Tag: Culture

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

 

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh the weekend of June 18 to 21. This week it’s all about your summer reading list and the ladies.

 

Books n’at

Thursday, June 9^th is the official launch party for “Three Little Pittsburghers” It’s the lonawited illustrated book about three cute, cuddly Pigsburgers. Yinz oughta go aht n’ nat. Author and illustrator Joe Wos will be on hand to autograph your book. It’s all at Little E’s Jazz Club, 949 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-three-little-pigsburghers-book-launch-party-tickets-17016018369

 

More Books n’at

Want to know how to write an award winning mystery? Ask a few local authors like Annette Dashofy, Mary Sutton, Tamara Girardi, and Jeff Boarts. The area authors will discuss their writing journey from blank page to published author. It’s Thursday at 6:00 pm the Oakmont branch of the Carnegie Library, 700 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont, PA 15139. For more information, click here: http://www.oakmontlibrary.org/

 

Hot as an oven

It was a novel, then a movie and now it’s a play. Thomas Bell’s novel “Out of This Furnace” comes back to Pittsburgh, but now it’s on the stage. The triumphantly human story of heart, sweat and steel. Three generations of the Kracha/Dobrecjak clan struggle to build a life in the shadow of Carnegie’s first mill. A dramatic adaptation of Thomas Bell’s intimate tale of immigrants, labor and the rise of unions in Braddock, PA. You can find the furnace at the Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information go to http://unseamd.com/

 

Ciao Bellas!

The sitcom is not dead. It’s alive and well and living in Pittsburgh. Come out and see “The Sisters Sorella.” The story of three very different sisters sharing their apartment and lives together. This month’s episode is packed with special guest stars. Check it out at the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, go visit the sisters here; http://www.nonameplayers.org/index.php/2015-season/the-sisters-sorella

 

Woman and camera

The Carnegie Museum of Art introduces the pioneering work of 12 leading women photographers who have tackled the very notion of representation with passion and power, questioning tradition and challenging perceptions of Middle Eastern identity in “She Who Tells a Story.” Their provocative work ranges from fine art to photojournalism and provides insights into political and social issues, including questions of personal identity and the complex political and social landscapes of their home regions in images of great sophistication, expressiveness, and beauty. You can find all this and more at the Carnegie Museum of Art, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.For more information, go to http://www.cmoa.org/ExhibitionDetail.aspx?id=24483

 

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by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

 

Here’s the Top Five Fun things to do in Pittsburgh June 11 through June 14

 

Get to the Point

You still have plenty of time to enjoy the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival. And there’s plenty to do with dance, art, music, and spoken word performances. Check out the Juried Visual Arts Exhibit, a panel discussion on “Race, Gender and the Power of Language in Hip Hop,” Dreams of Hope, Jasiri X, Family Hip Hop Yoga: Super Hero Sessions, The Commonheart, the Nox Bosy, Phat Man Dee, Bridgette Perdue and much, much more. Get the low down and download a PDF of the complete schedule here: http://www.3riversartsfest.org/fest_events/?fest_genre=music

 

Widow’s Peak

Here’s a romantic comedy about four widows in Samm-Art Williams’ “The Dance On Widow’s Row.” You can find these merry widows at the Carnegie Library, Homewood, 7101 Hamilton Avenue, Homewood. For more information go to http://www.newhorizontheater.org/

 

It’s Everything

This is the last weekend to catch “The Best of Everything,” an adaptation of Rona Jaffe’s 1958 bestseller about ambitious secretaries in the big city. Find “Everything” at the Little Lake Theatre, 500 Lakeside Drive, Canonsburg, PA. For more information, got to http://www.littlelake.org/

 

It’s Number One

Hear Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D major along with music from Fletcher and Liszt at Friday June 12 Mahler’s “Titan” Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information go to http://www.pittsburghsymphony.org/pso_home#

 

