“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.
Tall tales from a tall actor! The hilarious Tim Hartman sits down on ‘Burgh Vivant to discuss his career far and near, and his work with Pittsburgh Musical Theater. He’s tackled a multitude of roles in recent years, but how will this dynamic performer handle the Cat in the Hat? Find out May 1st as SEUSSICAL: THE MUSICAL opens at the Byham Theater! In this interview, Mr. Hartman spares none of his comedic talents describing the ups and downs of being tall, and the elusive role that he’s itching to play! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast, for more insight, whether or not “The Fantastic 4” would make a good musical, AND one particular tale of mishap and mayhem form a notable Pittsburgh performance in years gone by! Continue reading “TIM HARTMAN – Actor, Cartoonist”
Performer and Jemeena Bellydance Artistic Director Jennifer Marino takes us on a multicultural journey through the art of bellydance, noting its benefits, dispelling its misconceptions, and assuring us that “anyone can bellydance” – a statement that is taken to task when host Brian Edward and some of your favorite ‘Burgh Vivant contributors attempt to shake their stuff in Jemeena’s classroom! Listen to the “Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast to learn more about Jennifer’s approach to teaching bellydance, and how you too can become a master of the hip swivel – and all while balancing your martini! Continue reading “JENNIFER MARINO – Artistic Director, Jemeena Bellydance”
Featured
JENNIFER MARINO - Artistic Director, Jemeena Bellydance
An in-depth cultural exploration of Pittsburgh with Silk Screen Executive Director and co-host of WDUQ-FM’s Music From India, Harish Saluja. In addition to being a dynamic artist, filmmaker, and entrepreneur, Harish considers himself a storyteller in all that he does – as host Brian Edward quickly discovers! Get to know Silk Screen through this year’s film festival April 25th – May 4th, and listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast to hear more on the cultural impact of the Silk Screen Arts Organization in Pittsburgh, and the REAL reason Pittsburgh has had such a long winter! It’s an interview not to be missed! Continue reading “HARISH SALUJA – Executive Director, Silk Screen Film Festival & Arts Organization”
Featured
HARISH SALUJA - Executive Director, Silk Screen Film Festival & Arts Organization
This week on ‘Burgh Vivant: Talking funny business with Arcade Comedy Theater’s Jethro Nolen! Host Brian Edward learns about Arcade’s past present and future, the essentials of improvisational comedy, and gets to try them out! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast for more inside improv tips, what Mr. Nolen looks for in a good comedian, and how YOU can become one! Continue reading “JETHRO NOLEN, Arcade Comedy Theater”
HEADLINE: “Cirque du Soleil invades Primanti’s!” At the world-famous Primanti Bros. restaurant in the Strip District, manager Toni Haggerty has become nearly as well known as the signature french fry and cole slaw topped sandwiches she creates. But what happens when the cast of Cirque du Soleil’s VEREKAI takes over her kitchen? Watch as host Brian Edward and Lonnie The Theatre Lady enjoy a classic Primanti’s sandwich, rub bare elbows with Cirque performers, and try to determine whether they’re overdressed or underdressed for the occasion! And once you’ve heard the inside scoop from Toni’s 40 year+ history with the restaurant, be sure to visit Primanti Bros.’ original location (since 1933) in the Strip District, open 24 hours! Continue reading “TONI HAGGERTY – Manager, Primanti Bros., Strip District”
Featured
TONI HAGGERTY - Manager, Primanti Bros., Strip District
Known for her extensive career on the Pittsburgh stage and her roles on the iconic PBS show MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD, Barbara Russell sits down for a cocktail on this week’s ‘Burgh Vivant. From playing a zombie for George Romero to playing an elephant for Fred Rogers, Barbara covers it all – including tales from the road on working with Don Brockett and sharing scenes with Lady Elaine Fairchilde. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast for more, and don’t miss a rare opportunity to see Barbara on stage with Bingo O’Malley April 6th at the Carnegie Music Hall in Carnegie for WHAT’LL WE DO ABOUT SUE? produced by the Pittsburgh New Works Festival: www.pittsburghnewworks.org Continue reading “BARBARA RUSSELL – Actor, Educator”
Pittsburgh Opera soprano Sari Gruber shatters the misconceptions of “opera divas” with the swig of a martini and plenty of laughs. Host Brian Edward talks with LA BOHEME’s leading lady about life upon the stage, musicals vs. operas, and more. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast for further cocktail hour stories including “bloopers with bloomers,” and the scandalous tale of how Brian and Sari first crossed paths on stage – over 15 years ago! After this high spirited interview, you won’t want to miss Sari and company in Pittsburgh Opera’s LA BOHEME, playing at The Benedum March 29th, April 1st, 4th, and 6th. Continue reading “SARI GRUBER – Soprano, Pittsburgh Opera”
During GoodTaste! Pittsburgh’s 2014 Brew n’ Chew event, the Steel City was visited by world renowned Brewmaster Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery. ‘Burgh Vivant host Brian Edward swaps his martini for a pint and sits down with the man he’s dubbed “The King of Beer” to find out how Pittsburgh rates as a “beer town,” and just how one ascends to the throne of “Brewmaster!” Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in audio podcast to hear about Brooklyn Brewery’s new Swedish venture, how Pittsburgh and Brooklyn may be sister cities, and the meaning of the Oliverian term “pre-sad.” And check out ‘Burgh Vivant’s visit to GoodTaste! Pittsburgh’s 2014 Brew n’ Chew HERE.
The swift gavel of justice (and comedy) falls upon ‘Burgh Vivant this week with guest, actress Kara Mikula, currently portraying the title role in the world premiere of JUDGE JACKIE JUSTICE at the CLO Cabaret. Between the laughs, Miss Mikula talks about the show’s history, her journey from Pittsburgh to New York and back, and just how Judge Jackie measures up to other TV judges you may be familiar with. Plus – a special tribute to Bethel Bakery! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast to hear more on Kara’s encounter with Judge Judy, the shocking similarity between Kara and Judge Jackie, and how an actual judge may have had a hand in her landing the role. JUDGE JACKIE JUSTICE runs through April 27th at the CLO Cabaret, Downtown Pittsburgh. Continue reading “KARA MIKULA – Actress, Pittsburgh CLO”
“All About EVOO”: OLIVE & MARLOWE is not only Pittsburgh’s premiere olive oil shop, but an experience and education for the senses. Owner Heather Cramer introduces host Brian Edward to the vast world of olive oil – its numerous varieties, unusual uses, and even how to get it out of a neck tie! Witness a sampling of Vanilla Bean infused olive oil, which Heather highly recommends on… ice cream? And if its good enough for Ben & Jerry’s, its good enough for cocktails, as into the martini it goes! And speaking of which, listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast for more on olive oil cocktails, “food fraud” in the seedy underworld of the olive oil industry, and how this unique East Liberty shop got its start (and its name!). Continue reading “Heather Cramer, Owner – OLIVE & MARLOWE”
