'Burgh Vivant

January 28, 2014

NOMMO Productions presents Roger Humphries documentary in red carpet premiere

PITTSBURGH, PA—January 28, 2014— NOMMO Productions announces the Red Carpet screening of Roger Humphries Pass It On, a film documentary directed by Billy Jackson. Honorary Co-Chairmen Mayor-Elect Bill Peduto and Bill Strickland will head this black tie event. The fundraiser will benefit four Pittsburgh non-profits who educate musically gifted youths: The Afro-American Music Institute, The Roger L. Humphries Music Scholarship Fund, The Jazz Workshop of Homewood and The Lighthouse Arts, Inc. The fundraiser is scheduled for February 22, 2014 at the Manchester Craftmen’s Guild, 1815 Metropolitan Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.

Billy Jackson, the film director and producer, chose Roger Humphries as a subject, primarily because of Mr. Humphries’ altruistic outlook on developing and nurturing young talent. According to Mr. Jackson, “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. I wanted to share Mr. Humphries’ worldview with others. Perhaps it will inspire us all to give back that which we have been given in some tangible manner. I hope that the film is viewed by many, is well received and that I have channeled Roger’s grace and humbleness in a way that is true to him.”

Roger Humphries is a Pittsburgh native who began performing as a jazz musician since the age of three and a half. As a musical prodigy, he began playing professionally at the tender age of 14 and has played with such greats as Stanley Turrentine, Horace Silvers and Ray Charles, among others.

Mr. Humphries’ discography began in 1963 with Stanley Turrentine and Shirley Scott; and includes the following year’s huge hit with Horace Silver, “Song for My Father.” Roger continues to record and recently released his latest CD “Keep the Faith.”

As a part of this historic evening, VIPs will enjoy cocktails, butlered hors d’oeuvres with a ”Jazz Jam Session” by CAPA Performing Arts students. Following the premiere is an exclusive Presentation of Award crafted by the acclaimed artist Thad Mosley, as well as a dessert and coffee reception. Ticket pricing for the VIP Cocktail Jazz Jam Session is $125. General admission ticket pricing is $50 with a limited number of young professional rate tickets offered at $30. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. for VIP, and 7:30 p.m. for general admission and young professionals.

“I am grateful and honored that someone is interested in documenting my life,” said Roger Humphries. “I am a musician who loves what he does and has stayed true to his gifts and talents. Although I have the option to live and work anywhere in the world, I chose to live and raise my family right here in Pittsburgh. I am blessed to make a living doing what I love and I equally feel a responsibility to uplift and nurture the children who are coming up in later generations. I have committed my time, my energy, my passion and my finances to ensuring that a musical tradition is passed on to young talented artists. I am humbled and thankful to Billy Jackson for this great honor.”

For event information call (412) 294-9892. Tickets are available online at www.rhpassiton.com and www.mcgjazz.org. Additional ticket locations are Stedeford’s Records, 417 E. Ohio Street, North Side; Centre of Attraction, 2019 Centre Avenue, Hill District; and Dorsey’s Records, 7614 Frankstown Avenue, Homewood.

ABOUT BILLY JACKSON AND NOMMO PRODUCTIONS

Billy Jackson, Producer and Director, is a national award-winning documentarian and principal owner of NOMMO Productions. NOMMO Productions is a closely-knit team of seasoned associates committed to producing excellent, broadcast quality media. NOMMO has produced documentary, dramatic and promotional films for a client base that included Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, New York Department of General Services, BET and Alcoa. Jackson taught film courses at Emerson College and Pittsburgh Filmmakers, as well as, served as consultant, cinematographer and/or producer for government, industry, independent production houses and television stations.

NOMMO has produced the award-winning films Enough is Enough: The Death of Jonny Gammage, Didn’t We Ramble On? and We are Universal. More information is available at www.NOMMOProductions.com.

January 27, 2014

Lidia’s Pittsburgh offers special couples cooking class

and just in time for Valentine’s Day

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 27, 2014) – Looking to spend some quality, romantic time with your Valentine? How about a couples-only cooking class, learning to make mouth-watering dishes together, directly from one of the most acclaimed chefs in the city?

On Saturday, February 8, just in time for Valentine’s Day, Lidia’s-Pittsburgh executive chef Jeremy Voytish will host a 2-hour Couples Cooking Class at the restaurant (1400 Smallman Street) teaching couples how to make romantic and delicious dishes that they can then prepare together in their own homes.