Prideful things

It’s Pittsburgh Pride and there are a literal slew of LGBTQ activities going on around Pittsburgh. You can march in the parade, celebrate the alternative pride event Roots Pride, or watch a lot of comedy at the Arcade Comedy Theater. On Friday at 10 pm it’s the Gayme Show Night with outlandish games and prizes. On Saturday there is a sold-out event Golden Girls Live (with men in the roles of Blanche, Dorothy, Rose and Sofia). There’s also the Hootenanny with guest monologist Connor McCanlus at 8:00. At ten on Saturday there’s the ArGAYde Comedy show with drag stand up Niko Alexander, Pegusluts and LGBTQ*Bert, Pittsburgh’s own all LGBT improv troupe. It’s all at 811 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, go to http://arcadecomedytheater.com/

 

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by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

 

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh the weekend of June 4 through June 7. Food, funny women and art are on this week’s list.

 

Dining Out

Veteran improvisers Kristy Nolen and Jethro Nolen and their special guests, craft original scenes and invent memorable characters from your suggestions in their long-form show, “Dinner with the Nolens.” The show is celebrating its second anniversary with the real-life married couple who have performed in Chicago, Amsterdam, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Dallas and Austin. On June 6, the Nolen’s will welcome their guests Iguanatron to dinner. It’s fine comedy dining at the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, go to http://arcadecomedytheater.com/

 

Food! Glorious Food!

Thursday, June 4 you can go to an extraordinary evening with fabulous food and wine pairings at The Art of Food. There will be art, entertainment and more. The festivities will benefit The Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. There will also be a non-perishable food item drive. It’s at the Squirrel Hill Center for Rehabilition and Healing, 2025 Wightman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. For more information, please call (412) 421-8443, or go to http://squirrelhillrehab.com/news-events/upcoming-events/

 

Helena Handbasket

John McIntire takes his “Dangerously Live Comedy/Talk Show” to the Oaks with special guests WQEDs own Rick Sebak, cartoonist Rob Rogers, and James Rich, best known for his Pittsburgh Taco Truck. It’s on at The Oaks Theater, 310 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont, PA 15139. For more information, go to https://www.showclix.com/event/JohnMcIntireShow6462479

 

Funny Ladies

Who runs the world? Girls! Come out to “Girls Only, the Secret Comedy of Women.” Julianne Avolio, and Sara Williams perform a mix of sketch, improvisation, audience participation and videos from creators Barbara Gehring and Linda Klein. It runs through August 16 at the Cabaret at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, visit pittsburghCLO.org.

 

Wake me up before you Go Gogh!

The Carnegie Museum of Art is displaying Vincent Van Gogh’s “Still Life, Basket of Apples” (1887) visiting from the Saint Louis Art Museum alongside pieces from the Carnegie Museum’s collection: “Le Moulin de la Galette” (1886–1887), “Wheat Fields after the Rain” (1890), & Paul Signac’s “Place des Lices, St. Tropez,” through July 6. Check it out at the Carnegie Museum of Art, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information go to http://www.cmoa.org.

 

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by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

 

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend. May 28 to May 30.

Avengers Assemble

While Age of Ultron is all the rage at the movie theater, the Toonseum is having an Avengers exhibit. At the opening night party, Saturday, May 30^th you can meet exhibit curator Stuart Neft who has assembled 40 pieces of original comics art featuring the Avengers including a page from the very first issue in 1963. See what the team has looked like through the years as drawn by such luminary artists: Jack Kirby, John and Sal Buscema, George Perez, John Byrne, Jim Starlin, Jim Lee and many more. Assemble at the ToonSeum, 945 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, go to http://www.toonseum.org/

 

Buyer Beware

Barbra Streisand’s coffee table book, My Passion for Design, inspired a hilarious fictional account of what goes on in her Malibu estates’s basement in “Buyer & Cellar.” Tom Lenk brings Bab’s basement to live at the O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, go to www.ppt.org

 

