“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.
Rage of the Stage Players has its own special tassel on the edge of Pittsburgh fringe theatre, and this week Artistic Director James Michael Shoberg puts back a martini with host Brian Edward and reveals what special qualities set Rage apart from the rest. PLUS – get an inside look at the upcoming premiere of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” opening October 18th! Want more? Listen to “The Full Martini,” the complete unedited interview in podcast, to hear Jim’s thoughts on costumed burglars, the ideal Batman story, and the shocking revelation of the portrait in Brian Edward’s attic that’s getting YOUNGER. What does it all mean? Continue reading “JAMES MICHAEL SHOBERG – Artistic Director, Rage of the Stage Players”
'Burgh Vivant
JAMES MICHAEL SHOBERG - Artistic Director, Rage of the Stage Players
We all want to be Snoopy, but most of us are just scraping by as Charlie Brown. This week on ‘Burgh Vivant, Executive director and founder of Pittsburgh’s ToonSuem Joe Wos describes how cartoons reflect all of us – the good, the bad, and the funny. Find out why our fair city is the birthplace of pop culture, and just why cartoons are so culturally important. Also: does Pittsburgh lack conviction – and is it a good thing? Dueling beards in this one! (Spoiler alert: Joe’s wins.) Get more “Wisdom of Wos” in “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast to hear the Cartoon King’s take on Pittsburgh’s recent yarn-bombing, the liberties of Liberty Avenue, and the allure of Bugs Bunny – in and out of drag. You may never look at a cartoon the same way again! Continue reading “JOE WOS – Executive Director & Founder, ToonSeum”
The laughs are inevitable as comedian and author Michael Buzzelli sits down for a cocktail to promote his new book and discuss the mechanics of humor. It’s one of ‘Burgh Vivant’s most riotous interviews to date! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in podcast to catch all the hilarity including Mike’s take on pop music, Pittsburgh vs. Los Angeles, The Ethel Merman Disco Album, writing Charles Nelson Reilly’s obituary, and The Maltese Falcon. Also – where were YOU the night Eartha Kitt died? Continue reading “MICHAEL BUZZELLI – Author, Comedian, Columnist”
Pittsburgh’s got talent – and no one likes to showcase it more than Nancy Mosser! ‘Burgh Vivant gets the dish on insider information from the casting industry, and of course, the Pittsburgh filming of the BATMAN movie, “The Dark Knight Rises.” Just what is host Brian Edward’s unlikely connection to the film? Listen to the “Full Martini” – the entire interview in podcast, to get the scoop and to hear Nancy discuss her showbiz roots, working with Tom Cruise, “Driving Mr. Rogers,” the importance of the PA Film Tax Credit, and what to shave/not shave!
Pondering the meaning of life, or longing to discover the greatest art form on the planet? 3rd Street Gallery may hold the answers to these mysteries – and more! Pittsburgh artist Phil Savato shares his philosophy on the inspirational beauty of the ‘Burgh and working in the nude. Don’t miss “The Full Martini” – the complete interview unedited in podcast, to gain more insight on the nexus of creative energy that is 3rd Street Gallery, and to hear Phil’s thoughts on a particular art installation of colossal proportions. Continue reading “Philip Salvato – Artist/Owner, 3rd Street Gallery”
The “post-mortem” on Phipps Conservatory’s rare CORPSE FLOWER! ‘Burgh Vivant host Brian Edward catches up with Phipps Curator of Horticulture, Ben Dunigan during the Corpse Flower’s ultra-limited once-per-decade 48 hour bloom period. If you missed it, catch the exotic plant in action here – as well as the scoop on the flower’s unique attributes, horror film director George Romero’s visit to Phipps, and input from the Corpse Flower’s adoring fans! It’s pretty to look at, stinky to smell,… but does it bite??? ‘Burgh Vivant finds out! Continue reading “Ben Dunigan – Curator of Horticulture, Phipps Conservatory”
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Ben Dunigan - Curator of Horticulture, Phipps Conservatory
What’s “urine green,” covered in plastic, and living in Fox Chapel? Seasoned designer Marlene Smith-Pendleton knows – and has lived to tell about it! The Divine Miss M stops by for a cocktail to discuss her perspectives on Pittsburgh, corporate interior design, and Carnegie’s thriving art community. Be sure to get “The Full Martini” – the complete interview via podcast to hear M’s commentary on the perks of executive leather and the Furries of Anthrocon. And just what IS her connection to the immortal Marlene Dietrich?
The man behind the art at PNC Park, Children’s Hospital, and CONSOL Energy Center, James Frederick, discusses his adventures in fine arts and design in the Steel City and beyond. Catch “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in podcast to hear James’ thoughts on the Olympics in Pittsburgh, his try-out for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and about his passion for Pittsburgh’s Jazz scene.