The Couples Cooking Class will begin at 3pm in the restaurant’s loft. Couples will learn how to make these easy-to-prepare dishes:

· Three Cheese Honey Crostini

· Belgian Endive, Apple and Walnut Salad

· Chocolate Ravioli with Sage Butter and Crumbled Pistachios

· Chocolate Hazelnut Espresso Mouse, Toasted Hazelnuts

After the hands-on class, couples will then enjoy a 5-course dinner at Lidia’s-Pittsburgh as prepared by Chef Voytish and showcasing the recipes from the class along with a delicious Bistecca alla Pizzaiola served with white corn polenta.

“Cooking together can be a great way for couples to connect and to really enjoy each other’s company,” said Chef Voytish. “These dishes are not only easy to prepare and delicious, but each one of them has a romantic twist.”

Space for the Couples Cooking Class is limited and reservations are required. The price is $95 per person for demo and dinner. Tax and gratuity are additional. For more information or to reserve, please call 412.552.0150 or email privatedining@lidias-pittsburgh.com

For more information on Lidia’s-Pittsburgh, please visit www.lidias-pittsburgh.com

January 27, 2014

Clash International’s inaugural fundraiser to be held at Lawrenceville’s Grey Box

Pittsburgh, PA– January 23, 2014 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Clash International will hold their inaugural fundraiser Local People for Global Causes on February 8, 2014 from 7-10 PM at The Grey Box Theatre in Lawrenceville.

The evening will include live performances by local artists Danielle Maggio, Michael Donati, and Pat Griffin, and Yeah, Those Guys improv group, as well as a premiere short play reading of local playwright Matt Henderson’s work “A Long Walk on the Beach” and a silent art and craft auction showcasing the work of local artists. Light refreshments will also be served and a number of gift certificates for local businesses will be raffled off.

All proceeds from the event will go to Clash: Rural Ghana– an initiative to facilitate community-driven, capacity-building agricultural extension programs to northern Ghana’s most remote communities in an effort to promote economic self-sufficiency and food security.

Clash International is a non-profit organization founded by Pittsburgh-native Cynthia Caul and Mankama Sulemana that seeks to build personal and sustainable business relationships with independent artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs in developing countries that will enhance their businesses. In a nutshell—to clash fearlessly, peacefully, and relentlessly. To learn more about Clash: Rural Ghana, and how you can be involved, visit clashinternational.org

January 27, 2014

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top 5 To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (1/30 – 2/2)

Every week we pick Five Fun Things to do in Pittsburgh. Here’s the list for January 30^th to February 2^nd (Groundhog Day).

Citizen Artist

If you missed Vanessa German’s spoken word poem about Pittsburgh at Bill Peduto’s inauguration at Heinz Hall, you missed a spectacular love letter to the city. It was about all the citizens of our fair city and how we can work together. One particular citizen, Vanessa German herself, has an exhibit at the Concept Art Gallery. On Thursday, January 30, Vanessa will be performing and answering questions about her exhibit.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to talk to Vanessa, go to Concept Art Gallery, 1021 Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh. For more details, point and click http://conceptgallery.com

Mad about Madagascar

Are you in the mood for a mystery, a ghost story or a period piece? You can have all that and more at Quantum Theater’s “Madagascar.” Three Americans find themselves alone in the same hotel room overlooking Rome’s Spanish Steps at three different periods in time.

You can travel to “Madagascar” and check into the Carlyle, 306 Fourth Avenue, Pittsburgh. For more information, click www.quantumtheatre.com/season/Madagascar.

Disorder in the Court!

Turn on the boob tube mid-afternoon and you will see a myriad of courtroom shows. Divorce Court, Judge Judy…etc. ad infinitum. It’s rife for parody. “Judge Jackie Justice” is here to serve the people. It’s a courtroom musical comedy brought to you by Van Kaplan, Christopher Dimond and Michael Kooman.