Half Time

PICT Classic Theatre returns to its home at the Charity Randall (after a brief stint downtown) with Alan Ayckbourn’s “How the Other Half Lives.” It’s a comedy about three couples who have arrived a bit too late to the sexual revolution. It’s at the Charity Randall Theatre, inside the Stephen Foster Memorial, 4301 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. For more information, go to http://www.picttheatre.org

 

One Night Strand

The Strand Theater presents the “One Night Only Comedy & Variety Festival,” Featuring Unique and World-Class Internationally Touring Performers, as seen on America’s Got Talent, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central and stages around the globe. Head to the Strand Theater 119 N Main St, Zelienople, PA 16063 on May 29 at 8:00 pm. For more information and tickets, go to https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/9979234

 

Donora in Lawrenceville

Donora is a small community outside of Pittsburgh, it’s also the name of a local band and you can see them at the Thunderbird Café in Lawrenceville. They will be performing with Dream Phone and the Nox Boys on Friday, May 29 at the Thunderbird Café, 4023 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. For more information, and to listen to tracks from their album, “Ha Ha Heart,” go to http://www.thunderbirdcafe.net/showdetails.php?eventID=1454

 

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by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

 

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend, May 22nd through 24th.

 

Saints go Marching in

There’s something in the dirt. Bria Walker is the Tour Guide on “The Saints Tour” an immersive theatrical experience brought to you by those fine folks at the Bricolage Theater. Learn about the newly revived town of Braddock, both real and imaginary. “The Saints Tour” runs May 21 to June 13 in Braddock, PA 15104. For more information, go to www.bricolagepgh.org.

 

Half Time

PICT Classic Theatre returns to its home at the Charity Randall (after a brief stint downtown) with Alan Ayckbourn’s “How the Other Half Lives.” It’s a comedy about three couples who have arrived a bit too late to the sexual revolution. Viva La Revolution! It’s at the Charity Randall Theatre, inside the Stephen Foster Memorial, in the shadow of the Cathedral of Learning, on Pitt’s Campus (like a Russian Nesting Doll), 4301 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. For more information, go to http://www.picttheatre.org

 

Bright Ideas

Saturday, May 23 is TEDxPittsburgh at the Byham Theater. This year’s theme is “Bridges: Ideas that Connect Us.” There will be doctors, physicists, writers and nationally known public speakers, including World Policy Institute fellow, Michelle Franzo, physicist and science fiction writer, Diane Turnshek, and Pittsburgh’s own standup comedian and anti-bullying expert (half of the Josh and Gab show), Gab Bonesso. It’s at the Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, with an after party at SPACE gallery, 812 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (events sold separately). http://www.tedxpittsburgh.org/

 

I don’t know her from Adam

This weekend, you can see a chamber opera about The Beginning in “Eve Apart.” This story explores Adam, Eve, Lilith, the serpent in the Garden of Eden and the mysterious “Nameless Second Eve.” I just haven’t found out if the cast is wearing fig leaves. It’s at the Hill House, Elsie At the Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at the Kaufmann Center (nesting doll number two), 1825 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. For more information, check out http://www.hillhouse.org/event/eve-apart/

 

Sitcom Sisters

They’re back! “The Sisters Sorella” is a live situation comedy performed way out loud by Tessa Glover, Julianne Avolio and Maggie Carr. Three Italian American sisters in Pittsburgh share their love, lives and lasagna. It’s at the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, go to http://www.nonameplayers.org/  You can also watch previous episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f069tQd39QA

 

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by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

 

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh the week of May 14 through May 17.

