“Sit down, have a drink, let’s talk.” The heart of ‘Burgh Vivant is its candid and off-beat interviews with the people who contribute to make this city truly unique. Artists, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs, and news-makers let their hair down over cocktails with host Brian Edward for an entertaining and informative look into what’s happening in Pittsburgh. No subject is sacred, no secret is safe! See the video highlights here, or follow the links to “The Full Martini;” unedited and uncensored podcasts of each interview in its glorious entirety.
“Serial Bad Weddings”, “Censored Voices,” and “A Borrowed Identity.” A wild weekend? The return of the JFilm Festival in Pittsburgh? Or both?? JFilm is a year round film presenting organization and Executive Director Kathryn Spitz Cohan visits for cocktail hour right in the middle of the 2015 Festival to tease us with what we’ve missed and what’s to come! We’ll be seeing you at the movies this weekend! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast for more on JFilm’s year round programming, Ms. Cohan’s impressive accomplishments in Pittsburgh, and the BEST part of the movie-going experience! For a schedule of films visit www.jfilmpgh.org Continue reading “KATHRYN SPITZ COHAN – Executive Director, JFilm Festival”
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KATHRYN SPITZ COHAN - Executive Director, JFilm Festival
You’ve heard plenty about William Shakespeare, but what about his other half? Writer and performer Yvonne Hudson brings over 20 years of research and performance to her one-woman show MRS SHAKESPEARE Will’s First & Last Love. The Bard’s watchful gaze presides over this ‘Burgh Vivant cocktail hour as we learn some little known facts about the woman behind the man, Anne Hathaway Shakespeare. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in audio podcast to hear Yvonne’s perspective on the authorship debate, the significance of the Mrs Shakespeare costume, and Vera Larue Hudson, Yvonne’s grandmother, who lent the inspiration for Mrs Shakespeare’s characterization. Don’t miss MRS SHAKESPEARE performing April 18th, 2015 with Prime Stage Theater. www.primestage.com Continue reading “YVONNE HUDSON – Mrs Shakespeare”
From originating the role of Ren McCormack in FOOTLOOSE on Broadway to touring with JERSEY BOYS, Jeremy Kushnier is no stranger to taking on larger-than-life characters – and now he tackles one of Shakespeare’s greatest villains in Pittsburgh Public Theater’s production of OTHELLO, playing April 16th through May 17th, 2015. Host Brian Edward joins the versatile performer for cocktails and an in-depth look at his approach to the twisted psychology of Iago, his journeys to Broadway and back, and his music career. If you haven’t heard him on the WB’s ONE TREE HILL, you can listen to songs from both of his albums on iTunes, and listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast for more on Jeremey’s reflections on Shakespeare and his time in Pittsburgh. Continue reading “JEREMY KUSHNIER – Broadway Actor, Musician”
You may know her as the Pittsburgh Post Gazette’s 2013 Performer of the Year, or from her role as Foley’s wife in the film The Dark Knight Rises, or from her numerous and stunning stage performances. Tonight on ‘Burgh Vivant, get to know the real Daina Michelle Griffith over cocktails and laughter with her old pal Brian Edward. How does she approach a new character, what inspired her to begin performing, and just what does F.I.P. stand for?? Find out tonight! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast for Daina’s musings on reading reviews, teaching acting, plays that inspired her to perform, what look-alike celeb she replaced in NYC, her favorite Pittsburgh restaurants, actors in politics…and more laughing! Continue reading “DAINA MICHELLE GRIFFITH – Actress”
TONIGHT: Behold the beauty of Braddock with Artist Ramon Riley. Ramon reveals how Braddock and its history have influenced his work today, and just what it takes to blend the abstract with the industrial. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in audio podcast for more on what’s happening in Braddock, what’s next for Mr. Riley, and what’s most important when teaching art. See the exhibition BRADDOCK COMING HOME, Art work by Ramon Riley, at UnSmoke Systems Art Space, Braddock PA, March 27 and 28, 6 to 8pm. View Ramon Riley’s work online at www.rrileyart.com