The musical courtroom of Judge Jackie Justice is now in session at the CLO Cabaret, at the Cabaret at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh. For more information, click www.trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/production/39605/judge-jackie-justice

Girls Night Out

Sally Brooks is a comedian, writer and all around swell gal. The comedian will be telling sassy personal stories about her life and lack thereof in her fun-loving, smart-assed kinda way. Sally has performed all over the country, sharing the stage with comedians like Bobcat Goldhwait, Kevin Nealon, and Greg Proops. She is creator of the “Suburban Housewife” web series that has over 1.5 million hits on YouTube. Sally has also headlined the “Girl’s Night Out Tour.”

January 31^st you can catch Sally at the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh. For more information, go to www.arcadecomedytheater.com

Comb Out

Kim El will also be telling great personal stories in a performance that combines spoken word, songs and poetry in “Straightening Combs.” Kim promises to take the audience on a intimate journey as seen through the eyes of an African American woman coming of age in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.

You can find “Straightening Combs” at the Off The Wall Theater, 25 West Main Street, Carnegie. For more information go to www.pittsburghtheaterrental.com/straightening-combs

January 20, 2014January 20, 2014

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Top 5 To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (1/23 – 1/26)

Every week we pick Five Fun Things to do in Pittsburgh. Here’s the list for January 23 – 26

Sisters are doing it for themselves

Follow the lives of some Sister-Wives in “Dark Sisters.” An opera about Eliza and her quest to escape her life as a member of the FLDS Church (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a polygamous sect based in the Southwestern United States). Forget the Viking women, the queens and the goddesses, this opera is thoroughly modern. The story is derived from the 1953 raid at Short Creek, AZ and the 2008 raid at the yearning For Zion Ranch in Eldorado , TX.

The Pittsburgh Opera produced show will be held in the CAPA Theater, 9^th Street and Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh.

For more information, go to www.pittsburghopera.org

Side by Side by Sondheim

Been awhile since you heard Stephen Sondheim? Come to “Company,” and bring “Another Hundred People.” Watch a group of New Yorkers navigate married life and its alternatives. Check out the show that swept the Tony Awards back in 1970. Rediscover why Stephen Sondheim is an American treasure.

Head down, side by side, to the Pittsburgh Public Theater, the O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or visit www.ppt.org for more information.

Pride Goeth

There’s a new play being performed by Dreams of Hope youth theater ensemble. Follow the personal and historical journeys of the LGBT community at its inception in “Before Pride.” Inspired by the ensemble’s interviews with community leaders in Pittsburgh, historical research, and the troupe’s own experiences, “Before Pride” asks, “Where have we come from and where are we going?”

The Dreams of Hope Youth Ensemble worked with local artists Adil Mansoor, Paul Kruse, Monica Stephenson, and Maree ReMalia to develop original text, music, and dance for this hour-long performance.

Tickets are pay-what-you-can at the door. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot

Friday and Saturday, January 24th 25th, 2014 at 8pm
The Alloy Studios – 5530 Penn Avenue

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/before-pride-registration-9817417159

I love Rock and Roll

Thursday Jan 23, 2014, come out to honor Rich Engler for the thousands of concerts he brought to Pittsburgh as co-owner of DiCesare-Engler Productions. It’s the “Inaugural Pittsburgh Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame Celebration for 2014 with Inaugural Inductee Rich Engler.”

Enjoy energetic performances by an All Star Rock’n Roll band with Donnie Iris, B.E. Taylor, The Clark’s Scott Blasey,J oe Grushecky, Frank Czuri, Rick Witkowski, Hermie Granati, Joffo Simmons & Art Nardini.

Buy autographed rock’n roll memorabilia at the silent auction. Proceeds will benefit the Cancer Caring Center

Tickets – General Admission $150 – Doors open at 6:30 PM with a VIP reception & tickets $200. Doors open at 5:30 Hard Rock Cafe Station Square Pittsburgh, or just hit them up on the Internet at http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/cafe.aspx?LocationID=87&MIBenumID=3

Five, Six, Seven, NATE!

If you’ve got kids who are theatrically inclined, take them over to the South Hills Village and meet Tim Federele author of “Nate than Better Ever” and “Five, Six, Seven, Nate.” “Better Nate than Ever” is the story of a Pittsburgh kid who goes off to NYC to audition to be in “E.T. The Musical.” Is that a thing? That should be a thing!

Federele live in NYC but he’s an original Pittsburgher (and the story sounds slightly autobiographical).

Come to the launch party and bring your kids! He will also be signing copies of his cocktail book for adults, “Tequila Mockingbird.”

