'Burgh Vivant

February 13, 2014February 13, 2014

City Theatre presents Drama Desk Award winner TRIBES

Co-produced with Philadelphia Theatre Company

Directed by Stuart Carden

March 8–30, 2014

PITTSBURGH, PA (February 12, 2014)—City Theatre continues its 39th season with Tribes by Nina Raine, a provocative New York hit about what it means to hear and listen. Co-produced with Philadelphia Theatre Company and directed by City Theatre’s former associate artistic director Stuart Carden, Tribes runs on City Theatre’s Mainstage from March 8 through 30, 2014, with an Opening Night performance on Friday, March 14 at 8pm.

Verbal jabs fly in this stirring new play about Billy, a deaf twenty-something who is adept at lipreading the brash discourse of his hearing family. It’s tough to get a word in edgewise around the dinner table, but when Billy falls for Sylvia, a woman who’s losing her hearing, everyone is forced to learn a lesson about listening.

“Boasting rave reviews and sold-out, extended runs in New York and London, Tribes incorporates witty spoken language, sign language, and surtitles to fully immerse the audience in the worlds of both deaf and hearing characters,” says Tracy Brigden, City Theatre’s Artistic Director. “This sharp and very funny play is all about family, relationships, and the power and limitations inherent in communication. It’s provocative, it’s lively, and we’re thrilled to produce this new work by one of London’s hottest playwrights.

“We have collaborated closely with our colleagues at Philadelphia Theatre Company to create a production comprised of some of the very best artists from both cities and beyond,” Brigden continues. “The reaction to this production in Philadelphia has been nothing short of extraordinary, and we are excited for the next leg of its run to be here in Pittsburgh.”

Nina Raine began her career as a trainee director at the Royal Court Theatre after graduating from Oxford. She dramaturged and directed Unprotected at the Liverpool Everyman (TMA Best Director Award, Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award). Her debut play, Rabbit, premiered at the Old Red Lion Theatre in 2006 and transferred to the West End before going to New York. Rabbit won the Charles Wintour Evening Standard and Critics Circle Award for most Promising Playwright. Nina also directed her second play, Tiger Country, at Hampstead Theatre. She directed Jumpy at the Royal Court Theatre, later transferring to the West End, and Shades (Critics Circle and Evening Standard Awards for Most Promising Newcomer). Her commission for the Royal Court Theatre, Tribes, directed by Roger Michell, won an Offie award and was also nominated for both Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for best new play. Tribes opened to rave reviews and won the 2012 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Foreign Play. It is currently one of the top produced plays of 2014. Recently, Nina opened Longing at Hampstead Theatre, and she is currently directing Moses Raine’s play Donkey Heart in a return to the Old Red Lion Theatre.

Tribes features Robin Abramson (Maple and Vine, Time Stands Still, Blackbird, Mary’s Wedding, and Outlying Islands at City Theatre), Tad Cooley, Alex Hoeffler, John Judd, Amanda Kearns, and Laurie Klatscher (Precious Little, Shooting Star, The Good Body, Slavs, The Cryptogram, Temptation, Moonlight Room, Compleat Female Stage Beauty, Red Herring, and The Baltimore Waltz at City Theatre).

The creative team includes Narelle Sissons (Scenic), Janus Stefanowicz (Costume), Andrew David Ostrowski (Lighting), Mike Tutaj (Sound/Projection), Melanie Julian (Dialect Coach), and Stuart Howard & Paul Hardt (Casting).

CITY THEATRE PRESENTS

Tribes

By Nina Raine
Directed by Stuart Carden

Co-produced with Philadelphia Theatre Company

When: March 8–30, 2014

Preview Schedule

Saturday, March 8 at 5:30pm

Sunday, March 9 at 7pm

Tuesday, March 11 at 7pm
Wednesday, March 12 at 7pm

Thursday, March 13 at 8pm

PRESS / OPENING NIGHT

Friday, March 14 at 8pm

Regular Run Schedule

Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7pm

Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm

Saturdays at 5:30 and 9pm

Sundays at 2pm

Weekday matinees will be performed on Wednesday, March 19 and Wednesday, March 26 at 1pm.

There will be no evening performance on Wednesday, March 26.

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

Tickets: $35 to $55

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.

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

City Theatre is now in its 39th 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

February 12, 2014February 13, 2014

Dan Kamin brings Charlie Chaplin to life at The Strand Theater

Dan Kamin will be live on stage at The Strand Theater, Zelienople PA February 21st and 23rd with FUNNY BONES: THE COMEDY OF CHARLIE CHAPLIN.

