Tag: Culture

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh the weekend of October 30 to November 2. Its Halloween and it’s party time.

Wickedly Wonderful

There will be more than three witches at PICT Gala, “Witches and Wizards.” There will be neverending food stations (no newts were harmed in the making of the witches’ brew). The event is on Devil’s Night, Thursday, October 30. The event will be hosted by ‘Burgh Vivant’s own Brian Edward.  Join the party, or join the after-party with DJ’s J Malls and Gordy of Title Town. Grab your broom and fly over to J. Verno Studios, 3030 Jane Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. For more information, go to http://www.picttheatre.org/plays-events/pict-plays-annual-gala/

Hyde Out

You can catch that self-made man/monster, Mr. Hyde, in “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” The world premiere adaptation by Bruce Hall (based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson) opens this weekend (with a preview performance on Halloween). It should be a transformative evening.  Get over to The New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 for all the fun. For more information, go to https://primestage.secure.force.com/ticket/#sections_a0Fd000000WDvc8EAD

For the Birds

There’s a Hitchcock themed party at the Carrie Furnace. If you ever wanted to celebrate the life of an ionic film director in an abandoned steel mill, now is your chance! The Brew Gentlemen Beer Co., The Independent Brewing Company and Bar Marco present “Hitchcock! A Halloween Party at the Carrie Furnace” on November 1. There will be tasty treats from Pgh Taco Truck, Gyros N’at, Blowfish BBQ and more.  The Carrie Furnace is in Rankin, PA, but there is an shuttle from Bar Marco in the Strip District (2216 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222) to take you to and from the event. For more information and tickets go to http://www.eventbrite.com/e/hitchcock-a-halloween-party-at-the-carrie-furnace-tickets-13440108727

Bacchus not Backus

Bacchus played Mr. Magoo and Thurston Howell III. Wait. No. Bacchus is the god of wine and revelry. The Bacchanalia is a big blow-out Halloween party coming your way November 1. This bash features some of downtown Pittsburgh’s best restaurants like Il Pizzaiolo, Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine, Penn Ten Penny and more.   Get the party started at the Heinz 57 Center, 623 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222.  For more information and tickets, got to http://www.showclix.com/event/3880551

Last but not least

It’s the last days to see “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot.” Actually, November 1^st will be the last of the “Last.” Christianity’s most notorious sinner, Judas, is put on trial in a courtroom in Purgatory.  The gavel bangs at the Grey Box Theater, 3595 Butler Street, Pittsburgh. For more information, go to  http://www.throughlinetheatre.org/

-MB.

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 21, 2014 — Carnegie Science Center is inviting families to bring their pumpkins for a physics-filled day of fun at the third annual Great Pumpkin Smash on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Join Smash-ologists in rolling leftover jack-o-lanterns off the Science Center’s roof. Participants will watch their pumpkins fall and observe how their pumpkin reacts to the drop. Some will smash, some will splatter, and some will even bounce. Guests will observe their pumpkin and learn about the physics behind the drop to understand why different pumpkins react to the fall in different ways. A video monitor allows participants to watch their pumpkin’s splat without leaning over the edge.  Spectators can witness the hilarious sequence of falling – and splatting – pumpkins.

Before each pumpkin’s descent, they will be weighed to determine the largest and smallest ones. Last year’s largest was 17 inches tall, while its smallest was a mere 2 inches. Guests will learn how the weight of each pumpkin affects how it will smash.

And if there’s anything more fun than a splatting pumpkin, it’s an exploding pumpkin. On the lawn behind the Science Center, guests will be treated to demonstrations of how liquid nitrogen can be used to explode pumpkins.

Continuing the pumpkin theme, visitors can enjoy pumpkin flavored ice cream during the “Science in a Scoop” show in the BodyStage.

Activities will run from 10 am – 5 pm rain or shine and are included with the price of general admission. Pre-registration is not required.

For more information on Great Pumpkin Smash and other upcoming holiday-themed events, visit CarnegieScienceCenter.org.

About Carnegie Science Center

Carnegie Science Center is dedicated to inspiring learning and curiosity by connecting science and technology with everyday life. By making science both relevant and fun, the Science Center’s goal is to increase science literacy in the region and motivate young people to seek careers in science and technology. One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the Science Center is Pittsburgh’s premier science exploration destination, reaching more than 700,000 people annually through its hands-on exhibits, camps, classes, and off-site education programs.

About Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1895, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is a collection of four distinctive museums dedicated to exploration through art and science: Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum. Annually, the museums reach more than 1.2 million people through exhibitions, educational programs, outreach activities, and special events.

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Things To Do in Pittsburgh the week of October 23 through 26.

Carrie On!