 

Superior Motors

The bones come to rest. Barebones has a permanent space with its new black box theater aptly named the Barebones Black Box Theater. They are debuting Miki Johnson’s “American Falls” in their brand new space. Patrick Jordan, patriarch of barebones, directs a fantastic cast of locals such as Cary Anne Spear, Sarah Silk and Connor McCanlus. You can find the new Barebones Black Box Theater at 1211 Braddock Avenue, Braddock, PA 15104 (the former site of the Superior Motors car dealership). For more information, go to http://barebonesproductions.com/

 

Motor City

You think your neighbors are trouble? Welcome to “Detroit.” Lisa D’Amour’s version, at least. In a suburb just outside a city that might be “Detroit,” Ben and Mary see sudden signs of life at the deserted house next door and invite their new neighbors Sharon and Kenny over for a barbecue. Things get strange.You can get to “Detroit” by way of the Maker Theater, 5950 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa 15232. For more information, go to http://www.12peerstheater.org/

 

Bet on Black

Race to the Coffin Comedy presents “Comedy Roulette” featuring Tim Ross, John Pridmore, James J. Hamilton, Andy Picarro and hosted by John Dick Winters. It’s a benefit show supporting Artisan Tattoo and all proceeds will go to Jason Angst and family. “Comedy Roulette” spins into Club Café on May 15 for a 10 pm show. For more information, go to http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=5811015&pl=opus

 

Mid production

Spring is just beginning but “Midsummer” is going by quickly. It’s not too late to catch this show at the City Theater. When a divorce lawyer finds a small time crook in her her basement wine bar, the unlikely pair goes on an alcohol- and adventure-filled romp, discovering that there are second chances at life—and love. It’s not a musical, but a play with songs. Bask in the joy of “Midsummer” at the City Theatre, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. For more information, go to http://www.citytheatrecompany.org/

 

Don’t Fence me in

August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Fences” is at the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company runs until the end of the month. Set in the Pittsburgh’s Hill District in the 1950s, “Fences” evokes the early rumblings of the civil rights movement. The play follows Troy Maxson’s struggle to accept the generational changes that allowed his son to succeed in ways Troy never could. Director Mark Clayton Southers brings the Hill downtown to 937 Liberty Avenue, 3^rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, go to http://www.pghplaywrights.com/

 

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by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

 

Here are the Top Five things to do Pittsburgh this weekend, May 7 through May 10 (Mother’s Day Weekend).

 

Dance! Dance! Dance!

Kelly Strayhorn Theater presents a multi-venue festival showcasing exciting new work by young choreographers from Pittsburgh and around the country at the “newMoves Contemporary Dance Festival.” The festival features performances along with workshops, artist discussions, parties, and more.
You can join them for a pre-show mixer one hour before each of performance. It kicks off Thursday, May 7 at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, go to http://kelly-strayhorn.org

 

Well, Hello!

Dolly Gallagher Levi returns to Yonkers and the stage in “Hello, Dolly!” You’ll hear the classic numbers include “Put On Your Sunday Clothes,” “Ribbons Down My Back,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” and, of course, “Hello Dolly.” Catch the classic at the Grand Theater, 207 S. 2^nd Avenue, Elizabeth, PA 15037. For more information, go to http://www.monriverarts.org.

 

Why be Normal?

The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, “Next to Normal” explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. Dad’s an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, appearing to be a typical American family. Find out what lies beneath the surface, in “Next to Normal” at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, go to http://www.stage62.org/show/?action=view&productionID=31

 

Build a Better Mousetrap

London’s longest running play comes to Pittsburgh. Agatha Christie’s “Mousetrap” opens May 8.  Find out about all the mysteries of Monkswell Manor. Opening night is also “Cheese Night.”  “Mousetrap” is at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. For more information, go to http://www.primestage.com/shows_and_tickets/index.html

 

Fringe on Top

Pittsburgh’s innovative performing arts festival returns for a second year. If you’re looking for a unique theater experience on the fringe, check out their slate of shows like “Bortle 8,” “Gypsy Funk,” “Who is Bob Friendly” and “Songs from a Lost Civilization and Other Stories.” There’s also a performance of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” If you’ve never seen a play about Hockey before, it’s time to check (get it) out “Intentional Icing.” The Fringe is happening all over the North Side this year. For a map, a schedule or more information, go to http://www.pittsburghfringe.org/

 

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by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

 

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh the weekend of April 30 through May 3.

 

Harmonic Blasphemy

The Pittsburgh New Works Festival celebrates 25 years with special performances of two previous “Best Play” Donna Award winners — “Harmonic Convergence” (1995) by Scott Sickles (General Hospital) and “The Blasphemy of Bees” (2009) by Christopher Dimond (Pittsburgh CLO‘s “Judge Jackie Justice”). Both playwrights have gone on to exciting professional writing careers and both will be returning for this evening’s event to participate in a post-show talkback! It’s at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall on Friday, May 1 on 25 W. Main Street, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, go to http://www.pittsburghnewworks.org/

 

Brass Ones

Brass bands invade Pittsburgh at “Pittonkatonk” It will feature the Pitchblack Brass Band, Black Bear Combo, Detroit Party Marching Band and many more. Come out and hear the music play on Saturday at 3:00 at the Vietnam Veterans Pavilion in Schenley Park. For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/736736263113518/

 

Aunt Hill

Two students, Charley Wyckham and Jack Chesney, are in love with two young ladies, Amy and Kitty. But a protective uncle won’t let them anywhere near the boys. Charley and Jack talk their friend Babbs into posing as “Charley’s Aunt.” Naturally, comedic trouble ensues. “Charley’s Aunt” is at the McKeesport Little Theater,1614 Coursin Street, McKeesport, PA 15132. For more information, go to http://mckeesportlittletheater.com/

 

Postcards from Paris

Have you heard? “Jacques Brel is Alive & Well and Living in Paris.” Okay, that’s the title of PICT’s new show. It’s a desperately romantic story told with music, but it’s not a musical really. It’s at the Pierce Studio, Trust Arts Education Center, 805-807 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, go to http://www.picttheatre.org/

 

Braddock Rises

Barebones Theater opens “American Falls.” The play is a modern day “Our Town,” as it follows the lives of six living people & two dead ones in American Falls, Idaho. Rush over to their new theater space at the barebones theater, 1211 Braddock Ave, Braddock, PA. For more information, go to http://barebonesproductions.com/

 

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by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

 

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh the weekend of April 23 to April 26

 

Beetlemania

AcoustiCafe is topping itself. On April 23, there will be a tribute to the Beetles and a bunch of Birtish Invasion bands. You’ll get acoustic and electric renditions of Beatles songs by local songwriters, they will have the music of The Kinks, the Rolling Stones, the Zombies and more, featuring Josh Verbanets, the Nox Boys, Chet Vincent, Clinton Clegg, Nathan Zoob and much, much more. It’s all at Mr. Smalls. 400 Lincoln Avenue, Millvale, PA 15209. For more information, go to http://www.mrsmalls.com/NewPHP/home.php?section=events&eventLink=April

 

A Whale of a Time

On the outskirts of Mormon country, Idaho, a 600 lbs. recluse hides away in his apartment eating himself to death. Desperate to reconnect with his long-estranged daughter, he reaches out to her, only to find a viciously sharp-tongued & wildly unhappy teen. It’s “The Whale” at Off the Wall Theater, 25 W. Main Street, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, go to www.insideoffthewall.com .

 

Pull and All-Nighter

It’s the 18^th annual “Art All Night” event and it takes place April 25 through April 26 (Yes! ALL NIGHT LONG). Come down to 4001 Willow Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 (Lawrenceville). There will be music, art and comedy. For more information, go to http://www.artallnight.org/

 

Stella!

Point Park University revives Tennessee Williams’ classic play, “A Streetcar Named Desire” will be at the Richard Rauh Theater at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh. For more information, go to http://www.pittsburghplayhouse.com/

 

Forever and a Day

On April 24, one day after the birth of William Shakespeare, actor Stoney Richards will present a tribute to the Bard in “Jon Sincler: A Hired Man.” It’s a one act play written and performed by Richards. It will be at 7:00 pm at the Third Street Gallery, 220 3^rd Street, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1606787296228980/

 

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