Details can be found here: http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/82521

And now a Sixth Thing….
Closet Free Comedy

Jason Dudey brings his friends, Dana Goldberg and Ian Harvie (Ian Harvie – Superhero) on a national tour showcasing LGBT comedy at its finest and funniest. You can find them Friday January, 24 at Cruze Bar, 1600 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh in the Strip.

For more information, Facebook them at www.facebook.com/events/352524584891243/?fref=ts

January 17, 2014

Music on the Edge presents STRIKE DUO in cooperation with Andy Warhol Museum

This January, Pitt’s Music on the Edge and The Andy Warhol Museum will present Strike Duo (piano and percussion) in a program that highlights leading creative voices in contemporary music. The duo will perform at the Warhol on January 25 at 8 p.m.

Nick Barnard of MusicWeb International describes Strike Duo members Jeffery Meyer (piano) and Paul Vaillancourt (percussion) as “exceptionally fine players both individually and in tandem.” Their program in Pittsburgh will explore a variety of music ranging from Chen Yi’s folk music inspired China West Suite to Mario Davidovsky’s Synchronisms No. 6, a classic of electroacoustic repertoire. The program will also include Brooke Joyce’s Sacred Trees, mark Mellits’ Tight Sweater (Remix), Eric Moes’ Cross Chop (for solo drum set), and Jim David’s Duo Toccata.

Paul Vaillancourt is Associate Professor of Percussion at Columbus State University. He has been a featured soloist with the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic, the National Arts Center Orchestra, the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, and at the Banff and Aspen Music Festivals. Recent concerto performances have included Michael Daugherty’s Raise The Roof with the CSU Wind Ensemble and Jennifer Higdon’s Percussion Concerto with the CSU Philharmonic. He has had various performances broadcast by NPR, CBC and Radio-Canada and is in demand as an instructor and composer of Scottish pipe band drumming.

Born in Chicago, Jeffery Meyer has established an international reputation as both a conductor and pianist. Since 2002 he has been the Artistic Director of the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic in St. Petersburg, Russia one of that city’s most innovative and progressive ensembles. He has appeared with orchestras in the United States and abroad, including ensembles such as the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, Sichuan Symphony, and the Orchestra Sinfonico “Haydn” di Bolzano e Trento. In recent concert seasons, the versatile Meyer’s busy schedule has included conducting, performing as piano soloist, as a chamber musician, and conducting from the keyboard.

Tickets 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. (No free student tickets at The Warhol.)

January 13, 2014January 13, 2014

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top-5 To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (1/16 – 1/19)

There’s always a lot do in Pittsburgh. Every week we pick five fun things for your weekend. Here’s the list for January 16 – 19.

For the Birds

Defy Gravity (that’s a hint for something later in the list) with Heather Henson’s “Flight: A Crane’s Story.” It’s an exploration of nature’s deepest mysteries alongside Awaken, a young crane learning to fly. Since it’s from Heather Henson, daughter of Muppet Master Jim Henson, expect puppetry, kites and music and expect the unexpected.

This weekend, you can migrate to the Charity Randall Theater, Forbes Ave., Pitt Campus. Tickets can be found here; https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=92fa16a19df76731bdf523ffd26a2755
Pop it!

The Sweetwater Center for the Arts in Sewickley had an opening reception Saturday January 18^th for their new exhibit, “Pop Explosion: The Artist and Popular Culture.” According to Pop King, Andy Warhol, “Once you ‘Got’ Pop, you could never see a sign the same way again. And once you thought ‘pop,’ you could never see America the same way again.”

The exhibition is juried by Nicholas Chambers, The Milton Fine Curator of Art at the Andy Warhol Museum, and Robert Beckman, Director at Artists Image Resource.

There is a special opening reception Saturday, January 18th. Pop up to the Sweetwater Center for the Arts, 200 Broad Street , Sewickley, PA 15143, or click here; http://www.sweetwaterartcenter.org/

Meet some Important People

Speaking of Andy Warhol, Pittsburgh’s celebrated garage-rock trio Meeting of Important People returns to the stage January 18th with special guests The Nox Boys, who will be releasing their debut vinyl album that evening on the Get Hip label!

This will be an ALL-AGES event as part of Warhol’s Winter Sound Series, unveiling the museum’s new entrance gallery with a special inaugural performance.