The Post-Gazette named her one of The Top 50 Creative Forces in Pittsburgh, and tonight she’s sharing martinis and memories with ‘Burgh Vivant’s Brian Edward at the site of her latest work, The New Hazlett Theater. Dancer and Choreographer Beth Corning discusses the identity of CORNINGWORKS and the 40+ philosophy of THE GLUE FACTORY PROJECT. Plus – get a peek at CORNINGWORKS’ 5th Anniversary production AT ONCE THERE WAS A HOUSE and how you can be a part of the party March 25 through 29. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast for perspectives on the preconceived notions of live theatre, how to spot a dancer, and what Beth thinks of “So You Think You Can Dance?” www.corningworks.org
Cocktails with the Queen of Crock Pots: tonight’s guest is Lisa Kozich, Founder and CEO of the mega-popular internet sensation CROCK POT MOMS! Brian Edward gets schooled in the ways of the croc as he puts the finishing touches on a Red Velvet Dump Cake. Crocs are king in tonight’s segment, and naturally, your host inquires if you can make cocktails in one. The answer: Absolutely! PLUS: What happens when Brian Edward surprises Lisa with the oldest crock pot she’s ever seen? Find out here on this week’s episode! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast for more on the history of Crock Pot Moms, what the future holds for the Crockin’ Empire, and how YOU can be a part of it! Visit Crock Pot Moms at www.crockmoms.com and on Facebook: facebook.com/crockpotmama Continue reading “LISA KOZICH – Founder & CEO, Crock Pot Moms”
Dueling tuxedos and dangerous drinks! Tonight on ‘Burgh Vivant Trey Compton of Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN turns the tables on our host by preparing a “monstrous” cocktail that would rival any creation from the laboratory of Dr. Frankenstein himself. Trey discusses the hilarity of coping with his hysterical FRANKENSTEIN co-stars (including ‘Burgh Vivant’s Brian Edward in a guest appearance), his Pittsburgh roots, and how acting changed his life at a very early age. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the compete, unedited interview in audio podcast for a look into Trey’s directing career, tales of torsos from the Berkshires’ Theater Barn, and working with “La Lupone.” Don’t miss Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, March 5th through 15th 2015, www.pittsburghmusicals.com Continue reading “TREY COMPTON – Actor, Director”
One of the names behind No Name Players, Tressa Glover joins ‘Burgh Vivant host Brian Edward for cocktails at Arcade Comedy Theater to serve the dish on SISTERS SORELLA, trumpet a bit about Swan Day Pittsburgh, and discuss what its like to work with an Artistic Director…who happens to be your husband. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast for nostalgic and blood-soaked reflections on Evil Dead: The Musical, a shout out to Sienna Mercato, and the infamous “swan dress” – who wore it better? For more on SISTERS SORELLA and Swan Day Pittsburgh, visit www.nonameplayers.org Continue reading “TRESSA GLOVER – Producing Artistic Director, No Name Players”
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TRESSA GLOVER - Producing Artistic Director, No Name Players
TONIGHT: One of Pittsburgh’s most prolific sirens of song, Phat Man Dee! Her presence is as captivating in this ‘Burgh Vivant cocktail hour as it is on stage as she discusses the birth of her unique persona, revisits some of her strangest gigs, and introduces a clip from her new music video “Hey Phat Chick! (You Had it Comin’ to You!)”. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast for Man Dee’s musings on Star Trek, meeting Flavor Flav, musical Mary Kay parties, pancake eating contests vs. bellydancing, and her tireless social justice work. PLUS – are we alone in the universe? Ask the cosmic chanteuse! For info, CDs, and booking, visit www.phatmandee.com. Contribute to Phat Man Dee’s kickstarter campaign “Help Phat Man Dee Get Outta Tahn!” on Facebook.com/phatmandee. Continue reading “PHAT MAN DEE – Cosmic Jazz Chanteuse”