Kamin, who has delighted audiences around the globe, is widely considered tho be the world’s leading expert on Chaplin. He trained Robert Downey Jr. for his Oscar-nominated role in the film Chaplin and created Johnny Depp’s comedy moves for Benny and Joon.

In FUNNY BONES, Kamin invites his audience to experience the artistry of cinema’s greatest comedian from the inside, deconstructing Chaplin’s comedy with film clips, live demonstrations, audience participation, and a classic Chaplin short with live musical accompaniment by celebrated jazz pianist Tom Roberts.

FUNNY BONES is presented as part of a year-long celebration of The Strand Theater’s Centennial. The show runs Friday, February 21st at 8pm and Sunday, February 23rd at 2pm. Tickets are $20-$25 and are available online at www.thestrandtheater.org or by calling the Strand Theater Box Office at 724-742-0400

WATCH/LISTEN: ‘Burgh Vivant interview with internationally known performer and Chaplin expert DAN KAMIN

YOUTUBE: See clips from some of Dan Kamin’s most notable performances.

February 11, 2014February 11, 2014

Music on the Edge presents the music of Burr Van Nostrand

Music on the Edge has gathered an all-star lineup of performers to present three works by the underappreciated avant-garde composer Burr Van Nostrand. The program takes place on Saturday, February 22, 8 p.m.at Bellefield Hall Auditorium on the University of Pittsburgh Campus.

Burr Van Nostrand combines detailed graphic notation with conventional notation in his compositions. Because of the difficulty of his works, they received very few performances. While he received a good deal of recognition in the 1970s, including a four-year residency at Gaudeamus Foundation and several awards, his work had since fallen into obscurity. Happily, that situation has been changing in recent years. Due to the efforts of NEC student Jason Belcher and pianist/composer Anthony Coleman, a New World Records recording of Van Nostrands’s music has sparked renewed interest in his work; Music on the Edge codirector Mathew Rosenblum has also played a significant role in that trend. Rosenblum provided extensive liner notes for that CD and has been one of the main catalysts for the Pittsburgh concert that seeks to build on the success of the recording project.

Three stalwarts of Pittsburgh’s contemporary music scene will bring Van Nostrand’s Fantasy Manual for Urban Survival to life. The trio will comprise flutist Lindsey Goodman, best known locally for her stellar performances with Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, Attack Theatre Music Director Dave Eggar on cello, and Pitt faculty composer Eric Moe on the piano.

Many of the same artists who participated in the landmark New World recording will reprise their performances in Pittsburgh. Pianist/conductor Anthony Coleman will lead the New England Conservatory Chamber Ensemble in Van Nostrand’s Voyage in a White Building 1 and violinist Paul Severtson will perform Phaedra Antinomaes.

Tickets for the Music of Burr Van Nostrand are available through the University of Pittsburgh Stages Box Office, by calling 412-624-7529, or visiting music.pitt.edu/tickets. Tickets in advance: general admission is $15; students and seniors are $10. At the door: general admission is $20; students and seniors are $15. Pitt students are free with valid ID.

Music on the Edge will present two additional events featuring Anthony Coleman. Coleman will give a free lecture about his music on Friday, February 21, 4 p.m. at Pitt’s Music Building. In addition, Coleman will perform a solo piano concert on Friday, February 21 at 8 p.m. at First Unitarian Church in Shadyside. Admission is $10 at the door. Anthony Coleman’s solo performance is co-presented by Music on the Edge and the Consortium. Bassist Jason Ajemian will open the evening.

February 10, 2014

Freya Performers Explore ROOTS at Carnegie Music Hall

The Freya String Quartet’s performance at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall will be a musical exploration of the sights and sounds that shaped the ensemble’s musicians. Roots will be performed on Monday, February 24 at 7:30 p.m.

The program opens with a set of folk songs from cellist Katya Janpoladyan’s native Armenia. These tuneful and rhythmically driven pieces evoke the rich musical traditions of a culture dating back nearly 2,500 years.

Spanning thousands of miles, Freya will also perform a work composed expressly for the group by Swedish-American composer Matthew Peterson. The eponymously named Badlands’ sweeping musical lines and colorful intonations are inspired by rugged beauty of North Dakota’s famous geological marvel. Both Jason Neukom (composer and violinist) and Jason Hohn (viola) are North Dakota natives.

The program will conclude with Edvard Grieg’s String Quartet in G Minor. This work of passionate lyricism was an early favorite of violinist Ashley Buck, indeed of each member of the ensemble. Freya’s musicians credit Grieg’s composition with instilling a love of performing chamber music and exploring its vast repertoire.

Founded in 2009, the Freya String Quartet is dedicated to performing a wide range of music, advocating artistic evolution, and teaching the importance of classical music in the Pittsburgh area. The ensemble is deeply committed to reaching new audiences by breaking the boundaries of classical music conventions. Freya’s repertoire spans composers from Shostakovich to Glass and Beethoven to Radiohead. Members of the ensemble have performed throughout the US, Asia, South America and Europe. To further advance its passion for live performance, innovation, education and collaboration Freya String Quartet helped create Symbiotic Collusion in 2011.

A project on the near horizon is the release of the album Snapshots, featuring nine short “character” pieces composed for Freya by Sean Neukom and Richard Neukom. The Neukoms are a musical family!

The February 24 concert is the fourth in the ACFL&MH’s Listen Locally chamber music series. Freya performed the series premiere concert in 2012. “We’re thrilled to be returning to the Listen Locally series,” says violist Jason Hohn. “It’s truly a wonderful venue that’s been lovingly restored and is a joy to perform in.”

The remaining two concerts this season’s series are:

March 31 Ferla-Marcinizyn Guitar Duo with contralto Daphne Alderson

April 28 Matt Murchison Mutiny (euphonium, flute, piano, bass, drums)

Tickets for the Listen Locally are $15 and may be purchased in advance at the ACFL&MH during library hours or at the box office the night of the concert. A reception with the musicians follows the concert. Please contact Lynne Cochran, Music Hall Director at 412-276-3456 ext. 7 for more information. All performances take place on Mondays at 7:30 p.m.

February 10, 2014February 11, 2014

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (2/14 – 2/16)

The Shaker

Spirited Away

Start your weekend on Wednesday and join Edible Allegheny Magazine and sample some of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh at the James Gallery in the West End. Beat the winter blues and Lift Your Spirits (no, seriously, Lift Your Spirits is the name of the event).

You can taste some small bites from Spoon, Lidia’s Italy Pittsburgh, Six Penn Kitchen, and Superior Motors.

Lift Your Spirits, 6:00 to 8:30 at the James Gallery, 413 S. Main Street, Pittsburgh. You can get tickets here; http://www.showclix.com/event/liftyourspirits

Let’s get Tropical

Every Sunday in February the Tropical Sands Steel Band is playing at Phipps Conservatory for Tropical Sundays from 1 -3. They have tropical fruit tastings, an Orchid and Tropical Bonsai show to go with it. If you wear a Hawaiian shirt you get in for half price. Go island hoping right in your own back yard at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh.

For more information, go here; http://phipps.conservatory.org

No Tails

It’s your last weekend to see “Heads.” Four hostages in a war zone are forced to make difficult choices to survive their dire situation in “Heads.” Playwright E.M. Lewis brings a heart-wrenching tale of war to the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Studio Theater, Thursdays, Fridays, 8 p.m., Saturdays, 2 & 8 p.m. and Sundays, 2 p.m. Continues through Feb. 16. 412-392-8000 www.pittsburghplayhouse.com

Skivvies

One weekend…four shows only!
Award-winning NYC singer-actors Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley don’t just perform “stripped down” arrangements of distinctive mash-ups and originals; they literally strip down to their underwear to play cello, ukulele, glockenspiel, and melodica. The New York Post calls this undie-rock, comedy-pop duo’s show “a mash-up of all things sultry.” Expect a hilarious evening of genre-hopping pop perfection with local special guests! At City Theatre, Feb 13-15. www.citytheatrecompany.org

Here Comes the Rain Again

barebones productions presents A STEADY RAIN, by Keith Huff, directed by Melissa Martin, and featuring David Whalen and Patrick Jordan

Joey and Denny have been best friends since kindergarten, and after working together for several years as policemen in Chicago, they are practically family: Joey helps out with Denny’s wife and kids; Denny keeps Joey away from the bottle. But when a domestic disturbance call takes a turn for the worse, their friendship is put on the line. The result is a harrowing journey into a moral gray area where trust and loyalty struggle for survival against a sobering backdrop of pimps, prostitutes, and criminal lowlifes.

