“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.
Tonight we raise our glass to Executive Director Mitch Leib in celebration of 30 years of Reel Q: the Pittsburgh Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. In the lobby of Pittsburgh’s downtown Harris Theater, Mitch chats with host Brian Edward about the organization’s colorful 30 year history, how its changed over three decades in the steel city, and the highlights of this year’s festival including a special director’s cut of the film “54.” And none of it would be complete without quoting “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast for more on the 2015 Reel Q Film Festival, Mitch’s earliest cinematic impressions, and the compelling qualities of the camp film genre. See the full 2015 Reel Q Pittsburgh LGBT Film Festival schedule and purchase your passes at www.reelq.org Continue reading “MITCH LEIB – Executive Director, Pittsburgh Lesbian & Gay Film Society”
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MITCH LEIB - Executive Director, Pittsburgh Lesbian & Gay Film Society
This week we’re exploring all that Pittsburgh has to offer – out and about in the sun, rain, and even snow! It’s cocktails and conversation with Joey-Linn Ulrich, Executive Director of Venture Outdoors. After learning of all the outdoor opportunities, including some you might never have thought of, host Brian Edward may just be convinced to set foot in a kayak – and you should too, before the season’s out! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast for more and visit Venture Outdoors to explore hundreds of ways to enjoy Pittsburgh: www.ventureoutdoors.org
TONIGHT on ‘Burgh Vivant, it’s cocktails and cat tales with Samantha Martin, Chief Human and Trainer for “The Amazing Acro-Cats with Tuna and The Rock Cats.” Here on the troupe’s second tour of Pittsburgh, the real life “catwoman” talks about how the Acro-Cats got their start, the film and television careers of some of the performers, how you too can train your pets, and the challenges of dating while managing upwards of twenty felines. PLUS – just who or what were the Acro-RATS? Oh! And a cat plays a guitar. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast and hear about Samantha’s upcoming spot on the Colbert Show, the biggest bloopers in Acro-Cat history, and her humane efforts to find homes for strays. Follow The Amazing Acro-Cats at www.circuscats.com and catch them in Pittsburgh through September 27th, 2015 at Bricolage downtown! Continue reading “SAMANTHA MARTIN – The Amazing Acro-Cats”
TONIGHT: It’s a star-studded ‘Burgh Vivant as host Brian Edward chats with Broadway veteran and dance instructor Karen Prunzik at her Pittsburgh studio. This evening, you’ll hear riveting tales of her Tony nomination, auditioning for Gower Champion, originating the role of Anytime Annie in 42ND STREET, and working with Ann Miller! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll wonder why you haven’t received a Christmas card from Gene Kelly! Listen to “The Full Martini” – The complete, unedited interview in audio podcast to hear more fascinating stories on how Karen’s studio got its start, trying on costumes at Debbie Reynolds’ house – PLUS, Karen’s perspectives on the Pittsburgh Theatre & Dance scene, and her advice to yound, aspiring performers! Visit Karen Prinzik’s Broadway Dance Studio at www.prunziksbroadwaydancestudio.com
Tonight it’s cocktails at the City Theatre with Artistic Producer Reg Douglas! Through plenty of laughs with host Brian Edward, Reg reflects on his recent arrival to Pittsburgh, new developments at the City Theatre, and a preview of the company’s 2015 – 2016 season. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast for more on Reg’s favorite theatrical moments, what a one-man show about his life would be like, and – could the City Theatre’s next headliner be… Cher?? Learn more and live it up at the City Theatre’s BACKSTAGE BLOCK PARTY, a fabulous and FREE event, Saturday, September 12th, 2015 1pm – 4pm. Learn more and check out City Theatre’s 2015 – 2016 season at www.citytheatrecompany.org Continue reading “REG DOUGLAS – Artistic Producer, City Theatre”
Among the shady oaks of Pittsburgh’s Frick Park, Host Brian Edward waxes philosophical with seasoned actor Ron Siebert on his upcoming role of KING LEAR with Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks, tales of working with James Earl Jones, and coaching a certain young actress who went on to become a well known Oscar winner. AND – if you find the plot of KING LEAR inconceivable in the fact that a noble king can be lost in the wilderness relying only upon a clown, wait until these two attempt to navigate the wilds of Frick Park after two martinis in this week’s outtakes reel! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast, and see KING LEAR from Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks at various locations September 5 through 27, 2015. For times and locations, visit: www.pittsburghshakespeare.com Continue reading “RON SIEBERT – Actor”
This week, Pittsburgh’s most colorful talk show is on location at Pittsburgh’s most colorful landmark: RANDYLAND! Proprietor and artist Randy Gilson answers all of our burning, neon, technicolor questions: What IS Randyland? Where did it come from? And how many gallons of paint are on the place? Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast to hear what the future holds for “the happiest place in Pittsburgh,” Randy’s notable influence on the North Side, his feature in an upcoming film, and the Randyland plan for revitalizing the Steel City! Visit RANDYLAND: www.randy.land/
It’s ‘Burgh Vivant’s 100th episode! We’ve had the honor of presenting you with 99 feature interviews with Pittsburgh’s finest, and for our 100th, we could only bring you the man at the heart of it all, Mayor of Pittsburgh, Bill Peduto. Tonight, host Brian Edward sets down to business on the Mayor’s outlook on the city’s cultural landscape, his critics, his recent meeting with Barack Obama, the President’s opinions on Pittsburgh, and his own social media savvy. AND – not to be missed: mayoral shout-outs to Attack Theatre, City Theatre, and Quantum Theatre! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast for the Mayor’s mentions of his guest spot on Undercover Boss, his 20 year+ vision for Pittsburgh, the essential qualities of being a mayor, and home renovations! Continue reading “BILL PEDUTO – Mayor of Pittsburgh”
‘Burgh Vivant’s cocktail hour this evening is hosted by Trundle Manor – one of Pittsburgh’s most unique destinations. Trundle’s proprietors Mr. Arm and Velda Von Minx discuss the unusual objects and lively spirits ( liquid and otherwise) that make Trundle Manor an international destination of oddities. Listen to “The Full Martini” – The complete, unedited interview in audio podcast for more on the spirits that haunt the manor property, Trundle’s signature vehicles, and more! It may just be the most peculiar ‘Burgh Vivant feature yet – and that’s saying a lot! Trundle Manor accepts tours by appointment. www.trundlemanor.com Continue reading “MR. ARM & VELDA VON MINX, Trundle Manor”
America’s most awarded rum distillery is right here in Pittsburgh, and this week, ‘Burgh Vivant swaps its signature martinis for a “Dark and Stormy” to sample the fine spirits of Maggie’s Farm Rum! Distiller Tim Russell talks about the rum making process and his experiences at the helm of Pennsylvania’s first commercial craft rum distillery since before the days of Prohibition! Whether you personally recall those days or not, you’re sure to learn more than a glassful from tonight’s interview. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast for drink recommendations, Tim’s life before the rum biz, references to Hunter S. Thompson, Brad Pitt, and more! Visit Maggie’s Farm rum at www.maggiesfarmrum.com Continue reading “TIM RUSSELL – Distiller, Maggie’s Farm Rum”