Bop down to the Andy Warhol Museum, 117 Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, or click the light fantastic at www.thewarhol.org

Something Wicked this way comes

Defy Gravity with the hit musical about Elphaba AKA the Wicked Witch of the West. Get her side of the Oz story with lots of singing and dancing along the way. “Wicked” comes to the Benedum Center this weekend and continues through Feb. 9

Hop on your broom sticks and head to the Bendedum Center, 719 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh. Call 412-456-6666 or click www.trustarts.org.

Mountaintops

Celebrate MLK, Jr. Day early by attending “The Mountaintop,” Katori Hall’s fictionalized portrayal of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s last night, set in a hotel room hours before his assassination.

The Mountaintop opens this weekend and plays through February 9.

Share the dream at the City Theatre 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh. For more information, click www.citytheatrecompany.org.

January 10, 2014

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School directors kick off nation-wide audition tour

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 2013) – Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School – the official training institution of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre – kicks off a nation-wide audition tour this weekend for its 2014 Intensive Summer Program, an immersive five-week training program held at PBT Studios in the Strip District for professional-track student dancers.

As part of the 2014 audition tour, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School Directors Marjorie Grundvig and Dennis Marshall and School Principal Janet Popeleski will hold auditions in 26 cities and 15 states to bring young dance talent to Pittsburgh. The team selects students from each audition to attend the school’s five-week Intensive Summer Program, which will be held June 23, through July 26, 2014 at PBT Studios in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. The U.S. audition tour concludes in Pittsburgh on February 16, with registration beginning at 1 p.m. and the audition at 1:30 p.m. at PBT Studios, 2900 Liberty Ave.

The PBT School ISP is a five-week program of diverse dance curriculum, including ballet technique, partnering, pointe and repertoire as well as jazz, modern and character dance. Under the direction of PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr and School Directors Marjorie Grundvig and Dennis Marshall, ISP includes instruction by PBT School faculty, PBT company artists and prominent guest instructors. ISP students attend classes six days a week, including seminars and workshops focused on nutrition, choreography, injury prevention and the psychology of dance. PBT School’s ISP is designed to instill long-term value for the art form through the study of diverse techniques that adapt well to the demands of professional ballet companies.

The nation-wide audition tour draws more than 700 candidates from around the country who are interested in studying dance in Pittsburgh. Each year, the audition tour also sees a number of international students, who are invited to audition by video. Past ISP students have represented countries including, Australia, Brazil, China, Canada, France, Italy, Guam, Japan and Mexico. Recent years have also seen a surge in participation from Japanese students as a result of Mr. Marshall’s involvement with the annual Japan Grand Prix ballet competition, where he serves on an international panel of judges.

PBT School brings an average of 175 students to Pittsburgh each summer to participate in the five-week Intensive Summer Program, which culminates in a performance of repertoire classics and student-choreographed works at PBT Studios. Following the summer program, many ISP students return to PBT School to continue their training during the regular school year. PBT School’s current 2013-2014 enrollment includes 61 out-of-state students and 14 international students, who have relocated to Pittsburgh to enroll in the full-time High School and Graduate programs of PBT School’s Pre-Professional Division.

About the 2014 Intensive Summer Program
The 2014 Intensive Summer Program takes place June 23, to July 26, at PBT Studios, 2900 Liberty Ave., in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Find the complete list of audition tour sites and dates at http://www.pbt.org/pittsburgh-ballet-theatre-school/audition-tour. Directed by PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr and School Directors Marjorie Grundvig and Dennis Marshall, ISP includes instruction by prominent PBT faculty members and accomplished guest instructors. Faculty members at the Intensive Summer Program include: PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr, PBT School Directors Marjorie Grundvig and Dennis Marshall, PBT School Principal Janet Popeleski and Pollyanna Ribeiro among others. The Intensive Summer Program also features guest instructors, including: PBT Ballet Master Steven Annegarn; PBT Ballet Mistress Marianna Tcherkassky; former PBT Artistic Director Patricia Wilde; current PBT Company Dancers Nurlan Abougaliev, Christopher Budzynski, Alexandra Kochis, Robert Moore, Christine Schwaner; and other notable guests from around the world, including: Carrie and Li Chou Cheng, Reina Gen, Mireille Leterrier, Gyula Pandi, Viktor Plotnikov, and Larissa Ponomarenko.