If Stephen King taught us anything in the at last few years, it’s “Never mess with a telekinetic teen on Prom Night.” However, it will be loads of fun when those crazy folks at Midnight Radio perform “SCarrie: The Musical” down at the Bricolage Theater, 937 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh PA. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to meet Odie, the Theater Dog. The show opens Thursday, October 23. For more information, go to http://www.bricolagepgh.org/

How many boys? How many Girls?

It takes a big set of brass ones to audition for a Broadway play, but Val will be glad to tell you it takes some brand new T & A to really get a call back. You can hear all about it in Pittsburgh Musical Theater in collaboration and Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts Orchestra’s version of “A Chorus Line.” It’s at the Byham Theater, 101 6^th Street, Pittsburgh, PA.  For more information, go to http://trustarts.org/

Who You Gonna Call?

The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man returns to Pittsburgh when Arcade Comedy Theater’s Live Read Series brings back “Ghostbusters.” There’s something strange in your ‘hood, yinz guys. You can hop in your ghost-mobile Friday and Saturday at the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh.  For more information, go to http://arcadecomedytheater.com/

Hellsworth in Hades-Side!

The Delta Foundation is bringing back “All American Boy” Steve Grand with Neon Hitch Friday October 24 for a concert block party on Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside. They are calling the event “Nightmare on Hellsworth.”  You can get tickets for the event at https://www.showclix.com/event/3870988

Creatures of the Night?
When Brad Majors and Janet Weiss get lost on the way home from a wedding, their lives are turned upside down by a mad scientist, Dr. Frank N. Furter and his creature Rocky Horror in the “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”  Leap of Faith Productions presents “The Rocky Horror Picture Show Live” at the Altar Bar on Sunday October 26 at 7 & 11 pm. There’s a costume contest and giveaways. The fun starts at the Altar Bar, 1620 Penn Avenue in the Strip.  Find more information and tickets at http://www.showclix.com/event/75043

-MB.

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Things To Do in Pittsburgh the weekend of October 16 through 19

Hidden Staircase

It’s not a Nancy Drew Mystery, but something more sinister in Off the Wall’s “The Small Room at the Top of the Stairs” Grace is forbidden to enter one room in a large mansion. It’s the old “Try not to think of an elephant” trick. She is drawn to the forbidden place. The door and the play opens Friday, October 17.  Don’t resist the temptation and get to the Off the Wall Theatre, 25 West Main Street, Carnegie, PA 15106.  More information HERE.

Something Wicked this way comes (again)

“Macbeth” is playing at PICT, but if you want to stay in the South Hills, you can see the Scottish play at the South Park Theatre in Bethel Park.  Get wicked and go to the South Park Theater, at the intersection of Corrigan and Brownsville Road, Bethel Park, PA 15129. For more information, go to http://www.southparktheatre.com/

By the Book

It’s your last weekend to see “Book of Ezra” at the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater. It’s a one-man show written and performed by spoken word artist and national slam poet Leslie Ezra Smith.  Get down to the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater, 937 Liberty Avenue, 3^rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA. http://www.pghplaywrights.com/

“Outside” is inside the City Theatre

“Outside Mullingar” opens at the City Theatre. Two introverted misfits, neighbors Anthony and Rosemary, struggle to find happiness in a play by Pulitzer, Oscar and Tony winning writer, John Patrick Shanley.  Get inside “Outside” at the City Theatre, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh PA (Southside).  More information HERE.

Pageant

Kierra Darshell presents the 2^nd Annual Miss Tri-State All-Star Newcomer Pageant. See the future of drag in Pittsburgh as Kierra welcomes some new performers to the stage.  The drag race starts at Cruze Bar, 1600 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA on Sunday October 19. For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/270024993195929/270837879781307/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity

And now a Sixth Thing

Next week is Homeless Children Awareness Week (October 19 -25). To raise money and awareness for the Homeless Children’s Educational Fund, the HCEF will have their fourth annual storytelling event.  This year’s theme is “Packing: Stories about what we take with us and what we leave behind” In this entertaining, engaging evening of first-person storytelling, a diverse roster of individuals will step onstage to recount their true-to-life tales on topics ranging from red eyes to pink slips, from a hike in the woods to taking a hike, from carry-ons to how we manage to carry on. Doors open at 6pm, with storytelling to begin around 7pm. Two beer/wine tickets with admission and/or BYOB (ID required). $5 admission, cash-only at the door. Advance tickets available at the door, all proceeds from the event will benefit HCEF’s Outreach Team.  Memoir-meets-monologue at the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh.  For more information, go to bit.ly/hcefstorytelling.

-M.B.

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are Five Fun Things To Do in Pittsburgh the weekend of October 9 through the October 12.

A Little Light Comedy

Start your weekend with a little Light comedy. Matt Light’s show “Light’s Out” is at the Pittsburgh Improv on Thursday, October 9. Come see some of Pittsburgh’s funniest people all in one room. Matt will be sharing the stage with Ed Bailey, Tim Ross and Terry Jones and many more.  You have to cross a bridge to get to the Pittsburgh Improv, 166 E. Bridge Street, Homestead, PA, 15120, but it’s worth it. For more information, go to http://pittsburgh.improv.com/event.cfm?id=344113

Divisions

It’s your final weekend to see “Dividing the Estate” at the Little Lake Theater. It’s an age old story of old age. Stella Gordon, matriarch of a 100-year-old Texas estate, steadfastly refuses to sell and divide, despite her family’s declining wealth and financial crisis. Her three adult children vie unabashedly for the biggest piece of the pie.  Add some friends and go see “Dividing the Estate” at The Little Lake Theatre, 500 Lakeside Drive, Canonsburg, PA. For more information, go to http://www.littlelaketheatre.org

The Scottish Play

Something wicked this way comes. The classical Shakespearean play about fate, free will and murder opens this weekend in Oakland. PICT Classic Theatre will regale you with the tale of Lord and Lady Macbeth and the evil deeds that start to pile up under the guise of ambition.  “Macbeth” runs October 9 to October 25 at the Charity Randall Theater, inside the Stephen Foster Memorial, 4301 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.  For more information, go to http://www.picttheatre.org

Kissing Booth

Right below the Scottish play, you have one final weekend to see Diana Son’s “Stop/Kiss.” It’s a story of two women whose lives are turned upside down by one fateful kiss. The play moves backwards and forwards through time culminating with the kiss that forever changes them. It’s produced by the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Theatre Arts.  “Stop/Kiss” runs through October 12 at the Henry Heymann Theatre, Stephen Foster Memorial, 4301 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.  For more information, go to http://www.play.pitt.edu/content/stop-kiss

Reel to Reel

The Reel Q LGBT Film Festival begins on October 10 with “Blackbirds” at the Harris Theater downtown. Randy, a black teen, comes out of the closet (Mo’Nique of “Precious” and Isiah Washington of “Grey’s Anatomy”), forcing his family to examine their relationships, community and faith.  The movie is at Harris Theater, 809 Liberty Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh. After the film, walk a block down the street to the after-party. Bricolage, 937 Liberty Avenue.  Check out all of the films in the fest, go to http://theaters.pittsburgharts.org/reel-q-pittsburgh-lgbt-film-festival

– MB.

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Things To Do in Pittsburgh this weekend, October 2 through October 5. Lot’s of mythical horses in the list this week.

Play time

Over the weekend, Middle school and high school kids get to strut their stuff at the Young Playwrights Festival. Check out the six winning one-act plays that beat out the over other 300 competitors. Kids rom South Fayette, CAPA, Sharpsville and Moon Area High School are among the new playwrights.  The event is only $15 or adults and $10 for students.  The future of Broadway could be hanging out at the City Theatre, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA.  More information HERE.

Come to the Cabaret (Sort of )

This weekend “I am a Camera” opens at the Peter Mills Theater (inside Duquesne University’s Rockwell Hall). Before the Broadway musical, “Cabaret” there was “I am a Camera,” stories taken from Christopher Isherwood’s time in Berlin as written for the stage by John Van Druten. It’s pre-war Germany at its most decadent through the eyes of listless writer and his muse, Sally Bowles.  “I am a Camera” is at the Peter Mills Theater (Rockwell Hall), 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh.  For more information, call 412-396-6429 or CLICK HERE.

Unicorns

Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” returns to the stage. The newest production is at the Pittsburgh Public Theatre. If you’re not familiar with the American classic, now is the time to get acquainted (you’ll get the unicorn reference ).  Get your favorite Gentleman Caller to take you out to the O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.  For more information, call 412-316-1600 or CLICK HERE.

Flying horses

Flying horses couldn’t keep us away from the Miss Pegasus Reunion Show at the Cabaret Theatre. Harken back to those wigs of yesteryear, when Kierra Darshell reacquaints you with some of your old favorite drag queens from days gone by. The show reunites several former Miss Pegasus’s (Pegasi?). Pittsburgh’s oldest gay bar may no longer be around, but those queens are still hell on high heels.  Drag yourself over to the Cabaret at Theatre Square, 655 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh.  More information HERE.

Art Dogs

On Thursday October 2 is the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council Day of Giving. It’s your chance to give back to your favorite non-profit. There’s a bunch on the list, including the City Theatre, Dreams of Hope, Bricolage, the Heinz History Center, Manchester Craftsmen Guild and many, many more.  For more information, go to http://www.pittsburghgives.org/

– MB.

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Fun Things To Do in Pittsburgh the weekend of September 25 through September 28. For fun this week, I played Scattegories with the letter F.

Finality

Final Friday is a celebration of the last Friday of the month. On that auspicious day, WYEP 91.3 showcases some up and coming talent. They’re hosting a party with Saintseneca at Schenley Plaza at an all-ages show. Local favorites, the Nox Boys, will be opening. Send out September with a bang on September 26 at 7 pm. Join the party at Schenley Plaza, 4100 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.
For more information, go here: http://www.wyep.org/event/wyeps-final-fridays-the-nox-boys-and-saintseneca

Free Fridays

It’s the last Gallery Crawl of the season. Wander around all of the great venues in downtown Pittsburgh, like Future Tenant Art Gallery, The Backstage Bar, Dream Cream Ice Cream, Arcade Comedy Theater, the Wood Street Galleries, and more. Head to Downtown Pittsburgh Friday, September 26 after 5:30 and wander around. You might not find all the cool spots, but you find a few.  For more information, a map of the participating places, and more, go to http://crawl.trustarts.org/

Flaming

On September 28, Drusky Entertainment brings Erasure to Pittsburgh with “The Violent Flame Tour.” Erasure has had five consecutive number one albums back in the day. Maybe their new one, “Violent Flame” will rank right up there. Show a great band, “A Little Respect,” and come out and support them. Come out to the Carnegie Library Music Hall, 510 10^th Avenue, Munhall, PA 15210.  For more information, go to http://www.librarymusichall.com/event/587649-erasure-violet-flame-tour-munhall/

Fetterman!

That conspicuously large Braddock mayor, John Fetterman, is teaming up with Delta Foundation’s big guy, Gary Van Horn, and F. Dok Harris in a round table discussion with that dangerously live comedian, John McIntire for “Ball of Confusion,” a brand new live episode of the Dangerous Live Comedy/Talk Show on Saturday, September 27. It’s BYOB at the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh.  For more information, go to http://arcadecomedytheater.com/

Florence’s Fantasia

“Souvenir” tells the story of Florence Foster Jenkins is a wealthy socialite who couldn’t carry a tune in a god-plated bucket, but it never prevented her from holding recitals at the Ritz or selling out Carnegie Hall.  “Souvenir” is directed by Tome Cousins. And if it’s half as funny as “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark,” the last show he directed at the Rep, than they have a palpable hit on their hands.  “Souvenir” opens in preview on Thursday, September 25 and runs through October 12 at the Studio Space at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.  For more information, go to http://www.pittsburghplayhouse.com/current-season/the-rep/souvenir

-MB.

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 17, 2014 – Carnegie Science Center is inviting adults to leave the kids at home for 21+ Starry Nights, a special evening of astronomy-themed events on Friday, Sept. 26, from 6 – 10 pm.

Throughout the evening, guests can scale a 21-foot “zero” gravity climbing wall, explore a two-story walk-in replica of the International Space Station, try on a replica flight suit, and pose for a green screen photo anywhere in the galaxy. Weather permitting, the Science Center’s rooftop observatory will be open for a chance to gaze through a telescope to see amazing celestial objects.

Visitors can watch Planetarium show “Back to the Moon for Good” about the quest for private companies – including one from Pittsburgh – to land on the moon. The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh will be on site to answer questions and show off their breathtaking astronomical images.

The event features several live performances, ranging from an improv performance to a live science show about how astronauts’ bodies work in space.

The event is the kickoff for this fall’s celebration of the Buhl Planetarium’s 75^th anniversary. The evening will include a special Planetarium show commemorating Buhl’s history. Henry Buhl Jr. (1848—1927) was a Pittsburgh philanthropist who established The Buhl Foundation “for the well-being of the citizens of Pittsburgh and the County of Allegheny.” The foundation supports education, human services, youth programs, and economic development. It established Buhl Planetarium, the predecessor organization of Carnegie Science Center, in 1939.

As always, 21+ Night features music, cash bars, and the chance to experience four floors of hands-on exhibits – with no kids!

Participants get a discount on Omnimax films and laser shows that evening.

The cost of the event is just $10 with advance registration before noon on the day of the event or $15 after noon at the door. Guests will receive a voucher for $15 in free slot play at the Rivers Casino when they arrive, while supplies last.

21+ Nights are sponsored by Trib Total Media, and Bob and Q92 Radio.

For more information or to register, visit CarnegieScienceCenter.org or call 412.237.3400.

About Carnegie Science Center

Carnegie Science Center is dedicated to inspiring learning and curiosity by connecting science and technology with everyday life. By making science both relevant and fun, the Science Center’s goal is to increase science literacy in the region and motivate young people to seek careers in science and technology. One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the Science Center is Pittsburgh’s premier science exploration destination, reaching more than 700,000 people annually through its hands-on exhibits, camps, classes, and off-site education programs.

About Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1895, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is a collection of four distinctive museums dedicated to exploration through art and science: Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum. Annually, the museums reach more than 1.2 million people through exhibitions, educational programs, outreach activities, and special events.