http://www.showclix.com/event/steadyrain

Bonus Round (A Sixth Thing)

Off The Wall Theatre in Carnegie presents the first in an ongoing cabaret series, just in time for a night out this Valentine’s Day Weekend – whether hitting the town with your honey, or flying solo. The cabaret will feature performances by Hotep the Artist (pantomime and spoken word), Vocalist Rebecca Covert, comedian Derek Minto, and Off The Wall’s new resident company fireWALL Dance Theater, hosted by ‘Burgh Vivant’s own Brian Edward. Performance dates are Friday, February 14th at 7:00pm, and Saturday, February 15th at 8:00pm, at Off The Wall Theater, 25 West Main Street, Carnegie, PA. Ample free parking is available. Tickets may be purchased HERE.

– MB.

February 7, 2014February 7, 2014

Excitement builds for “ROGER HUMPHRIES Pass it On” premiere

by ‘Burgh Vivant Michael Buzzelli

Local jazz legend and educator Roger Humphries was honored at the Savoy Restaurant on Thursday, February 06, 2014. Humphries is the subject of a new documentary, “Roger Humphries: Pass it on,” directed by Billy Jackson.

The Savoy was hopping with local luminaries such as WQED’s Chris Moore, KDKA’s Lynn Hayes Freeland, KQV’s Elaine Effort, and sculptor Thad Mosley. They were mingling at the Savoy’s upstairs bar and snacked on some excellent hors d’oeuvres provided by Savoy’s star chef, Kevin Watson.

Everyone came out to celebrate Humphries illustrious career and to see a short preview of the film.

Jackson, the film director and producer, chose Humphries as a subject primarily because of Humphries’ altruistic outlook on developing and nurturing young talent. Jackson said, “Roger is a musical icon, yet accessible and down to earth. His humble spirit and commitment to ‘Passing it On,’ is inspiring and unique given his stature and years in the music business.”

“Roger Humphries: Pass It On” premieres February 22 at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild at a red carpet event. The film premiere is a fundraiser for four Pittsburgh non-profits who educate musically gifted youth; The Afro-American Music Institute, The Roger L. Humphries Music Scholarship Fund, The Jazz Workshop of Homewood and Lighthouse Arts, Inc.

Don’t pass up, “Roger Humphries: Passing It On.” You can join the fun February 22 at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, 1815 Metropolitan Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. For pricing and additional information, go to www.rhpassiton.com or www.mcgjazz.org.

WQED’s Chris Moore with Roger Humphries.

“ROGER HUMPHRIES Pass It On” director, Billy Jackson.

‘Burgh Vivant Lonnie “The Theatre Lady” chats with Pamela Collier.

Roger Humphries, sculptor Thad Mosley, Dr. Harry Clark, and Dr. Curtiss Porter.

KQV’s Elaine Effort with husband Edmund Effort. Photobomb: Chris Moore.

February 7, 2014February 7, 2014

Point Park’s Conservatory Theatre Company presents rock musical ‘Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson’

Directed by Michael McKelvey, the show previews Feb. 20, runs Feb. 21-March 2 at Pittsburgh Playhouse

PITTSBURGH – Point Park University’s Conservatory Theatre Company presents Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, a raucous and unique rock musical that reinvents America’s seventh president as a contemporary rock star.

Directed by Michael McKelvey, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson opens Friday, Feb. 21, and runs through Sunday, March 2, with a preview on Thursday, Feb. 20, in the Rockwell Theatre at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Performances will be at 8 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets range from $18 to $20 and can be purchased by calling the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office at 412.392.8000, or at www.pittsburghplayhouse.com.

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson gives a modern spin to the founding of the Democratic Party, Jackson’s life and his relationship with his wife, Rachel Jackson.

McKelvey directs Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, with choreography by Cassidy Adkins, scenic design by Michael Thomas Essad, costume design by Michael Montgomery, lighting design by Andrew David Ostrowski, and sound design by Kristopher Buggey. Layden Jenson-Bunch is stage manager.

Director McKelvey’s Pittsburgh Playhouse credits include Honk Jr. (stage/music director), Oklahoma! and A Chorus Line (music director). Recent regional directing credits include Swing! Legally Blonde, Sweeney Todd, Oklahoma! A Year with Frog and Toad (SSA), Les Misérables (Interlakes), Chess (Austin Playhouse); A Minister’s Wife, I Love You Because, john & jen, The Last Five Years (Penfold); Footloose, Annie (Zilker Theatre); City of Angels, Carousel, The Pajama Game (Mary Moody Northen); Reefer Madness, Company, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, and Evil Dead (DMP). At Point Park, McKelvey is the coordinator of private voice, an instructor of musical theatre, and is part of the NYC Showcase production staff. He is the artistic director of SummerStock Austin and Doctuh Mistuh Productions in Austin, Texas, and is the recipient of multiple B. Iden Payne and Austin Critics’ Table Awards as a stage director, music director, and producer. In March, he is slated to direct the musical, Ordinary Days.

February 7, 2014February 7, 2014

‘Burgh Vivant host Brian Edward to emcee cabaret at Off The Wall

Brian Edward Leach

CARNEGIE, PA – This Valentine’s weekend, ‘Burgh Vivant host Brian Edward will emcee the first in a series of variety cabarets sporting acts of music, comedy, dance, poetry, and more, produced by Off The Wall Productions.

The cabaret will feature performances by Hotep the Artist (pantomime and spoken word), Vocalist Rebecca Covert, comedian Derek Minto, and Off The Wall’s new resident company fireWALL Dance Theater. Performance dates are Friday, February 14th at 7:00pm, and Saturday, February 15th at 8:00pm, at Off The Wall Theater, 25 West Main Street, Carnegie, PA. Ample free parking is available. Tickets may be purchased HERE.

Brian Edward is the host and executive producer of ‘Burgh Vivant, Pittsburgh’s cultural talk magazine. He has worked in the theatre in the capacity of actor, director, playwright, and comedian, with local credits including Pittsburgh Opera, Arcade Comedy Theater, and The REP. Brian was named among the top supporting actors in Pittsburgh by the Post Gazette in 2001, and among the top leading actors in 2002. He is also the creator of the musical comedy Amish Burlesque. He has emceed numerous charitable events and film festivals, is frequently quoted in print and radio, and has been a recurrent guest on the CBS-KDKA morning show, Pittsburgh LIVE Today.

Off The Wall is a Pittsburgh theatre production company whose mission is to enrich, enliven, educate, amaze and entertain its audiences, and to help create a more conscious and compassionate community while increasing the public knowledge and appreciation of theater in South Western Pennsylvania. Off The Wall aims to encourage and support the admiration of all arts and artists by providing a home in which live theater, dance, music, and comedy can be presented, and to nurture, challenge, inspire and empower women theater artists from the Pittsburgh region and beyond to collaborate as playwrights, directors, technicians, and actors, explore new ideas, and develop new works. Off The Wall’s 96 – seat house offers an intimate environment, allowing performers to have close interaction with their audience.

WATCH/LISTEN: ‘Burgh Vivant’s guest Virginia Wall Gruenert – Artistic Director of Off The Wall Productions.

WATCH/LISTEN: ‘Burgh Vivant’s guest Kim El – poet, actor, writer, director, now performing her original show STRAIGHTENING COMBS in repertory at Off The Wall Theatre.

February 6, 2014

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top-5 To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (2/6 – 2/9)

Every week we find Five Fun Things to do in Pittsburgh. If you want to plan your weekend, here are some suggestions on how to spend it.

Laugh Locally, Support Globally

“Local People for Global Causes” will be raising money for an organization called Clash International which will sponsor an upcoming reading of a play by Matt Henderson titled, “A Long Walk on the Beach.” The Improv troupe “Yeah, Those Guys,” will also be performing at the event. Clash’s goal is, “to facilitate community-driven and capacity-building agricultural and business education programs for farmers in Ghana’s rural communities.”

You might as well laugh locally, while you’re supporting a global cause.

Help yourself and the world with a good time at the Grey Box Theater, 3595 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. For more information, go to www.clashinternational.org/events

It Ain’t Easy Being Green

An ogre, with the aid of his trusty, talkative donkey, rescues a beautiful princess with a secret in “Shrek the Musical.” This fractured fairy tale has fun, laughs and good times with 19 new songs.

Laugh as the tallest man in theater (Tim Hartman) plays the diminutive Lord Farquaad.

Shrek the Musical opens February 6 and runs to February 16 at the Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222.

For more information, check out http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/production/38787

Under Where?

A reclusive Dutch librarian (played by film, television and theater actor Randy Kovitz) discovers a travel guide that has been returned 113 years overdue. His obsession with finding the person responsible takes him out of his insular world and on a globe-trotting quest. As he follows a chain of clues that go back thousands of years, he finds connections to ancient myths and kindles his own dormant spirit in Glen Berger’s “Underneath The Lintel.”

“Under” opens Wednesday February 5, 2014 at the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre 937 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

For more information, go to http://12peerstheater.org/

Deadbeat Club

Comedian Bubbs Harris from Florida and JC Ratliff from Tennessee form a group called the Deadbeats of Comedy. They will be performing with local comedians John Dick Winters, Ed Bailey and Day Bracey, and, frankly, you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. Be cautious and prepare to laugh on Saturday February 8.

The Deadbeats will tell tall tales at the Rock Club, 1054 Herron Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

For more information, go to the Facebook events page at https://www.facebook.com/events/470373726406769/?ref=ts&fref=ts
Captioned!

About the Exhibit:

Most of the artwork in this exhibition was created by Florence Sarah Winship, while her name may not be immediately recognizable, she was a prolific illustrator creating hundreds of children’s books and coloring books for Western and Whitman Publishing.

Featuring iconic celebrities of the day such as Dinah Shore and Doris Day as well as scenes from daily life, coloring books are a snapshot of a time gone by, and a chance to view a generation through the rose colored glasses of their childhood.

The festivities begin at 7pm on February 7th at the ToonSeum. Tickets will be available online for $15.00 or $20.00 at the door.About the Exhibit:

The festivities begin at 7pm on February 7th at the ToonSeum. Tickets will be available online for $15.00 or $20.00 at the door.Return to the nostalgic era of the 50s with an exhibition of original coloring book art from Western Publishing with the ToonSeum. But wait, there’s more. They’ve added a modern, comic twist to the exhibit, “Color Me Happy.”

Executive Director Joe Wos said, “The ToonSeum has invited some of Pittsburgh brightest and funniest comedic minds to create their own captions for the artwork on display!”

Jimmy Krenn, Rick Sebak, Terry Jones, Gab Bonesso, Rob Rogers, Aaron Kleiber, Eric Heyl, Mike Buzzelli (ring any bells?), and those wacky people from the Arcade Comedy Theater have supplied captions for the exhibit.

You can be part of the opening reception Friday, February 7, 2014. Come down and create your own caption for the show! The ToonSeum is at 945 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, click here http://www.toonseum.org/

February 3, 2014

Phipps Executive Director Richard V. Piacentini Receives Carnegie Science Award

Sustainability leader honored with Catalyst Award for innovations in green building and operations.

Pittsburgh, Pa.— As the visionary behind Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ innovative Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL), Executive Director Richard V. Piacentini has been named as the recipient of a Catalyst Award — one of more than 20 honors bestowed upon individuals and organizations in western Pa. who have distinguished themselves by making unparalleled contributions to science and technology in various disciplines through the 2014 Carnegie Science Awards.

Since his tenure began in 1994, Piacentini has not only made great strides to revitalize Phipps but he has also taken the lead on its transformation into a global model of sustainability with the building of the first LEED®-certified visitor center in a public garden, the first LEED-certified greenhouses, and the Tropical Forest Conservatory, the most energy-efficient structure of its kind in the world when it opened in 2006. Phipps’ latest accomplishment under his leadership is the CSL, a net-zero energy and net-zero water facility that has been designed to meet the progressive Living Building Challenge™. Already a recipient of LEED Platinum and Four Stars SITES™ certification from the Sustainable Sites Initiative™, it is also expected to be the first building anywhere to achieve all three of these rigorous standards.

“In a time when many of the environmental problems we face can be attributed to the fact that we are not only disconnected from nature but also live in a society that values the importance of ‘me’ over ‘we,’ it is not enough to simply build greener,” says Piacentini. “With the CSL, we hope to push the envelope even further, inspiring transformative experiences in the space as we celebrate our innate bonds to nature, and illuminate the many possibilities of sustainable building and landscaping. I am truly honored to have received the Catalyst Award in recognition of this work, which will benefit generations to come.”

To be presented to Piacentini at a ceremony held at the Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland on May 9, the Catalyst Award recognizes individuals or organizations who have come to exemplify an area of science because of the actions that they have taken to create public awareness over a broad swath of society, pioneered by people like Rachel Carson in the environment, Red Whittaker in robotics, and Alan Russell in regenerative medicine. Now in its 18th year, the Carnegie Science Awards have honored the accomplishments of 400 plus awardees who have improved the lives of others through their work.

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.