As part of the ISP curriculum, various enrichment seminars will be offered on topics, including stress management, dance psychology, nutrition and injury prevention. The roster of ISP 2014 seminar presenters will include: Leslie Bonci (M.P.H., R.D., LDN, CSSD, Director of Sports Nutrition at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine), Antoine Douaihy (M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Medical Director of Addiction Medicine Services at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic and WPIC Inpatient Dual Diagnosis Unit), and Kathleen Nachazel (ATC, Assistant Director, UPMC Center for Sports Medicine).

Supervised room and board accommodations for students are available at Fickes and Woodland Halls on the beautiful campus of Chatham University as well as PBT’s own student residence, Byham House. The Byham House, which can accommodate up to 21 students, occupies three floors in a historic 7,000-square-foot property located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh, less than one mile away from PBT Studios.

Audition Guidelines

The auditions and program are open to male and female ballet dancers 12 and older. For additional details about audition requirements and dates, please visit www.pbt.org.

PBT School to Offer New “Company Experience” Workshop
New to the summer curriculum this year, PBT School also will offer a new, two-week “Company Experience” workshop from June 9-20, at PBT Studios, 2900 Liberty Ave. The workshop will offer aspiring professional dancers, ages 16 and up, the opportunity to work with company dancers in a professional setting. Students will learn choreography and repertoire from PBT company dancers, artistic staff and choreographers, and learn more about the dynamics of dancing with a professional ballet company. Workshop faculty members will include PBT principal dancers Julia Erickson, Christopher Budzynski and Alexandra Kochis as well as a number of other company dancers and artistic staff. For more information, or to submit a pre-application form, visit http://www.pbt.org/company-experience.

About Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School

As the official training institution of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School is recognized as one of the nation’s finest schools for dance education and training. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr and School Directors Marjorie Grundvig and Dennis Marshall, PBT School offers classical ballet training and a diverse dance curriculum to approximately 1,000 students of all ages, levels and degrees of interest taught by faculty and guest teachers of international acclaim. Strengthened by daily exposure to PBT’s professional company of dancers, PBT School provides dance training through Children’s, Student, Pre-Professional and Adult Open divisions.

January 9, 2014January 9, 2014

NEW LASER SHOWS AT CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER FEATURE AEROSMITH, GUNS N’ ROSES, AND DEADMAU5

*Michael Jackson, Lasers of Oz, Other Favorites Return*

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 9, 2014— Starting Friday, Jan. 10, Carnegie Science Center will launch a new lineup of laser shows, including Aerosmith vs. Guns n’ Roses, Lasermau5, and a second, distinctly different, Pink Floyd show. The new shows are: Aerosmith vs. Guns n’ RosesJoe Perry or Slash? Steven Tyler or Axl Rose? Aerosmith or Guns n’ Roses? Think you have to choose? Dream on! Two of the greatest hard rock bands of all time team up in this sizzling laser shootout. Feast your eyes – and ears – on your favorite solos and riffs from rock staples like “Paradise City,” “Walk This Way,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” and more!Lasermau5Looking for more great music, special effects, lasers n’ stuff? Lasermau5 is a new show featuring music from EDM’s biggest act. Our booming sound system and state-of-the-art laser and lighting effects will have your mind spinning with Deadmau5 hit singles like “I Remember,” Ghosts N’ Stuff,” and “Raise Your Weapon.” Get ready to dance to this playlist of incredible mau5terpieces! The Vision Bell: The Best of Laser Floyd Perfect for those who love Floyd but don’t want to stay up past midnight, this show is offered Saturday evenings at 7 pm. Experience Pink Floyd in a show as vibrant and diverse as their entire discography. Featuring selections from many of their hit albums (including Wish You Were Here, A Momentary Lapse of Reason, The Wall, and Dark Side of the Moon), The Vision Bell captures the many flavors of Pink Floyd and displays them in a rich and engrossing feast for the eyes and the ears, sure to leave any Floyd fan satisfied! Back by popular demand are Michael Jackson, at 5 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and The Lasers of Oz in daily matinees at 1 pm Monday through Friday and 2 pm Saturday and Sunday. Daft Punk and Led Zeppelin continue on Friday evenings, and of course Midnight Pink Floyd remains at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, as it has for decades. This laser lineup will run through May 4. The Buhl Planetarium offers a unique live experience with state-of-the-art solid state lasers and a brand new vibrant LED lighting system. All laser shows throb with energy, mesmerizing lights, and 3D atmospheric effects that fill the air above the audience. Each laser appears many, many times brighter than the old argon gas system that was formerly used in laser shows. Admission to laser shows is just $2 for members or $8 for non-members. For complete show times and descriptions of all shows, visit CarnegieScienceCenter.org.
WATCH/LISTEN: ‘Burgh Vivant interview with Amanda Iwaniec – Education Coordinator, Demo Theaters and Buhl Planetarium, CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER
About Carnegie Science CenterCarnegie 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 PittsburghFounded 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.

