’s newspaper coverage of the war as a breaking news story. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Get the low down on the Civil War at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, go to http://www.carnegiecarnegie.org/

All the world’s a stage

Get lost in the forest of Arden with Rosalind in William Shakespeare’s “As You Like it.” John Amplas directs the Conservatory Theatre Company version of this classic comedy opening this weekend. “As You Like It,” can be found at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, go to http://www.pittsburghplayhouse.com/current-season/conservatory-theatre-company/as-you-like-it

A Slice of the Fourth Piece

The assistant professor of Piano at IUP, Jacob Ertl, comes to Pittsburgh on Sunday November 9. He will perform Stravinsky’s “Freebird,” Rzewski’s “Fourth Piece.” Kip and Desiree Sotares will host this benefit event at Alia Musica, 250 Emerson Street, Pittsburgh (Shadyside). It’s only $15 but seating is limited. To reserve a seat, go to http://www.alia-musica.org/main.html

– MB.

October 28, 2014

Prime Stage premieres STRANGE CASE OF JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE with special guest Cyril Wecht

PITTSBURGH – Prime Stage Theatre is honored to bring the world premiere adaptation of the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to Pittsburgh just in time for Halloween. The show opens with a special dress-up preview on Oct. 31 and runs through Nov. 9 at the New Hazlett Theater located at 6 Allegheny Square East.

The show was selected from a list of stories requested by teachers for Prime Stage Theatre to bring to life. Adapted by Bruce Hall—to capture the spirit the spirit of Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 novella—and directed by Michael McKelvey, this production brings the audience into the mind and world of Dr. Jekyll where a myriad of characters seek to find the identity of Mr. Hyde. Little do they know this creature is actually Dr. Jekyll. Will they discover this before it is too late?

This world premiere stars Andrew Miller playing both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. His role brings to life all the emotions, actions and struggles of a man transforming from good into evil. Katie Oxman will play Diana Carew who is “in love with a monster without knowing it,” John C. Reilly as Sir Danvers Carew, John Feightner as Jekyll’s friend and lawyer Seth Utterson who is on the journey of finding the truth.

Perfect for the Halloween season, all of your senses will be stimulated as the mysterious world of Dr. Jekyll is revealed on an evocative two-layer set by Karl Jacobson, lit by Jr. Shaw, with music designed by Angela Baughman, and costumes by Kim Brown. The preview on Halloween also invites audiences to dress up in their best costume and win tickets to upcoming shows.

“An Evening of Mystery,” a fundraising event featuring special guests Dr. Cyril Wecht will also occur during production on Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 6-9 p.m. on the set of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The night will include a silent auction and book signing by Dr. Wecht. Tickets are $50. Prime Stage Theatre will also be honoring State Representative Erin Molchany for her support of literacy and theatre.

Tickets for both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and “An Evening of Mystery” are available at www.primestage.com.

October 28, 2014October 28, 2014

Chamber Music Pittsburgh presents Pacifica Quartet with special guest David Harding

The Pacifica Quartet is joined by violist David Harding for Chamber Music Pittsburgh’s second concert of the 2014-15 season on Monday, November 10, 2014, 7:30pm, in Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. The repertoire to be performed includes Ligeti’s Quartet No. 1 “Metamorphoses nocturnes”, Mozart’s Viola Quintet in G minor, K. 516, and Ravel’s Quartet in F major.

WATCH/LISTEN: ‘Burgh Vivant’s interview with Chamber Music Pittsburgh’s Executive Director, Kristen Linfante.

Recognized for its virtuosity, exuberant performance style, and often-daring repertory choices, over the past two decades the Pacifica Quartet has gained international stature as one of the finest chamber ensembles performing today. The Pacifica tours extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia, performing regularly in the world’s major concert halls. Named the quartet-in-residence at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music in March 2012, the Pacifica was also the quartet-in- residence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (2009 – 2012) – a position that has otherwise been held only by the Guarneri String Quartet – and received the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance.

During the 2014-15 season, the Pacifica will record and perform the Brahms piano quintet with the legendary pianist Menahem Pressler, and will participate in weeklong residencies at the University of Iowa and at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. In addition, the Quartet will return twice to Europe for four weeks of performances; in addition, the group will make its debut tour of South America.

The members of the Pacifica Quartet live in Bloomington, IN, where they serve as quartet-in-residence and full-time faculty members at the Jacobs School of Music. Prior to their appointment, the Quartet was on the faculty of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana from 2003 to 2012. The Pacifica Quartet also serves as resident performing artist at the University of Chicago.

David Harding is currently Professor of Viola and Chamber Music at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh. He has an extensive solo and chamber music career, having performed throughout Europe, the United States, Canada, Central America and Australia, in such venues as the Berlin Philharmonie, Concertgebouw, and Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall. His performances have been broadcast on CBC, BBC, NPR, ABC (Australia) and Deutschland Radio. He performs at many chamber music festivals throughout North America including the Sitka Chamber Music Festival and Ottawa Chamber Music Festival. In July 2012, David returned to the Australian Chamber Music Festival in Queensland.

David is a member of the flute, viola, harp ensemble, Trio Verlaine with whom he has recorded works
by Debussy and Ravel, and the Glass Chamber Players, with whom he recorded Schoenberg’s “Verklärte Nacht” and Philip Glass’ “Sextet.” Other notable CD projects include a recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, with the string trio Triskelion for CBC records, the music of Aaron Jay Kernis with the Chester Quartet, and Brahms’ Viola Sonatas and Horn Trio for Skylark Music. A graduate of the Juilliard School of Music, David was the winner of the Sir John Barbirolli award at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition. Having served on the faculty of Indiana University South Bend and the University of British Columbia, David has given master classes at the Banff International Centre for the Arts and universities throughout North America. He plays on a viola made by Pietro Antonio della Costa, Tresviso Italy, circa 1750.

There will be a lobby recital in the Grand Foyer of Carnegie Music Hall from 7:00-7:20pm.

Tickets are $39-$46, and student rush tickets are available for $15 with valid student ID one hour prior to the concert. Braille and large print programs will be provided. CMP provides concierge service to assist patrons wishing to be dropped off at the Carnegie Museums’ carriage driveway and parking facility. Carnegie Music Hall is an accessible venue. For tickets and further information, please call 412-624-4129 or visit www.chambermusicpittsburgh.org.

Chamber Music Pittsburgh (previously the Pittsburgh Chamber Music Society) presents world-class chamber music ensembles and soloists, promising emerging artists, and innovative programs; and also fosters an appreciation for chamber music in the Pittsburgh community by offering educational programs and experiences. In carrying out its mandate, CMP has been guided consistently by two basic principles: quality and variety. Each year’s program is a carefully balanced menu of acclaimed chamber ensembles along with the most brilliant emerging groups.

CMP is supported by grants from the Allegheny Regional Asset District, the A.W. Mellon Educational and Charitable Trust of The Pittsburgh Foundation, and the Heinz Endowments. The Heinz Endowments supports efforts to make southwestern Pennsylvania a premier place to live and work, a center for learning and educational excellence, and a region that embraces diversity and inclusion.

CMP receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

October 27, 2014

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (10/30 -11/2)

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh the weekend of October 30 to November 2. Its Halloween and it’s party time.

Wickedly Wonderful

There will be more than three witches at PICT Gala, “Witches and Wizards.” There will be neverending food stations (no newts were harmed in the making of the witches’ brew). The event is on Devil’s Night, Thursday, October 30. The event will be hosted by ‘Burgh Vivant’s own Brian Edward. Join the party, or join the after-party with DJ’s J Malls and Gordy of Title Town. Grab your broom and fly over to J. Verno Studios, 3030 Jane Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. For more information, go to http://www.picttheatre.org/plays-events/pict-plays-annual-gala/

Hyde Out

You can catch that self-made man/monster, Mr. Hyde, in “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” The world premiere adaptation by Bruce Hall (based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson) opens this weekend (with a preview performance on Halloween). It should be a transformative evening. Get over to The New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 for all the fun. For more information, go to https://primestage.secure.force.com/ticket/#sections_a0Fd000000WDvc8EAD

For the Birds

There’s a Hitchcock themed party at the Carrie Furnace. If you ever wanted to celebrate the life of an ionic film director in an abandoned steel mill, now is your chance! The Brew Gentlemen Beer Co., The Independent Brewing Company and Bar Marco present “Hitchcock! A Halloween Party at the Carrie Furnace” on November 1. There will be tasty treats from Pgh Taco Truck, Gyros N’at, Blowfish BBQ and more. The Carrie Furnace is in Rankin, PA, but there is an shuttle from Bar Marco in the Strip District (2216 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222) to take you to and from the event. For more information and tickets go to http://www.eventbrite.com/e/hitchcock-a-halloween-party-at-the-carrie-furnace-tickets-13440108727

Bacchus not Backus

Bacchus played Mr. Magoo and Thurston Howell III. Wait. No. Bacchus is the god of wine and revelry. The Bacchanalia is a big blow-out Halloween party coming your way November 1. This bash features some of downtown Pittsburgh’s best restaurants like Il Pizzaiolo, Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine, Penn Ten Penny and more. Get the party started at the Heinz 57 Center, 623 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222. For more information and tickets, got to http://www.showclix.com/event/3880551

Last but not least

It’s the last days to see “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot.” Actually, November 1^st will be the last of the “Last.” Christianity’s most notorious sinner, Judas, is put on trial in a courtroom in Purgatory. The gavel bangs at the Grey Box Theater, 3595 Butler Street, Pittsburgh. For more information, go to http://www.throughlinetheatre.org/

-MB.

October 21, 2014

Oh my gourd: Science Center hosts third annual Great Pumpkin Smash

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 21, 2014 — Carnegie Science Center is inviting families to bring their pumpkins for a physics-filled day of fun at the third annual Great Pumpkin Smash on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Join Smash-ologists in rolling leftover jack-o-lanterns off the Science Center’s roof. Participants will watch their pumpkins fall and observe how their pumpkin reacts to the drop. Some will smash, some will splatter, and some will even bounce. Guests will observe their pumpkin and learn about the physics behind the drop to understand why different pumpkins react to the fall in different ways. A video monitor allows participants to watch their pumpkin’s splat without leaning over the edge. Spectators can witness the hilarious sequence of falling – and splatting – pumpkins.

Before each pumpkin’s descent, they will be weighed to determine the largest and smallest ones. Last year’s largest was 17 inches tall, while its smallest was a mere 2 inches. Guests will learn how the weight of each pumpkin affects how it will smash.

And if there’s anything more fun than a splatting pumpkin, it’s an exploding pumpkin. On the lawn behind the Science Center, guests will be treated to demonstrations of how liquid nitrogen can be used to explode pumpkins.

Continuing the pumpkin theme, visitors can enjoy pumpkin flavored ice cream during the “Science in a Scoop” show in the BodyStage.

Activities will run from 10 am – 5 pm rain or shine and are included with the price of general admission. Pre-registration is not required.

For more information on Great Pumpkin Smash and other upcoming holiday-themed events, visit CarnegieScienceCenter.org.

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.