January 9, 2014

The REP presents Pittsburgh premiere of gripping, award-winning contemporary drama ‘Heads’

Directed by John Shepard, show previews Jan. 30, runs Jan. 31-Feb. 16 at Pittsburgh Playhouse

PITTSBURGH – The REP, Point Park University’s professional theatre company, continues its compelling 2013-2014 season with the Pittsburgh premiere of EM Lewis’ heart-wrenching prize-winning drama, Heads.

Directed by John Shepard, Heads previews on Thursday, Jan. 30, and runs Jan. 31-Feb. 16, in the Studio Theatre at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Ave. Performances are 8 p.m., Thursday – Saturday, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Written by EM Lewis and called “provocative and wonderfully threatening” by Edward Albee, Heads tell the deeply human story of four hostages in a war zone and how they each respond to their ordeal by making difficult choices to survive.

The REP’s production of Heads stars Tony Bingham as Michael Apres, Patrick Cannon as Jack Velazquez, James Fitzgerald as Harold Wolfe, and Diana Ifft as Caroline Conway. Scenic design is by Britton Mauk, costume design by Don DiFonso, lighting design by Todd Wren, and sound design by Steve Shapiro. Alicia DiGiorgi is the stage manager.

Tickets range from $24 to $27; preview tickets are $15. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office at 412.392.8000, or online at www.pittsburghplayhouse.com. Patrons can take advantage of the “Pay what you will” performance at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, subject to availability. New in 2013-2014, The REP’s Talkback series, where the audience is invited to stay after the performance and discuss the show, has been moved to the matinee performance on the second Saturday of every show. For Heads, the Talkback session will be held after the 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, Feb. 8.

The Los Angeles Times named Heads one of the Top 10 productions of 2007, with critic David Ng writing, “EM Lewis’ new drama at the Blank Theatre Company, tells a story so topical that it feels as if the play was co-written by CNN.” The Denver Examiner said of the play, “If you are looking for an evening of theatre that will get you thinking, that will leave an indelible impression long after the show has ended, and that will move you to tears – then this is for you. … Heads is a welcome, intelligent, and moving drama that is a must see.

For The REP, John Shepard has directed Buried Child, The Chicken Snake (world premiere), One Flea Spare, The Visit, Mother Courage and, most recently, August: Osage County, which was named “Best of 2012” by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Conservatory Theatre Company productions he has directed include Evita, Marat/Sade, Candide, and Joined at the Head, among others. He has directed locally for Off the Wall (Shining City) and at theatres across the country. As an actor, he recently appeared in the Pittsburgh Public Theater’s production of Our Town, as well as the world premieres of The Electric Baby for Quantum and Mid-Strut for The REP. He has appeared in many other productions for Quantum, City Theatre, PICT and The REP, and was chosen as Performer of the Year by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for his performance as Willy Loman in The REP’s 2008 production of Death of a Salesman. Shepard has appeared on Broadway – in American Buffalo with Al Pacino (as well as the subsequent national tour and on the West End) and A View from the Bridge (with Tony LoBianco) – Off-Broadway, and at many regional theaters. He teaches acting and directing at Point Park. For more information visit www.johnshepard.info.

EM Lewis won the 2008 Francesca Primus Prize for an Emerging Female Theater Artist for Heads. Her award-winning plays have been produced around the country, and worldwide. In addition to winning the Primus Prize for Heads, Lewis won the 2009 Harold and Mimi Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award for her play Song of Extinction, and 2010-2011 Hodder Fellowship in playwriting from Princeton University. Lewis is a member of Moving Arts Theater Company, the Dramatists Guild, the International Centre for Women Playwrights, and the Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights.