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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 01.27/02.03.2016
EVENTS EVERY FRIDAY IN JANUARY 5-10pm FREE GOOD FRIDAYS PRESENTED BY UPMC HEALTH PLAN FREE admission
1.30 – 8pm SOUND SERIES: EKMELES The Warhol entrance space Co-presented with the Music on the Edge series of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Music. FREE parking in The Warhol lot Advance Tickets $15/$10 students visit www.music.pitt.edu/tickets or call 412.624.7529
2.23 – 8pm SOUND SERIES: DISAPPEARS The Warhol theater FREE parking in The Warhol lot Tickets $15/$12 Members & students
The Red Western
2.27 – 8pm SOUND SERIES: GEORGE LEWIS The Warhol entrance space Co-presented with the Music on the Edge series and Pitt Jazz Studies of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Music. Advance Tickets $15/$10 students; visit www.music.pitt.edu/tickets or call 412.624.7529
2.6 – 8pm The Warhol entrance space | FREE parking in The Warhol lot | Tickets $10/$8 Members & students visit www.warhol.org or call 412.237.8300
The Warhol welcomes Pittsburgh’s own The Red Western for a special record release show. The current band features Jay Leon, Jonathan Gunnell, Lauren DeLorenze, and Sean Finn, who are members of several current and former Pittsburgh bands including Satin Gum, Life In Bed, My Sexiest Mistake, and Derek White and the Monophobics. On its forthcoming album, the band blends folk, alternative country, and soul influences with sonic elements of indie rock, punk, and power pop. N E W S
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The Andy Warhol Museum receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency and The Heinz Endowments. Further support is provided by the Allegheny Regional Asset District.
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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 01.27/02.03.2016
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{EDITORIAL}
01.27/02.03.2016
Editor CHARLIE DEITCH Arts & Entertainment Editor BILL O’DRISCOLL Music Editor MARGARET WELSH Associate Editor AL HOFF Multimedia Editor ASHLEY MURRAY Listings Editor CELINE ROBERTS Assistant Listings Editor ALEX GORDON Staff Writers RYAN DETO, REBECCA NUTTALL Interns COURTNEY LINDER, AARON WARNICK, ANDREW WOEHREL
VOLUME 26 + ISSUE 04
{ART}
{COVER PHOTO BY JOHN COLOMBO}
U.S. Senate candidate John Fetterman in Braddock
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THIS WEEK
NEW CITY PAPER SERIES WILL EXAMINE WHERE THEY STAND, ONE ISSUE AT A TIME
ONLINE
www.pghcitypaper.com
In the week’s City Paper podcast episode, we talk about the U.S. Senate race with staff writer Ryan Deto and speak to Lidia Bastianich about food, family and her new cookbook. www.pghcitypaper.com.
Last week, two candidates dropped out of the race for PA attorney general; Gov. Tom Wolf announced new methane-emissions rules; and, well, the presidential candidates tweeted about guns, sweater vests and 13 Hours. See what’s in store this week on our PolitiCrap blog.
This week: Compete in an adult spelling bee, listen to Latin jazz or indulge in a food-truck roundup. The podcast goes live every Wednesday at www.pghcitypaper.com.
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{JOHN FETTERMAN PHOTO BY JOHN COLOMBO / MCGINTY AND SESTAK PHOTOS, PROVIDED BY CANDIDATES}
U.S. Senate Democratic candidates John Fetterman, Katie McGinty and Joe Sestak
PRESSING THE ISSUES E
LECTION SEASON is upon us. A long and grueling run-up to the April primaries is on the horizon, with politicians spouting their ideas and opinions about what is important to Pennsylvanians, and the American people, seemingly repeating themselves at every turn. At City Paper, we thought we would try a slightly different approach with the race for Republican Pat Toomey’s U.S. Senate seat. Starting today, we will run an occasional series both in print and online at www.pghcitypaper.com looking at the Democratic primary for this seat one issue at a time. Democratic candidates John Fetterman, Katie McGinty and Joe Sestak will be asked specific questions on one topic that resonates at the local, state and national level.
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 01.27/02.03.2016
The first topic is affordable housing. Pittsburgh’s emerging problem has already deeply affected neighborhoods like East Liberty and Lawrenceville. Philadelphia is experiencing its own affordability crisis
Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate present their plans to handle the affordable-housing crisis {BY RYAN DETO} and even Lancaster County is struggling with inflating rents. And all of these Pennsylvania problems dwarf the crises affecting cities such as San Francisco, New York and Seattle.
Meet the Candidates
Braddock Mayor John Fetterman has lived in Allegheny County for the better part of the past two decades. He spent two years working for AmeriCorps in the Hill District, then left to attend graduate school at Harvard before resettling in Braddock to launch a GED program. In 2004, he was voted mayor of the old steel town and has served in that post since. Some have called him a “wild card” in the U.S. Senate race, and he publicly endorsed presidential candidate Bernie Sanders this month. Katie McGinty, former secretary of the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, is a long-time Eastern Pennsylvanian, born and raised in Philadelphia. She also served as an environmental adviser under President Bill Clinton and ran for CONTINUES ON PG. 08
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PRESSING THE ISSUES, CONTINUED FROM PG. 06
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governor of Pennsylvania in 2014, but finished fourth in the primary. She took a job as Gov. Tom Wolf’s chief of staff, but resigned in July 2015 when she announced her run for the Senate. She has already received a flurry of endorsements from labor as well as support from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, Gov. Tom Wolf and local U.S. Congressman Mike Doyle. Retired Navy Admiral and former U.S. Congressman Joe Sestak was born and raised in a small town southwest of Philadelphia. He served as defense director for the National Security Council under President Clinton, and — after an upset win in the primary against long-time Sen. Arlen Specter — ran for the U.S. Senate in 2010, losing to Republican Pat Toomey by just two percentage points. Sestak is the only Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania with previous congressional experience. So far, his campaign has repeatedly made claims about Toomey’s inadequacies as a senator, and he’s seemingly champing at the bit for a rematch. G. Terry Madonna, a professor and director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs at Franklin & Marshall College, calls this race one of the top five U.S. Senate elections in the country. “It is inconceivable to think Democrats could win control of Senate without winning this seat,” he says. Madonna says that McGinty is currently the clear frontrunner, considering her endorsements and backing from the Democratic establishment and labor unions. “She is very popular and has the kind of personality that offends almost no one. … She is popular in the party, particularly among leaders,” he says. Sestak, on the other hand, has had issues with party leaders, says Madonna. “Sestak is pretty much the maverick of the party candidates,” he says, adding Sestak and the establishment “are on other ends of a building and there are no signs of them walking toward each other.” And Fetterman, who has appeared in the New York Times and on TV talk shows, has caught on “nationally, but not really in the state, especially the eastern portion.” Still, all three candidates seem to agree that affordable housing is a national problem that must be addressed, and each has slightly different methods and priorities for doing just that.
{PHOTO BY RYAN DETO}
Katie McGinty at a January campaign stop at Pamela’s P&G Diner in the Strip District
national priority. It builds stronger communities for everybody and that’s good for the people who don’t have to rely on subsidized housing,” he says. “It is a moral obligation that, if we as a society are going to build up communities that then become gentrified, then we need to provide a mechanism to keep an established set of residents [in those neighborhoods].” He says that honoring our history can go a long way toward avoiding gentrification in Pittsburgh and other cities. He adds that the labor of steelworkers in Braddock helped Andrew Carnegie earn millions, and then Carnegie used those millions to fund a university, which grew talent that eventually helped to attract a company like Google to East Liberty. “We have to remember in Pittsburgh, that a lot of the good things that we have are based on the sacrifices of a lot of working families from the region,” he says. Fetterman advocates for a portfolio of innovative solutions for tackling affordable housing, like community land trusts. In a land trust, a nonprofit or government agency owns a property and sells the home to a low-income buyer, while maintaining ownership of the land. This allows homeowners to accrue limited equity while ensuring that the home can be sold continuously to low-income buyers. A program like this has been started in Lawrenceville. Fetterman also supports Mayor Peduto’s idea to use Section 8 funds to rehab derelict homes for low-income home ownership. During his mayoral tenure in Braddock, Fetterman says he has focused on affordable housing, even though the town’s rents and home prices are among the lowest in the region. The old UPMC Braddock site was refur-
“PEOPLE IDENTIFY HOMEOWNERSHIP AS PART OF THE AMERICAN DREAM”
FETTERMAN BELIEVES that it is in the country’s best interest to keep communities diverse, and that doing so is our moral obligation. “[Affordable housing] needs to be a
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 01.27/02.03.2016
bished with retail spaces and 24 subsidized units in 2013. “You took a site that had no value and we created 24 units of affordable housing that have been beautifully maintained and provide quality safe housing for residents,” says Fetterman. WHILE PROVIDING clean, safe and secure affordable housing for residents in need was something all candidates agreed on, former environmental secretary McGinty focused on the problems of concentrated poverty. “What has to be the top imperative is to break this concentration of poverty,” says McGinty, “and to make sure we are keeping the pillars of our neighborhoods in the community and using the economic-development opportunities as an opportunity for everybody.” McGinty says that concentrated poverty is negatively affecting communities because residents are either struggling to pay bills or nomadically moving to where they can afford, and thus not contributing to the community’s well-being. She says that when gentrification occurs and longtime residents leave, “they are not being replaced by people who are equally invested in the social capital of the neighborhood and community.” She suggests that new development — housing, transportation, etc. — be required to include funding dedicated toward affordable housing, and assurances that jobs linked to the development be given to residents of the neighborhoods affected. McGinty also argued that neighbors’ knowledge of their communities is invaluable, and that community members should be involved with development projects from the onset. She says she supported this policy while working as the state’s environmental secretary for a large sewage-rehab project in Reading. CONTINUES ON PG. 10
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Feast Vietnamese/Creole fusion meal by acclaimed New Orleans chef Michael Gulotta FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016 Celebrate CMOA's exhibition The Propeller Group: The Living Need Light, The Dead Need Music with a dinner event unlike any other in the city.
6 p.m. | cocktail hour open bar with hors d'oeuvres 7 p.m. | dinner dishes served family-style and paired with a Wigle Whiskey cocktail, wine, and beer 9 p.m. | after-party live music, dancing, and Vietnamese street foods FEAST is sponsored by:
Tickets: $150 (includes after-party) | $40 after-party only RSVP online at cmoa.org/FEAST or call 412.622.3316
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PRESSING THE ISSUES, CONTINUED FROM PG. 08
McGinty says that inclusionary practices can lead to a “virtuous cycle,” where residents of a community in need can benefit not just from the new development, but also from the good-paying jobs that come along with it. She says that housing problems don’t “exist in isolation,” and that lifting wages will also help residents pay for rising rents. McGinty believes that fostering a virtuous cycle will help lift the low-income residents out of poverty, so they can contribute to the neighborhood. “We also need to get over any notion that this is a charity case,” says McGinty “The point is, these families are the backbones in the community, and they will volunteer in the schools, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and firefighters, etc… [We should be] ensuring that they can continue to be that backbone of the community.” SESTAK TOO believes that providing
affordable housing is in the country’s best interest. He says gentrification disproportionately affects minorities, and since minorities will represent the largest portion of Americans in the near future, we must address affordable-housing issues. “In 16 to 17 years, [minorities] are going to be our largest national asset in terms of numbers, and if they aren’t the largest national asset in terms of quality [services],
{PHOTO BY ASHLEY MURRAY}
Joe Sestak walking along the Pittsburgh streets, chatting with constituents
then American is harmed,” says Sestak. “To me, this is not just about helping out individuals who need a helping hand, it is about all of us.” Sestak says affordable housing is not an emerging issue in Pennsylvania; he’s been working to support low-income housing for the past eight years. As a congressman, he voted in 2007 to establish the National Housing Trust Fund. The fund should start doling out monies to states this year (Penn-
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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 01.27/02.03.2016
sylvania should get more than $7 million). Sestak says his strategy to promote affordable housing is three-fold. He wants to expand the federal low-income tax-credit program, which provides developers with tax savings if they include permanently affordable housing units. Sestak says that increasing tax credits
by 50 percent could create more than 200,000 units per year nationally. He also wants to establish a tax credit for landlords, who would then offer their units to low-income renters (sort of like Section 8 vouchers, but with landlords reaching out to residents, instead of the other way around). Lastly, he wants to beef up enforcement of Section 8 vouchers. To fund these ideas, Sestak says that first we need to optimize government revenue (by doing things like getting rid of tax breaks for companies who move overseas). But he also thinks that increasing government tax credits can foster public-private partnerships, since there is more to offer private developers. (McGinty also advocates leveraging more private funding for affordable housing.) Sestak believes that the government should also implement programs that help first-time homebuyers. “Your home is your castle, rental or owned, and when you lose or don’t have a home and are threatened with being homeless, it terrifies people,” says Sestak. “And that is why so many people identify homeownership as part of the American Dream, as part of their security.” RYA N D E TO@ P G HC I T Y PA P E R. C OM
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GUN-DATA CONTROL
Despite numerous requests, Pittsburgh police refuse to release data on guns used in violent crimes {BY REBECCA NUTTALL} LAST YEAR, in an effort to get a better
picture of gun violence in the city, Pittsburgh City Paper began reporting on each and every gun homicide during the summer. However, residents in the neighborhoods where homicides were occurring rarely wanted to talk about the cases, and the families of victims were equally quiet. But while many in the community were silent, the data spoke for itself. On June 17, a 14-year-old shot himself with a firearm. A few days later, on June 25, a 15-year-old was charged with possession of a firearm by a minor. In other cases, homicide suspects were found in possession of a firearm even though prior convictions prevent them from legally purchasing one. “There’s way too little attention to the process by which firearms move from the very large pool of lawfully owned firearms to people who commit gun violence,” says Ted Alcorn, research director at Everytown for Gun Safety, a national gun-reform organization. “Understanding those processes is critical for educating
people about how laws that affect the way people store their guns and sell their guns have real ramifications for violence.” With that in mind, at the beginning of November, City Paper called on the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police to provide firearm trace data for weapons recovered in 2015. According to CeaseFirePA, a statewide organization that works to curb gun violence, the police have this information because state law requires them to return guns confiscated at crime scenes to the last lawful owners. But despite numerous requests, the city has not released the data. After an initial conversation with police spokesperson Sonya Toler, CP sent the bureau a list of dozens of incidents where guns were recovered by the department and requested information on the guns’ origins. The data has not been issued. In November, CP also asked to speak with
the detective in charge of handling firearm tracking and was told Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay needed to be in on that conversation. But an interview has yet to be scheduled. Last week, Toler said McLay would be unavailable until the end of January. “We at CeaseFirePA believe that tracking, finding and making public the sources of crime guns is absolutely essential to effectively stopping gun violence,” Rob Conroy, CeaseFirePA’s director of organizing, writes in an email. “An educated population is a safer population: If community members know where the guns that are systematically destroying their neighborhoods and towns are coming from, they can better combat the problem, either through informal and informed local action or through coordinated action with other communities/neighborhoods, the police and their elected officials.” City Paper’s interest in finding out where guns involved in local homicides and possessed by minors came from was spurred by similar campaigns around the country. One of the most well known is the “Where did the gun come from?” campaign led by Citizens for Safety, in Boston, which was launched in 2006. “We wanted to popularize what we thought was an important missing question,” says Nancy Robinson, Citizens for Safety’s executive director. “Where does a 15-year-old get a gun in the first place? No one was asking that.”
“FINDING AND MAKING PUBLIC THE SOURCES OF CRIME GUNS IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.”
As a result of its campaign, the organization discovered that straw purchasers — people legally able to purchase firearms who buy them for people who aren’t — account for almost 50 percent of trafficking investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. With this information, the group launched a program to target female straw purchasers. Robinson says gun violence in Boston has decreased as a result. “The more information you have about crime-gun sources, the more effective you can be about shutting them down,” says Robinson. “We have to be armed with the right information about how these guns are winding up in the hands of 14-, 15-, 16-yearold shooters.” For the past three years, CeaseFirePA has been working on a similar campaign locally. Due to concerns for gun-owner privacy and police-investigation confidentiality, the group is requesting only the ZIP code where the gun was recovered and the ZIP code where the gun was last lawfully owned. “We haven’t given up on the TrackBack program,” writes Conroy. “We’re working with partners on many levels to determine the most effective way to trace, compile and release this information without even seemingly violating any laws or compromising the privacy of once-lawful gun owners. “Just because it hasn’t quite happened doesn’t mean that it will never happen. In addition, other phases of the program, including educating the public to ask about the sources of crime guns and encouraging the media to ask the question and find the answers, have been very successful.” RN U T TA L L @ P G HC I T Y PA P E R. C OM
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BOYCE PARK 2016
It’s time for whites to confront racism in a meaningful way {BY CHARLIE DEITCH} I HAVE NEVER been discriminated against.
I have never been pulled over by a cop without cause. I have never been beaten by a police officer. I have never been shot once, let alone multiple times. I have never been called a racist slur. As a 44-year-old white male in America, I have never been the target of racism in any form. But as a white male, I’ve certainly seen my share of racist behavior. The reason, quite frankly, is that a lot of white people are entitled, pompous idiots and a lot more allow them to be that way — and the latter may be a bigger problem than the former. Get a group of white folks together in just about any setting and the racists in the group slowly start to let race creep into every conversation. While watching a game, they’ll talk about the showboat athletes who need to “act like you’ve been there before,” or refer to “a bunch of thugs.” When talking about social programs, they’ll go on about all the “blacks on welfare” buying filet mignon and new Cadillacs. And then as these people spew their vitriol, there are those in the room who laugh or say a simple “that’s right,” whether they believe it or not. Racists have become emboldened in recent years because those around them have given them a free pass to be hateful. We don’t want to call them out on their nonsense for one reason or another; in a lot of instances it’s because the person is a family member. Others are right-wing political candidates like Donald Trump, who speaks openly and boldly about building walls and banning Muslims from this country. He’s able to say those things because hundreds of thousands of fellow idiots will reward him with votes in the primary. The only way that we’re going to make any advances is if we start standing up and not accepting this behavior. As white people, we can empathize with African Americans, we can rally, march and protest in solidarity. But a change of this magnitude has to come from the inside out. That’s what I’ve tried to do. I no longer turn a blind eye to this problem. If someone I’m with makes a racist statement or
goes on a racist rant, I tell them to stop. It used to be I would just leave the room, but what good does that do? This type of behavior has to be confronted head-on. Because if we don’t have the power to tackle this problem when it comes into our lives, I’m not sure that we can claim to be much better than the person who’s actually exhibiting the behavior. Take a situation from December, captured on video, when protesters at a Mars-area fracking site were confronted by a white man who took issue with their protest. He has the right to engage them and challenge their beliefs, but what he did was turn his attention to a local African-American photojournalist name Tom Jefferson. He called Jefferson the n-word along with other slurs. For the duration of the more than three-minute video clip, those in attendance confront the man and tell him to leave. He stands defiant, almost proud of what he’s doing and saying. For his part, Jefferson keeps his cool and keeps filming. Those people refused to step down and back away from a tense situation. They did the right thing and we need more of that. The man was later identified as John Pisone, who worked as a landscaper for a land-management company. He was fired within a day of the video going viral. For his part, Pisone apologized to Jefferson via WPXI and said, “I wouldn’t say I’m completely racist.” That’s what a lot of racists say, usually before following up with some variation of, “They’re not all bad.” Lately, I feel like I need to use that quote when talking about white people: “We’re not all bad, there are some good whites.” The fact is, I think most people are good, but on the race issue a lot of good people have become too timid to speak up because they’re afraid of making waves or ruining relationships. However, we’ve come to a place in history where we can no longer allow this type of hate to spread. It’s incumbent on us to stand up and confront racism when see it. The hateful idiots have shown they’re not afraid to speak their minds, so let’s show them we’re not afraid to speak ours.
RACISTS HAVE BECOME EMBOLDENED IN RECENT YEARS BECAUSE THOSE AROUND THEM HAVE GIVEN THEM A FREE PASS TO BE HATEFUL.
C D E I T C H @ P G H C I T Y PA P E R. C OM
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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 01.27/02.03.2016
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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 01.27/02.03.2016
WAY OFFSEASON {BY MIKE WYSOCKI}
WINTER IN this city can be pretty bleak, depressing and dreary. Likewise, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ offseason moves have left me with those same feelings. While other teams have added good, productive players to their rosters, the Bucs mainly subtracted them. While I try to be as optimistic about our team as possible, this offseason is tough to spin into a positive. First, let’s talk starting pitching. The Bat Signal has faded as A.J. Burnett decided to hang up his cape as the spiritual leader of the team. His 9-7 record has been replaced by Jon Niese (a result of the Neil Walker trade with the Mets) and his 9-10 record. The Defiance, Ohio, native lost his rotation spot with the National League champion Mets last season and now jumps into the role of the Pirates’ third starter. J.A. Happ pitched just well enough last year to price himself out of returning to the Buccos. One or two more bad outings and he would’ve been back this year. Instead, he’s off to the land of poutine and politeness, signing a contract with Toronto. His 11-8 record will be replaced by Ryan Vogelsong and his 9-11 record. You might remember Vogelsong from his first tour of duty with the Pirates, coincidentally posting a record of 9-11. He came to the Pirates in July 2001 as part of a deal that sent Jason Schmidt and John Vander Wal off to greener pastures. Since then, Vogelsong has had two stints in Japan and collected two World Series rings with the Giants. Then you have Charlie Morton, who left for Philadelphia. And even though Pirates fans hated the ground-ball pitcher the whole time he was here, they still complained that we let him go. So, in case you’re keeping score at home, the starters who left combined for 29 wins last season while the new guys posted 18. The Pirates’ method of subtraction by subtraction continues in the bullpen. We say goodbye to Joe Blanton, Antonio Bastardo and Vance Worley, and hello to Juan Nicasio, Neftali Feliz and Yoervis Medina. Antonio “Ol Dirty” Bastardo leaves but Yoervis “Funky Cold” Medina arrives. At least I will still have an outdated musical reference to use all season. The departing trio won 15 games for the Pirates while the new guys combined for just five victories last year. Moving on to the offense, no longer can we cheer for Neil Walker, Pedro
{CP FILE PHOTO BY HEATHER MULL}
Mike Wysocki
Alvarez or Aramis Ramirez, and their combined 60 home runs — that’s a lot of long balls to try to replace. So what big-name free-agent prize did the Pirates attract? Not one, but two players —John Jaso and Jason Rogers. The problem, however, is that last year these two guys hit nine home runs combined. That’s the musical equivalent of having Black Keys and Pearl Jam tickets only to find out they’ve been replaced with Nickleback and Rick Astley. So what if the Cubs added Jason Heyward and John Lackey? Who cares that the Giants nabbed Jeff Samardzjiia and Johnny Cueto? The Pirates managed to grab one guy who was a part-time starter for the Rays and another who couldn’t crack the Milwaukee Brewer lineup. But enough of the negativity, I guess; we had plenty of that between 1993 and 2012. That losing streak was almost old enough to drink. Neal Huntington apparently knows what he’s doing. The team won 98 games last year and he’s taken the team to three straight playoff appearances. I suspect he has a plan; these moves are just a weird way of showing it. On the bright side, the outfield is still intact. Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco all return, and I predict a breakout year from Polanco. Jung Ho Kang should be healed by early 2016 and Josh Harrison looks for a rebound year. The catching is solid if unspectacular, with Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart. Mark Melancon, the Pirates’ new all-time singleseason saves leader, heads a decent, but not great, bullpen as well. The farm system is vastly improved and I think that Clint Hurdle guy will stick around for a couple of more years. The opener against the hated St. Louis Cardinals is just over two months away. That alone makes this winter a little bit brighter.
EVEN THOUGH PIRATES FANS HATED CHARLIE MORTON, THEY STILL COMPLAINED THAT WE LET HIM GO.
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FIRE SIDE IS A PLACE MEANT TO BE EXPERIENCED AT NIGHT
SNOW TREAT
{BY CHARLIE DEITCH}
When I was little, my mother would always tell me and my brothers how lucky we had it compared to her childhood. Usually it was to make us feel guilty about being lazy, ungrateful bastards. My mother had eight siblings; they were crammed into a shack and food was often scarce. They ate what they raised, and they didn’t eat junk food like ice cream. They had ice cream only in the winter, when they made it out of snow. Being lazy, ungrateful bastards, we ignored most of what she said, but we liked the ice-cream idea. Last week’s snow got me remembering this treat again. We would go outside, shovel some questionable snow off the ground and bring in to be prepared. (I now realize how unsanitary that was.) Try it next time it snows: Put a bowl outside to catch fresh flakes as they fall: You’ll need about eight cups. (If you’re worried about pollutants, an NPR report last week suggested letting snow fall for an hour or two first to clear the air.) In another bowl, whisk together a cup of milk, 1/3 cup of sugar, a teaspoon of vanilla and a dash of salt. Add the snow, mix it in and you’re done. As we did occasionally, you can add chocolate sauce or assorted mix-ins. I remember liking this recipe as a kid, but I haven’t had it in years. The spoiled little bastard in me now prefers it from the store.
{PHOTO BY VANESSA SONG}
Pineapple chicken tostadas: grilled chicken, pineapple salsa, scallions and radish over corn tortillas
A SEAT BY THE FIRE
CDEITCH@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
the
FEED
The queen of Italian cooking in America, Lidia Bastianich, can be seen on TV, as well as on the label of her own pasta-sauce line. This week she dropped by her Pittsburgh restaurant to promote her new book Mastering the Art of Italian Cuisine and spoke to the City Paper podcast. Listen at bit.ly/ citypaper podcast or on iTunes.
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{BY ANGELIQUE BAMBERG + JASON ROTH}
W
ALKING INTO Fire Side Public
House, it is impossible not to be struck by the near-complete transformation from the building’s hotdog-heavy past. The ketchup, mustard and relish color scheme is gone, as are the airbrushed paintings of anthropomorphic wieners. All the vintage whimsy of the former Station Street has been replaced by subdued, slate-gray surfaces, lodgeworthy wrought-iron candelabras and artsy nighttime photos of the city. Indeed, Fire Side is a place meant to be experienced at night, appointed with darkly gleaming stained wood, tabletop candles and, at the middle of it all, a kitchen in the round, centered on a wood-fired grill, sending sparks into the air and creating a campfire aroma. There’s undeniably a primal appeal to gazing at the fire while
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 01.27/02.03.2016
cooks adjust the racks and manage the food before the flames. The effect is contemporary and cozy, and the array of seating options — banquette in the back, high-topped bar tables up front, and stools at the long counter that
FIRE SIDE PUBLIC HOUSE 6290 Broad St., East Liberty. 412-661-9900 HOURS: Sun.-Thu. 4-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 4 p.m.-midnight PRICES: $7-14 LIQUOR: Full bar
still divides the open cooking and dining areas — allows for a variety of experiences, from solo to social. Although Fire Side bills itself a “public house,” the menu lacks the moniker’s Brit-
ish inflection, and is rather firmly rooted in the kind of homey, all-American cooking that has been seized upon by the recent gastropub trend. Wings, burgers, hush puppies, and shrimp and grits, are all upgraded with au courant ingredients such as grass-fed beef, applewood-smoked bacon and brioche buns. But none of it seems designed to impress finicky foodies at the expense of hungry customers; a Quebec burger with poutine and bourbon gravy sounded like it would be well worth the calories. And the burger itself was delicious. But the curds on top were literally cold to the touch, and so failed to melt and meld with the other toppings. The bourbon gravy was unremarkable. Fries on the side looked great, deep brown with dark edges; but while the first bite was savory with
crunch, it was followed by an unpleasant chewiness. The curse of cold cheese also afflicted the Buffalo chicken grilled-cheese sandwich. Reheated later at home, the sandwich was terrific: thick slices of bread filled with tender, moist pulled chicken coated in “inferno” (actually only moderately spicy) sauce, layered with fresh mozzarella. But as served at Fire Side, the mozzarella was in thick, cool slices, so firm that whole discs dislodged with every attempted bite. This was less a grilled cheese than a cheese (and chicken) sandwich on grilled bread. Hush puppies, with crab in the batter and bacon crumbled into the remoulade, were love at first bite, but then love turned sour — or rather saline — as salt built on our palates. The texture of the fritters was good, with a medium crust and substantial but light interior, but layer upon layer of salt, in the batter, in the sauce and in the chewy bacon bits, grew to overwhelm the other good flavors. But even that was better than the socalled stuffed avocado. A grilled avocado half stood upright, surrounded by four poached shrimp and a salsa of diced tomato and cob-cut corn. It looked great, but one ingredient after another proved unsatisfying: The unripe avocado was rock-hard to the point of inedibility, the tomatoes were wintry-wan and flavorless, and the shrimp, somehow both mealy and firm, had little flavor. This raised concern about our order of shrimp and blue-corn grits, but this came with whole, head-on prawns. They made for a stunning presentation but awkward eating, and while it was slightly better than the previous shrimp in flavor and texture, that wasn’t saying much. We focused on the satisfyingly porridge-like, slightly spicy grits, stirred with aged white cheddar (melted this time) and topped with an over-easy egg. Wings were the highlight of the meal. They were fried to a beautiful golden brown, like roasted chicken, doused with a garlic sauce, and topped with shreds of Parmesan. We would have liked to transfer some of the salt from the hush puppies to address a salt deficit here, though, and we also found insufficient garlic zing. Fire Side offers a limited, but rotating, selection of wing sauces; the other options when we visited were sriracha-maple-bacon and inferno ranch. Fire Side has subscribed to a great formula for success: pleasing atmosphere, appealing menu (including many craft beers and cocktails) and reasonable prices. But unless the execution of that menu improves dramatically, this flame might flicker out all too soon.
On the RoCKs
{BY CELINE ROBERTS}
HITCHING TO THE SOUTH SIDE A Brewpub Takes Over a Warehouse
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(Happy Hour) every Monday thru Friday from 5-7 PM.
“I swore I’d never do a PowerPoint,” said Gary Olden, owner of Hitchhiker Brewing Co., as he gleefully booted up a Jan. 15 press-conference presentation about the establishment’s expansion plans. After opening in May 2014, the Mount Lebanon microbrewery is taking a step inside city limits with a second location. The future brewpub is a warehouse at 4 Bedford Square, on the South Side. Renovations are set to begin as early as March, giving the building new life after it’s sat mostly vacant for 10 years. When completed, the space will boast Hitchhiker’s primary brewing-production facility, which will take up around 10,000 square feet. The tap room, on the main floor, will be about three times the size of the original taproom.
• 1/2 Off Draft Beers • $1 Off Bottled Beers • $2 Off Margaritas • “Beer of the Day” specials and Nacho specials.
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“WE’RE VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE LOCATION.” “We’re very excited about the location. We think we can add to the entertainment in that area,” says Olden, referencing the building’s proximity to WYEP, City Theatre and Club Café. The brewpub hopes to be a destination pub, drawing in those looking for a Pittsburgh craft-beer experience. The new space will house a 15-barrel system (compared to Hitchhiker’s current three-barrel system). Olden plans to use the expanded brewing capacity to form a tighter alignment around its five core beers, with a focus on saisons, sours and IPAs. Hitcher will also continue to brew seasonals and one-offs while pursuing special bottle releases. Perhaps most exciting are the introduction of a canning line and moves toward kegging that will make Hitchhiker’s beer available more widely outside the two brew pubs. Olden hopes to open late this summer, although nothing is finalized. Thus far, Hitchhiker has met with the South Side Chamber of Commerce and the neighborhood’s city councilor, Bruce Kraus, and both have been supportive. For those who fell in love with the charm of the Mount Lebanon location, never fear: It will remain open, with the former production area re-dedicated to barreling and aging experiments by head brewer Andy Kwiatkowski.
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THE FOLLOWING DINING LISTINGS ARE RESTAURANTS RECOMMENDED BY CITY PAPER FOOD CRITICS
DINING LISTINGS KEY
J = Cheap K = Night Out L = Splurge E = Alcohol Served F = BYOB
Asian American Cuisine The Largest Buffet in Town!
Over 200 Specialty Items: Roast Beef, Ham, Baked Salmon, Ribs and Seafood Casserole
Dessert Bar Banquets of 20-200 Guests 412- 481-1118 860 Saw Mill Run Blvd. ( Rte. 51S) Minutes from Downtown, Close to the Liberty Tunnel Next to the Red, White & Blue Store
www.oldtownbuffetpgh.com Thank you City Paper readers for voting us one of the Best Chinese Restaurants in Pittsburgh
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1000 Sutherland Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412-787-8888 www.plazaazteca.com
BENJAMIN’S WESTERN AVENUE BURGER BAR
bar • billiards • burgers
China Palace Shadyside Featuring cuisine in the style of
Peking, Hunan, Szechuan and Mandarin
100 VEGETARIAN DISHES!
Delivery Hours
11:30 - 2 pm and 5-10pm
5440 Walnut Street, Shadyside 412-687-RICE chinapalace-shadyside.com
MONDAY & THURSDAY $2 Yuengling 16oz Draft ____________________ TUESDAY Burger, Beer, & Bourbon $11.95 ____________________ WEDNESDAY Pork & Pounder $10 ____________________ FRIDAY Sangria $3 ____________________ SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10:30am-3pm Brunch Specials & Bloody Mary Bar
----- HAPPY HOUR ----1/2 OFF SNACKS $2 OFF DRAFTS $5 WINE FEATURE
Mon- Fri 4:30 – 6:30pm
900 Western Ave. North side 412-224-2163
BenjaminsPgh.com 20
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 01.27/02.03.2016
ALL INDIA. 315 N. Craig St., Oakland. 412-681-6600. With more than 200 items, All India’s menu is both epic and exciting, including novel choices such as Goan coconut shrimp and green jackfruit curry alongside the old denizens, chicken curry and the tandoor. Here, a thali, or combination platter, is a great option for the culinary explorer who wants the experience of multiple tastes. KF ASIATIQUE THAI BISTRO. Bakery Square, 6400 Penn Ave., Larimer. 412-441-1212. The menu here does include the usual noodle, rice and curry categories, with various protein options for each one. But also innovations, like the avocado summer roll and the spicy lemongrass salad, and more soup options (roast duck, spicy noodle and roast pork with fish balls). KF BARREL JUNCTION. 5560 Community Center Drive, Gibsonia. 724-443-0066. At this gastropub, a seasoned chef plays with the all-time favorites of casual American cuisine. Expect custom-blend burgers, wings and fries, pizza, nachos, as well as less-common bar fare like pot stickers and edamame. The house-smoked meats, such as in the smoked-brisket sandwich, are worth the trip. KE BURGH’ERS. 100 Perry Highway, Harmony. 724-473-0710. This organic, farm-to-table restaurant with a thoughtful selection of all-American sandwiches, burgers (including veggie and bison), hot dogs and sides offers something for everyone. Try a Pittsburghneighborhood-themed burger — “Mexican War” with chilies and avocado, the “Polish Hill” with a pierogie — and don’t miss the shoestring-style rosemary fries. JE CARIBÉANA. 6022 Saltsburg Road, Penn Hills. 412-793-9937. This Jamaican restaurant offers Caribbean specialties in a modest, but welcoming setting. Among the iconic dishes offers are fried plantains (with pepper jam), jerk chicken (with a spice rub and sauce), stewed chicken, oxtail stew and a selection seafood dishes. Entrees are accompanied by rice and beans, and excellent steamed cabbage. KF DITKA’S RESTAURANT. 1 Robinson Plaza, Robinson. 412-722-1555. With its wood paneling, white tablecloths and $30 entrees, Ditka’s aims for the serious steakhouse market — but never forgets its sports roots:
Barrel Junction {CP FILE PHOTO BY HEATHER MULL} Aliquippa-born Mike Ditka is the former Chicago Bears coach. Try the skirt steak, a Chicago favorite, or a fine-dining staple such as filet Oscar. LE EDEN. 735 Copeland St., Shadyside. 412-802-7070. The food here is inspired by the raw-food movement, but it’s hardly dreary health food. The menu is simple, with a few options in each category: starter, main (raw), main (hot) and sweet. Some dishes were frankly salads, while others were raw, vegan adaptations of cooked comfort foods. (Chicken can be added to some dishes.) There is also an extensive menu of freshly squeezed and blended juices and smoothies. JF
{CP FILE PHOTO BY HEATHER MULL}
All India EVERYDAY NOODLES. 5875 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. 412-421-6660. At this Chinese restaurant, the menu is organized around pasta dishes, including noodle soups, “dry” noodles served with sauce and toppings, dumplings, wontons and potstickers. A few rice dishes, non-noodle soups and steamed
vegetable plates round things out. But noodles — made fresh in full view of customers — rule. JF KALEIDOSCOPE CAFÉ. 108 43rd St., Lawrenceville. 412-683-4004. This intriguing menu refracts contemporary trends in sophisticated casual dining while still offering an atmosphere of off-the-beatenpath funkiness. While some dishes emphasize unusual juxtapositions of ingredients, such as a lobster-and-white-bean purée alongside fish, or fig in a “rustic marsala sauce,” other dishes are of the moment, with pistachio dust atop duck cannoli or deep-fried gnocchi. KF KELLY’S BAR & LOUNGE. 6012 Centre Ave., East Liberty. 412-363-6012. The vintage aesthetic isn’t retro at this longtime neighborhood hangout; it’s the real thing. And the original 1940s fare has been updated with taste and style: Burgers and fries share space with Asian potstickers and satay. The mini mac-and-cheese is a classic. JE LEGENDS OF THE NORTH SHORE. 500 E. North Ave., North Side. 412-321-8000. Despite its name, Legends is no sports bar: It’s a family-friendly restaurant with a local flavor. The menu is almost exclusively Italian: Offerings include classics such as gnocchi Bolognese and penne in vodka sauce, and more distinctive specialties such as filet saltimbocca. KF MALLORCA. 2228 E. Carson St., South Side. 412-488-1818. The ambience here is full of Old World charm, with just a touch of hipness bolstered by attentive service. The fare is Spanish cuisine, and there’s no mistaking the restaurant’s signature dish: paella, featuring
Reservation R T Take-Out Free Delivery F Catering C
Irrawaddy Sushi &Thai Cuisine
Ramen Bar
OSE EA AFÉ AF É
Taiwanese Style Cuisine
Japanese Cuisine
Sun-Thurs: 12PM - 10PM Fri-Sat: 12PM - 11PM
Everyday Noodles {CP FILE PHOTO BY HEATHER MULL} a bright red lobster tail. In warm weather, enjoy the outdoor patio along lively Carson Street. KE OSTERIA 2350. 2350 Railroad St., Strip District. 412-281-6595. You won’t get better casual Italian cooking for your money than here. The menu has been pared to the essentials of Italian cuisine: antipasti, pizza, panini and pasta — and their preparations represent a unique marriage of Old-World recipes and local ingredients. JE PARK BRUGES. 5801 Bryant St., Highland Park. 412-661-3334. This Belgian-style bistro offers more than moules (mussels), though those come highly recommended, in either a traditional cream-wine preparation or spicy Creole. Rather than frites, try variations on French-Canadian poutine, such as adding chipotle pulled pork. Steaks, tarte flambée flatbreads and even a burger round out this innovative menu. KE
with soy cheese, seitan wings, steak sandwiches, pierogies — much of it made from locally sourced ingredients. J SPOON. 134 S. Highland Ave., East Liberty. 412-362-6001. A swanky restaurant offering American cuisine and focusing on locally procured, sustainable ingredients and seasonal offerings. What stands out is the sensitivity with which each dish is conceived — from flavor, texture and the creation of fresh combinations. Thus, ancho chilies and pork are paired with new, yet just-right blendings such as cilantro, lime and feta. LE
STAGIONI. 2104 E. Carson St., South Side. 412-586-4738. This cozy storefront restaurant offers a marriage of traditional ingredients and modern, sophisticated sensibilities. From inventive salads utilizing seasonal ingredients and house-made pastas to flavorful meat entrees and vegetarian plates, the fare www. per exhibits a masterful pa pghcitym combination of flavors .co and textures. KF
Oakland 414 South Craig St. AM PM Mon-Sat 11 -9 Sun 12PM-9PM
500 LIBERTY AVENUE DOWNTOWN
Squirrel Hill 5874 1/2 Forbes Ave. AM PM
Right around the corner from Market Square!
5860 Forbes Ave, 15217 • Squirrel Hill
OPEN EVERY DAY 11AM TO 9PM
CALL (412) 521-5138 521-5899
412-338-2199 Check us out on Facebook!
Sun-Thurs 11 -10 Fri-Sat 11AM-11PM
412-421-9529 412-421-2238
RESERVATION • TAKE-OUT FREE DELIVERY • CATERING
FULL LIST E N O LIN
SOBA/UMI. 5847-9 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside. 412-362-5656/ 412-362-6198. Here, the local Big Burrito group offers two different menus in the same building. Soba offers pan-Asian fusion (from Korean barbeque to Thai corn chowder and Vietnamese hot-and-sour shrimp) in a minimalist yet elegant restaurant/lounge. Umi’s Japanese menu, meanwhile, focuses on sushi and teriyaki; it’s a perennial finalist in City Paper’s “Best of Pittsburgh” issue. LE SOCIAL. 6425 Penn Ave., Larimer. 412-362-1234. This casual eatery at Bakery Square offers upscale pub grub: Pizzas, sandwiches and salads have ingredients that wouldn’t be out of place at the trendiest restaurants, but preparations are un-fussy. Or be your own chef, with the checklist-style, buildyour-own-salad option. For dessert, try a custom ice-cream sandwiches. KE SPAK BROS. 5107 Penn Ave., Garfield. 412-362-7725. A pizza, sub and snack joint with fare for all: vegetarians, vegans and carnivores. You’ll find vegan pizza
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URBAN TAP. 1209 E. Carson St., South Side. 412-586-7499. Though it’s wallpapered in giant TVs, the menu here is mostly devoid of sports-bar clichés. Instead, there is duck-confit poutine, mac-and-cheese with smoked Gouda, a burger topped with pork belly and even aged rib-eye steak. With top-notch service and excellent food, Urban Tap elevates tavern dining. KE THE YARD. 736 Bellefonte St., Shadyside. 412-709-6351. This gastropub offers a variety of grilled-cheese sandwiches: thick slabs of bread combine with at least a dozen kinds of cheese and many more fillings including eggs, sausage, crabmeat, several varieties of bacon, pierogies, fries and pasta. KE THE ZENITH. 86 S. 26th St., South Side. 412-481-4833. Funky antique décor you can buy and a massive, convivial Sunday brunch make this a vegan/vegetarian hotspot. For the tea snob, the multi-page list is not to be missed. FJ
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LOCAL
“I REALLY DON’T THINK YOU CAN MAKE ANYBODY HAPPY UNLESS YOU’RE HAPPY YOURSELF.”
BEAT
{BY MARGARET WELSH}
RETRO ROCKERS
MWELSH@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
MAD MIKE VS. THE MAD ’80S. 8 p.m. Sat., Jan. 30. Cattivo, 146 44th St., Lawrenceville. $10. 412-687-2157 or www.cattivopgh.com
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UNWEARY
TRAVELER The Me Toos
Whether they know it or not, local fans of vintage garage rock owe a debt to the late radio DJ Mad Mike Metrovich. Throughout the ’60s, Mad Mike scoured record shops across the country, digging up 45s by garage, surf, rockabilly and protopunk bands yet unheard in Pittsburgh. He’d return with records by the Sonics, Baby Huey and the Babysitters, and Ronnie Cook and the Gaylads (among many others), which he’d play on Carnegie-based radio station WZUM, or at the packed dances he hosted around town. This weekend at Cattivo, local bands will honor the DJ, who died in 2000, with a show titled Mad Mike vs. The Mad ’80s. “We thought it would be really cool to pay tribute to him because we don’t hear his name enough in this city, as a founding father of music in this area,” says drummer Kevin Koch, who, along with the members of his retro garage-rock band The Me Toos, helped organize the event. That band also enlisted help from fellow musician and rock expert Michael Devine (better known around town as Zombo), who suggested expanding the single-focus tribute into a two-tiered, multi-era event. The upper floor of the bar will feature various local bands covering some of Mad Mike’s favorite tunes. Many of these remain relatively obscure, but thanks to a series of compilations called Mad Mike Monsters, the tunes have found new audiences. Attendees can also head downstairs, and two decades forward, where various cover bands will perform as The Cramps, the Fall, The Go-Go’s and more. “That was done [partly] because we knew it would sell better,” Koch says. But they also hope to introduce the legacy of Mad Mike to a wider audience. “The idea was to celebrate him,” Koch says, though he admits that it’s also a welcome excuse for his band to play Sonics covers. Joining The Me Toos are like-minded acts such as The Hi-Frequencies, Sun Hound, Nox Boys and others. “[There are] a lot of bands in this city that represent that kind of mid-’60s garage-punk sound, and we wanted to try to get them all together under one roof for one night.”
{BY JES BOGDAN}
R
YAN BINGHAM has come a long
way from his early days of playing mariachi tunes and riding bulls on the West Texas rodeo circuit. The 34-year-old Americana singer/songwriter has recorded five albums; performed the theme for the FX drama The Bridge; and won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a Grammy for his song “The Weary Kind,” from the 2009 Jeff Bridges film Crazy Heart. He also wrote the soundtrack for the independent feature A Country Called Home, which was written and directed by his wife, filmmaker Anna Axster. Before heading out on a tour in support of last year’s release, Fear and Saturday Night, Bingham talked to City Paper about being a father, whom he would love to sing with and starting his own music label.
{PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNA AXSTER}
In a happier place: Ryan Bingham
door when you have that little face looking at you, but at the end of the day, I gotta go to work. “BROKEN HEART TATTOOS” IS A GREAT SONG. DID YOU HAVE YOUR LITTLE ONE IN MIND WHEN YOU WROTE IT? I did, I wrote it for her.
RYAN BINGHAM WITH BIRD DOG
9 p.m. Sat., Jan 30. Mr. Small’s Theatre, 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. $25. 412-821-4447 or www.mrsmalls.com
YOU RELEASED FEAR AND SATURDAY NIGHT ON YOUR OWN LABEL. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START YOUR OWN LABEL? You know, my wife and I were doing a lot ON A SCALE FROM 1 TO FRITO PIE, of the work already, and the label I was on HOW GREAT IS IT BEING A DAD? [Lost Highway] was actually going away. HOW WILL FATHERHOOD AFFECT They had folded that label at Universal and WRITING AND TOURING? there was the option of either signing to a Frito pie? [Laughs] Oh yeah, it’s great! It different label or starting our own. And it sure does make it harder to walk out the just felt like the right time and we had the
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 01.27/02.03.2016
resources to do it, so we just decided to do our own. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ALBUM OR ARTIST TO LISTEN TO ON TOUR? It changes from time to time. I really like to listen to the Rolling Stones; I never get tired of listening to them. I like a lot of old country music like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Jerry Jeff Walker. A lot of this last tour, though, we’ve really been listening to Kendrick Lamar quite a bit. DO YOU THINK YOUR FANS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT YOU’RE A KENDRICK FAN? I don’t know, maybe a few of them would be. I hope they are — I like to keep ’em on their toes [laughs]. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT “THE WEARY KIND”? ARE YOU SICK OF PLAYING IT? Nah, I’m not sick of playing it. It’s pretty weary by now, but I’m always happy to play it for people who want to hear it, y’know?
DREAM COLLABORATION — DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD YOU WANT TO WORK WITH? I’ve always really wanted to do a duet record with Dolly Parton.
NEW RELEASES {BY MARGARET WELSH}
DID YOU KNOW TODAY [JAN. 19] IS HER 70TH BIRTHDAY? I better do something! I better wish her a happy birthday! TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT A COUNTRY CALLED HOME. HOW WAS IT WORKING ON A FILM PROJECT WITH YOUR WIFE? It was great! She helps so much with the music stuff and me being on the road all the time, it was great to be able to work on a project that she created and be a part of the music for that. We had a blast, it was awesome. ANY PLANS FOR MORE FILM WORK IN THE FUTURE? Not at the moment, but there’s always little things popping up. COMPARED TO THE TONE OF YOUR PREVIOUS ALBUMS, FEAR AND SATURDAY NIGHT IS STRAIGHT PLEASANT. HOW WAS WRITING THIS ALBUM DIFFERENT FROM PREVIOUS RELEASES? I think I was just in a happier place. I had some rough years in my life when I was writing the other records, and my songs have always been a direct reflection of what I’ve been going through. I think getting married and starting a new family were turning things around, and I found a new happiness. Everybody has hard times — you just kinda go through them and get on to the next. HOW HAVE THINGS CHANGED AFTER PARTING FROM YOUR BAND THE DEAD HORSES? I definitely have a lot more freedom not having to worry about everybody so much. It’s a lot of responsibility taking care of everyone and making sure everybody’s happy. I think it was important for me to make time for myself. I really don’t think you can make anybody happy unless you’re happy yourself. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNG GUITAR-PICKERS OUT THERE? Believe in yourself, and if you really enjoy what you’re doing and you’re passionate and honest about the songs you’re singing, then stick with it and try not to let a lot of outside influence shake you up, you know? You just gotta stick to your guns and stay honest with what you write.
NORTHERN GOLD THE HEART WAS HEAVY (SELF-RELEASED) NORTHERNGOLD.BANDCAMP.COM
Jake Anderkovitch, the core figure behind this indie-folk project, has a straitlaced and straight-faced vibe akin to the similarly smoothvoiced and equally emo Rocky Votolato. Lyrics dealing with battles between good and evil, and what it means to be a man (as in the EP’s standout opening track “If You Feel”), evoke bands like Brand New in theme if not exactly in aggression. A couple of “God-or -girlfriend?” moments make me think that Anderkovitch did some time in a church youth group, but that’s not a complaint: For this youth-group alum, The Heart Was Heavy is a nice dose of high school nostalgia.
THE HAWKEYES ONE PLUG IN THE WALL (SELF-RELEASED) WWW.HAWKEYESBAND.COM
Listening to this record, I struggle to avoid unforgivably tacky descriptors like “as solid and reliable as an American-made pickup truck” — which probably means that the band should start pitching songs to car companies ASAP. (It worked for The Clarks!) One Plug in the Wall, which the band released last November, offers roots rock in the vein of Steve Earle and John Mellencamp and chronicles the struggles of the blue-collar everyman (or everyband, in the case of the title track, which asks, “Are you ever going to make it, man?”). Some listeners will find it overly earnest and sentimental, but thanks to the Hawkeyes’ radioready sound, the question seems to be a matter not of if they’ll “make it,” but rather when. MWELSH@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
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$77
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Call today to set up your ial* - appointment! c e p s -
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Residential & Commercial Gift Cards Available 412-542-8843 www.littlegreenmaidservices.com
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{PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS CASELLA}
Perl jam: Angela Perley
VISION QUEST {BY TROY MICHAEL}
Experience America's premier folk ensemble for an unforgettable performance as the Tamburitzans bring vivid color, widely acclaimed music, songs, and dances of eastern Europe and neighboring cultures to our stage.
SUN • JAN 31 • 2PM $24, $20, $16
The Palace Theatre (Greensburg)
724-836-8000 • www.thepalacetheatre.org FREE PARKING Evening & Weekend Shows!
LISTEN UP! You read City Paper’s music coverage every week, but why not listen to it too? Each Wednesday, music editor Margaret Welsh crafts a Spotify playlist with tracks from artists featured in the music section, and other artists playing around town in the coming days.
Find it on our music blog, FFW>>, at pghcitypaper.com
ANGELA PERLEY & the Howlin’ Moons have been digging up quite a bit of attention since the 2013 release of their EP, Nowhere Is Now Here. The debut full-length, Hey Kid, followed a year later and made music fans and critics take notice. Now, the Columbus, Ohio-based Perley (vocals, guitar, musical saw) and her backing band — lead guitarist Chris Connor, bassist Billy Zehnal and a rotating stable of drummers — are hoping to strike gold with their latest record, Homemade Vision, released last week on Columbus label Vital Music USA. “I think that when we put out our debut album, people started to take us more seriously as a band,” Perley explains over the phone from her Ohio home days before setting out on the band’s upcoming tour. “Albums take a lot of work and time, so that was a big step for us and that opened up some new doors with touring and radio play. “Our shows have been more exciting and more people have been coming out, which has been wonderful.” Perley says the band’s relationship with Vital has been beneficial because there is less of an emphasis on record sales and more of an attempt to “nourish and push us as artists.” It’s hard to pigeonhole the sound of the Howlin’ Moons or tie them to a particular genre. On one hand, Perley possesses the haunting vocal style of Patsy Cline, while musically the band has a swagger like the Rolling Stones, circa
“Honky Tonk Woman,” and the punk aggression of Joan Jett. “We don’t mind that it’s difficult to put our sound into a specific category,” Perley says. “It’s nice because we can surprise some people and it keeps our crowd diverse. As the band has evolved and we’ve become more comfortable with one another, our sound has definitely become a cocktail of everyone’s influences.” The band will be promoting the new record Jan. 29 at the Pittsburgh Winery in the Strip. Perley says the Howlin’ Moons are still “newbies to Pittsburgh and … we are hoping to change that and make it more of a regular stop.”
ANGELA PERLEY & THE HOWLIN’ MOONS WITH RAY LANICH BAND
9 p.m. Fri., Jan. 29. Pittsburgh Winery, 2815 Penn Ave., Strip District. $10-12. 412-566-1000 or www.pittsburghwinery.com
As with any artist with a new record, Perley says the band is eager to get out on the road see how the new songs are received. Those songs continue to evolve even after they’re recorded, and the live setting is the perfect place for Perley and company to let these new tracks grow and breathe. “We just started playing the new songs off the album so it feels like scratching an itch and has been a complete thrill,” she says. “We are looking forward to see how the new songs will develop over time live, because we always end up pushing and extending songs once we have them down.” I N F O@ P G H C I T Y PA P E R. C OM
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CRITICS’ PICKS
COHEN & GRIGSBY TRUST PRESENTS SERIES
THE WORLD’S GREATEST PINK FLOYD SHOW
Ekmeles
[CLASSICAL] + SUN., JAN. 31
Texan rapper T-Wayne, whose real name is Tyshon Dwayne Nobles, didn’t intend for his stage name to resemble an amalgamation of his contemporaries T-Pain and Lil Wayne. But it’s clear upon listening to his 2015 single “Nasty Freestyle” that he would welcome the comparison. (Nobles subsequently invented a new pseudonym, Rickey Wayne, to separate himself from his influences.) T-Wayne’s trap beats, frequently auto-tuned vocals and relaxed, staccato flow place him squarely in the current zeitgeist of rap, along with influences like Young Thug and even Drake. You can see T-Wayne tonight at Altar Bar, with support from Rejjie Snow, Rich the Kid, Tk N Cash and more. Andrew Woehrel 6 p.m. 1620 Penn Ave., Strip District. $15. 412-206-9719 or www.thealtar bar.com
Even though everything he wrote was for God, you don’t have to be a Christian, or religious at all, to appreciate the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, who was unquestionably one of the greatest and perhaps the most influential composer in the history of Western music. Tonight, young pianist Nathan Carterette performs Bach’s Goldberg Variations in the sanctuary of Shadyside Presbyterian Church. Carterette is an extremely accomplished performer and interpreter who was played all over the world. But we don’t have to travel all the way to Munich to see him play Baroque classics — we can see him right here in his hometown of Pittsburgh. AW 3 p.m. 5121 Westminster Place, Shadyside. $10-15. 412-682-4300 or www.shadyside pres.org {PHOTO COURTESY OF MINGZHE WANG}
[RAP] + THU., JAN. 28
[POP] + TUE., FEB. 02
Givers, of Lafayette, La., don’t necessarily sound [VOCAL] + like they were born SAT., JAN. 30 on the bayou, even The term a capella though the group can elicit groans Nathan Carterette consists of Louisianans from certain music who fled New fans — and not Orleans during without good Hurricane Katrina. reason, especially Givers sound more if memories of like Brooklyn hipsters childhood viewings combining Afro-pop of Where in the and zydeco with bigWorld Is Carmen budget pop. They’re clearly influenced by New Sandiego? and cheesy college co-ed vocal Yorkers like Vampire Weekend, Dirty Projectors groups spring to mind. But maybe it’s and even Talking Heads, and one could imagine time to reconsider that aversion. Music on the roots of the band’s sound going back as the Edge partners with The Andy Warhol far as Paul Simon’s Graceland. Vocalists Tiffany Museum to present tonight’s performance Lamson and Taylor Guarisco’s affected patois by Ekmeles, an ensemble of young vocalists may be an acquired taste for some listeners, but based in New York. Ekmeles is vocal music dreadlocked hackeysackers and electro-dance at its best, with a repertoire including fans alike will find something to love in Givers’ interpretations of obscure medieval texts, tropical beat. Tonight, Givers play at Cattivo, experimental and minimalist compositions, with special guest Doe Paoro. AW 7 p.m. 146 German avant-garde madrigals and more. AW 8 p.m. 117 Sandusky St., North Side. $10-20. 44th St., Lawrenceville. $13.50-15. 412-687-2157 412-237-8300 or www.warhol.org or www.cattivopgh.com
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TO SUBMIT A LISTING: HTTP://PGHCITYPAPER.COM/HAPPENINGS
412.316.3388 (FAX) + 412.316.3342 X165 (PHONE)
{ALL LISTINGS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 9 A.M. FRIDAY PRIOR TO PUBLICATION}
ROCK/POP THU 28 HOWLERS. Honey, Scott Fry Experience, Douglas & The Iron Lung. Bloomfield. 412-682-0320. STAGE AE. X Ambassadors w/ Avan Lava. North Side. 412-229-5483.
FRI 29 CLUB CAFE. Cranberry Sanders w/ The Kyle Lawson Trio. South Side. 412-431-4950. CRANBERRY ELKS. The Bo’Hog Brothers. Cranberry. 724-776-9908. HOWLERS. Seafair, Grand Bell, Lone Wolf Club. Bloomfield. 412-682-0320. HULA BAR. Told Ya So! w/ the Moat Rats. Verona. 412-828-6919. JAMES STREET GASTROPUB & SPEAKEASY. Devin Moses & The Save, Old Game & There You Are. North Side. 412-904-3335. MOONDOG’S. Norman Nardini. Blawnox. 412-828-2040. PITTSBURGH WINERY. Angela Perley & The Howlin’ Moons/Ray Lanich Band. Strip District. 412-566-1000.
SUN 31 THE R BAR. Midnite Horns. Dormont. 412-942-0882.
MON 01 THUNDERBIRD CAFE. Butler Street Sessions. Lawrenceville. 412-682-0177.
TUE 02 CLUB CAFE. The Pines w/ Elkhound. South Side. 412-431-4950. JERGEL’S RHYTHM GRILLE. Cody Gibson. Warrendale. 724-799-8333.
WED 03 CLUB CAFE. Smooth Hound Smith w/ Ferdinand The Bull. South Side. 412-431-4950. KEYSTONE BAR. The Bo’Hog Brothers. Ellwood City. 724-758-4217.
DJS THU 28 JAMES STREET GASTROPUB & SPEAKEASY. Tracksploitation. PBmaRio Kart, free to enter. North Side. 412-904-3335.
FRI 29 FULL WINE BAR. T LIS E ANDYS DJ Malls Spins IN L N O ww. Vinyl. Downtown. w paper pghcitym .co
412-773-8884. ONE 10 LOUNGE. DJ Goodnight, DJ Rojo. Downtown. 412-874-4582. RIVERS CASINO. DJ NIN. North Side. 412-231-7777. ROWDY BUCK. Top 40 Dance. South Side. 412-431-2825. RUGGER’S PUB. 80s Night w/ DJ Connor. South Side. 412-381-1330.
MP 3 MONDAY NORTHERN GOLD
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016 8:00 PM • AUGUST WILSON THEATER TRUSTARTS.ORG • BOX OFFICE AT THEATER SQUARE
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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 01.27/02.03.2016
ACCESSIBLE
SERVICES AVAILABLE
BOYCE PARK FOUR SEASONS SKI LODGE. The Moat Rats in Concert. Monroeville. 724-733-4665. CATTIVO. Mad Mike vs. ‘80s New Wave. Mad Mike cover bands on top floor, new wave cover bands in lower floor. Lawrenceville. 412-680-4505. CLUB CAFE. Nick Barilla w/ Carly Clark. Early. The Dovewires, Millvin & the Etnoids, Thanks D. Late. South Side. 412-431-4950. DOWNEY’S HOUSE. Good Guys. Robinson. 412-489-5631. THE FALLOUT SHELTER. Dead Batteries, Latecomer, False Profit, Rimbo Koss. Aliquippa. 740-424-0302. KNUCKLEHEAD’S BAR. The Dave Iglar Band. Ross. 412-366-7468. MIDDLE ROAD INN. Three Car Garage. Glenshaw. 412-486-7159. MR. SMALLS THEATER. Ryan Bingham w/ Bird Dog. Millvale. 412-821-4447. OBEY HOUSE. The Bo’Hog Brothers. Crafton. 412-922-3883. THUNDERBIRD CAFE. The Cause. Lawrenceville. 412-682-0177.
{PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM SEMEGA}
SAT 30
Each week we bring you a song by a local artist. This week’s track comes from Jake Anderkovitch’s indie rock project Northern Gold. Stream or download “Holding On,” from the record The Heart Was Heavy, at FFW>>, our music blog at www.pghcitypaper.com.
SAT 30 THE CLUB BAR & GRILL. DJ Rick The Ruler. Monroeville. 412-728-4155. DIESEL. DJ CK. South Side. 412-431-8800. LAVA LOUNGE. Top 40 Dance Party. South Side. 412-431-5282. RIVERS CASINO. DJ Rambo. North Side. 412-231-7777. ROWDY BUCK. Top 40 Dance. South Side. 412-431-2825.
HEAVY ROTATION
BLUES FRI 29
“Hidden Values Part 1: The Umbrella”
Teenage Jesus & The Jerks
“Orphans”
THE LOOSE MOOSE. The Witchdoctors. Baldwin. 412-655-3553. MOONDOG’S. Ron Yarosz & the Vehicle. Blawnox. 412-828-2040.
Palberta
“Sweat Pap”
TUE 02 BLUSH SPORTS BAR. Shari Richards. Jam session. Downtown. 412-281-7703.
JAZZ THU 28 ANDYS WINE BAR. Judi Figel. Downtown. 412-773-8884. JAMES STREET GASTROPUB & SPEAKEASY. Roger Humphries Jam Session. North Side. 412-904-3335. RILEY’S POUR HOUSE. Jerry & Louis Lucarelli Jazz Duo. Carnegie. 412-279-0770.
FRI 29 ANDYS WINE BAR. Andy Fite. Downtown. 412-773-8800. GRILLE ON SEVENTH. Tony Campbell & Howie Alexander. Downtown. 412-391-1004. JAMES STREET GASTROPUB & SPEAKEASY. Mark Strickland Duo. North Side. 412-904-3335. NOLA ON THE SQUARE. Jeff Fetterman. Downtown. 412-471-9100. SWEETWATER CENTER FOR THE ARTS. The Resonance Trio. Sewickley. 412-741-4405.
SAT 30 ANDYS WINE BAR. Anqwenique Wingfield. Downtown. 412-773-8800. THE CLUB BAR & GRILL. Tubby Daniels. Monroeville. 412-728-4155. JAMES STREET GASTROPUB & SPEAKEASY. Bitches Brew Live performed by Tony
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Campbell, Howie Alexander, Tony DePaolis, Ian Gordon & George Heid III. Speakeasy. Don Aliquo Sr. Ballroom. North Side. 412-904-3335. LEMONT. Dave Crisci. Mt. Washington. 412-431-3100. MANCHESTER CRAFTSMEN’S GUILD. Ramon Valle. North Side. 412-322-0800. THE MONROEVILLE RACQUET CLUB. Jazz Bean Live. Every Saturday, a different band. Monroeville. 412-728-4155. MOUNT LEBANON PUBLIC LIBRARY. RML Jazz. Mt. Lebanon. 412-370-9621. NOLA ON THE SQUARE. Sweaty Betty. Downtown. 412-471-9100.
ACOUSTIC THU 28 DOWNEY’S HOUSE. Aaron from The Lava Game. Robinson. 412-489-5631. THE ROOTS CELLAR. Radoslav Lorkovic. Shadyside. 412-361-1915.
FRI 29
JERGEL’S RHYTHM GRILLE. RML Jazz. Warrendale. 724-799-8333.
BIDDLE’S ESCAPE. Brad Yoder. Regent Square. 412-999-9009. CLADDAGH IRISH PUB. Weekend at Blarneys. South Side. 412-381-4800. ELWOOD’S PUB. Soul Circle. Rural Ridge. 724-265-1181. JERGEL’S RHYTHM GRILLE. Tres Lads. Warrendale. 724-799-8333. MIXTAPE. Cocktails & Acoustics w/ Alyssa Turkowski. Garfield. 724-366-2539.
TUE 02
WED 03
THUNDERBIRD CAFE. Space Exchange. Lawrenceville. 412-682-0177.
ALLEGHENY ELKS LODGE #339. Pittsburgh Banjo Club. Wednesdays. North Side. 412-321-1834. PARK HOUSE. Shelf Life String Band. North Side. 412-224-2273.
MON 01
WED 03 ANDYS WINE BAR. Shari Richards. Downtown. 412-773-8800. JAMES STREET GASTROPUB & SPEAKEASY. Don Aliquo Jr., Thomas Wendt & Paul Thompson Mardi Gras Party. North Side. 412-904-3335.
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REGGAE FRI 29 CAPRI PIZZA AND BAR. Bombo Claat w/ VYBZ Machine Intl Sound System. East Liberty. 412-362-1250.
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theCAUSE
Mon Feb 1
BUTLER ST. SESSIONS
SAT 30
Natasha Barrett
SAT 30
THE PAWNBROKERS
ELWOOD’S PUB. Midnight Rooster. Rural Ridge. 724-265-1181. JERGEL’S RHYTHM GRILLE. Beagle Brothers. Warrendale. 724-799-8333.
“Warm Leatherette”
JAMES STREET GASTROPUB & SPEAKEASY. The Redeemers. North Side. 412-904-3335. THUNDERBIRD CAFE. The Pawnbrokers. Lawrenceville. 412-682-0177.
Fri Jan 29
THU 28
The Normal
WED 03 SMILING MOOSE. Rock Star Karaoke w/ T-MONEY. South Side. 412-431-4668. SPOON. Spoon Fed. East Liberty. 412-362-6001.
COUNTRY
These are the songs experimental musician Anna Azizzy Rosati can’t stop listening to:
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Tue Feb 2
ELWOOD’S PUB. Aaron Work, Copper Watch, Eli Maciak. Rural Ridge. 724-265-1181. JERGEL’S RHYTHM GRILLE. LoCash w/ Township Road. Warrendale. 724-799-8333.
SPACE EXCHANGE
Sat Feb 6
TROPIDELIC
with VIBE & DIRECT
Thu Feb 11
CLASSICAL
MISTER F & EGi
FRI 29
Fri Feb 12
PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 Denis Kozhukhin, Italian conductor Gianandrea Noseda offers a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2, concluding w/ Rossini’s Overture to William Tell. Heinz Hall, Downtown. 412-392-4900.
FLETCHER’S GROVE & DEREK WOODZ BAND
SUN 31
DALE & ZBUBS & THE FRITZ
Sun Feb 14
FRIDAYS 10PM
ALT 80’S NIGHT
SESSION AMERICANA
Tue Feb 16
SATURDAYS 10PM
Thu Mar 10
DANCE PARTY
THE CACTUS BLOSSOMS
MUSIC ON THE MOUNT: EYES & EARS OF THE SPIRIT. St. Mary of the Mount, Mt. Washington. 412-396-6083. NATHAN CARTERETTE, PIANIST. Shadyside Presbyterian Church, Shadyside. 412-682-4300. PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 Denis Kozhukhin, Italian conductor Gianandrea Noseda offers a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2, concluding w/ Rossini’s Overture to William Tell. Heinz Hall, Downtown. 412-392-4900.
$2.75 PBR POUNDERS OR PBR DRAFTS
Sat Mar 12
ALL DAY, EVERY DAY
STAR & MICEY 4023 BUTLER ST LAWRENVEVILLE PITTSBURGH, PA ALL SHOWS 21+
2204 E. CARSON ST. (412) 431-5282 lavaloungepgh.com
OTHER MUSIC FRI 29 ATLAS BOTTLE WORKS. Haygood Paisleys, Casual Hobos, Lone Pine String Band. Lawrenceville. 412-904-4248. RIVERS CASINO. Hewlett Anderson Duo. North Side. 412-231-7777.
SAT 30 ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM. Ekmeles. A cappella vocal ensemble. North Side. 412-237-8300. FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH. Emily Pinkerton & Rodrigo Invernizzi. This show is part of the SongSpace concert series. Shadyside. 412-621-8008. PITTSBURGH WINERY. 10 String Symphony. Strip District. 412-566-1000.
10PM-2AM With DJ T$
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2 Coors Light $ .00 3 . 00 Fireball
JERGEL’S RHYTHM GRILLE. Bells Irish School. Warrendale. 724-799-8333. PALACE THEATRE. The Duquesne University Tamburitzans. Performing songs, music & dance of Eastern Europe & neighboring countries. Greensburg. 724-836-8000.
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What to do Jan 27 - Feb 2 WEDNESDAY 27 FUSE@PSO: Copeland + Bon Iver
HEINZ HALL Downtown. 412-392-4900. Tickets: pittsburghsymphony.org. 6:30p.m.
Scott Stapp
ALTAR BAR Strip District. 412-263-2877. All ages show. Tickets: ticketfly.com or 1-877-4-FLY-TIX. 7p.m.
Ciara
JAVO STUDIOS Lawrenceville. 412-362-1713. Tickets: quantumtheatre.com. Through Feb. 14.
THURSDAY 28 Guys & Dolls
O’REILLY THEATER Downtown. 412-316-1600. Tickets: ppt.org. Through Feb. 28.
T-Wayne / TK N Cash “Young Hustle Tour”
ALTAR BAR Strip District. 412-263-2877. All ages show.
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IN PITTSBURGH
Tickets: ticketfly.com or 1-877-4-FLY-TIX. 6p.m.
Tickets: ticketweb.com/opusone. 9p.m.
X Ambassadors: The VHS Tour
SUNDAY 31
Duquesne University Tamburitzans
STAGE AE North Side. Tickets: ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000. Doors open at 6:30p.m.
THE PALACE THEATRE Greensburg. 724-836-8000. Tickets: thepalacetheatre.org. 2p.m.
FRIDAY 29
Mike Stud: Back 2 You Tour
Rachmaninoff’s Third Concerto
ALTAR BAR Strip District. 412-263-2877. All ages show. Tickets: ticketfly.com or 1-877-4-FLY-TIX. 8p.m.
HEINZ HALL Downtown. 412-392-4900. Tickets: pittsburghsymphony.org. Through Jan. 31.
Little Women
CAPA THEATER Downtown. Tickets: pittsburghopera.org/lw. Through Jan. 31.
X AMBASSADORS STAGE AE THURSDAY, JANUARY 28
Monroeville Home Show
MONROEVILLE CONVENTION CENTER. $5 admission. For more details visit monroevillehomeshow.com. Through Jan 31.
SATURDAY 30
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 01.27/02.03.2016
SOUND SERIES: Ekmeles ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM North Side. 412-237-8300. Tickets: warhol.org or music.pitt.edu/tickets. 8p.m.
Eric Roberson AUGUST WILSON CENTER Downtown. 412-456-6666. Tickets: trustarts.org. 8p.m.
Dada Masilo’s Swan Lake
BYHAM THEATER Downtown. 412-456-6666. Tickets: trustarts.org. 8p.m.
Ryan Bingham MR. SMALLS THEATRE Millvale. 412-821-4447.
TUESDAY 2 George Jones New View Trio
BACKSTAGE BAR AT THEATER SQUARE Downtown. 412-456-6666. Free. 5p.m.
Givers
CATTIVO Lawrenceville. 412-687-2157. All ages show. Tickets: ticketfly.com or 1-877-4-FLY-TIX. 7p.m.
IT’S FUNNY, SWEET, SAD AND JUST A LITTLE BIT LOOPY
SHORT STUFF {BY AL HOFF} This year’s Academy Award nominees for Best Short Live-Action Film comprise a 107-minute program, with material ranging from the comic to the tragic. Basil Khalil’s “Ave Maria” (Palestine/ France/Germany) unfolds at a Roman Catholic convent, along an Arab road in the West Bank, where the normally silent nuns have their routine disturbed by Jewish settlers with car trouble. What unfolds is a comedy of orthodox manners and unorthodox solutions.
#OSCARSSOSHORT
CP APPROVED
“Ave Maria”
A London-based typographical artist suffers from stuttering, but has struck up a flirty relationship with a woman online. There, he is free to be witty, even coloring his text with emotions, adding phrases like “begrudging tone.” Benjamin Cleary’s “Stutterer” (U.K./Ireland) depicts his panic when the two agree to meet in person. Things start out reasonably normal in Patrick Vollrath’s “Everything Will Be OK” (Germany). A divorced dad picks up his young daughter for a visit, and they have some fun in the toy shop and later, the passport office. Uh oh. Things get dark quickly in this emotionally wrenching domestic drama.
“Everything Will Be OK”
Jamie Donoughue’s drama “Shok” (Kosovo) is based on true events and takes place during the Balkan conflict of the late 1990s. Two Albanian boys make the mistake of dabbling in black-market commerce with Serbian soldiers, and the results are predictably devastating. Director Henry Hughes based his short drama “Day One” (USA) on his experiences while serving in Afghanistan. The film depicts the typically atypical work day of a young Afghani-American woman hired as an interpreter for the army, and the fraught situation that taxes procedure. The solution requires all involved parties to bridge various cultural and military protocols. AHOFF@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
In English, and various languages with subtitles. Starts Fri., Jan. 29. Regent Square N E W S
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{BY AL HOFF}
Clockwise from upper left: “Bear Story,” “We Can’t Live Without the Cosmos,” “World of Tomorrow,” “Prologue” and “Sanjay’s Super Team”
T
HE ACADEMY Award-nominated short films don’t garner as much attention as, say, Best Picture. But drawn from across the globe, they do offer a broader menu of people, places and experiences. So, take a break from this year’s thinkpieces and Twitter outrage about the lack of diversity, and enjoy this year’s selection before the winners are announced on Feb. 28. Pittsburgh Filmmakers will present the short films in three programs. From Fri., Jan. 29, through Feb. 11, the Regent Square Theater will screen the contenders for Best Live Action and Best Animated, in two programs. (On Feb. 12, both programs will move to the Harris, then on Feb. 20-21, to the Melwood.) The documentary shorts will screen weekends in February at the Melwood. Below is a review of the 86-minute animated-shorts program (the five nominated films below, as well as four additional films); the live-action shorts are reviewed at left. Sanjay’s Super Team (USA, 7 min.). Inspired by director Sanjay Patel’s own experiences as first-generation Indian-American, young Sanjay wants to watch his favorite
TV action hero while his father seeks to engage him in his Hindu heritage. (Each culture is contained in an opposing box — the TV set and a small shrine.) Not surprisingly for a Pixar short, imagination triumphs, as Sanjay discovers the Hindu deities and his superhero can work together.
OSCAR-NOMINATED SHORTS Animated and Live Action (two programs) In English, and various languages, with subtitles Starts Fri., Jan. 29. Regent Square
CP APPROVED World of Tomorrow (USA, 17 min.). Don Hertzfeld’s deceptively simply drawn film, featuring stick figures and abstract backdrops, is the one that will stick with you. A small girl is visited by her clone from the future, and what unfolds is equal parts dark comedy, existential examination into being human, and warning about the perils of intertwining technology and humanity. Bear Story (Chile, 11 min.). This digitally
animated work from Gabriel Osorio is utterly charming on its surface, while also offering several layers of meta text. A bear offers a streetside attraction, a series of hand-crafted, mechanical dioramas presented in a peephole box and hand-cranked to provide motion. That story is a heartbreaker about a bear kidnapped by a circus. Which is also the story of the first bear, presented in a fantastical, space-defying box not unlike a film. We Can’t Live Without the Cosmos (Russia, 16 min.). Konstantin Bronzit’s hand-drawn work profiles a pair of lifelong friends training to be cosmonauts. It’s funny, sweet, sad and just a little bit loopy, but with a deep reverence for a friendship cemented by a shared dream. Prologue (U.K., 6 min.). Long-time animator Richard Williams’ work, resembling exquisitely rendered pencil drawings, wordlessly depicts the start of a long-ago battle, whose bloodshed and death is witnessed by a little girl. (This film contains graphic violence and nudity; it will be shown last on the program and preceded by a warning.) A H OF F @ P G HC I T Y PA P E R. C OM
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FILM CAPSULES CP
REPERTORY BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA. A truck driver (Kurt Russell) gets drawn into a centuries-old war in San Francisco’s Chinatown, in this 1986 actioner from John Carpenter. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Jan. 27. AMC Loews. $5
= CITY PAPER APPROVED
NEW THIS WEEK ANOMALISA. Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson’s stop-motion-animated drama depicts one day (and mostly night) in the life of Michael Stone (voice of David Thewlis), a motivational author stopping over in Cincinnati to deliver a speech. Michael is unhappy — we get a few hints of a troubled home life, and then there is his listless demeanor. Everybody he encounters looks and sounds the same. But later at the hotel — the Fregoli Hotel, a joke for psychiatrists — he meets a young woman named Lisa (voice of Jennifer Jason Leigh), and the encounter lifts him from his funk. Or does it? Typical of Kaufman’s existential examinations, the truth of the matter is a bit slippery. What is true is that this film is indeed performed entirely by puppets, and the production is remarkable. Anomalisa seems to lend itself to an experience that is both enthralling and distancing. Frequently, I forgot I was watching puppets, but the film is also filled with moments that plainly reveal the artifice (the characters walk awkwardly, each face is bisected by a “working” line near the eyes). Sometimes the sets and lighting were so exquisite — the soothing earth-tones banality of the hotel room, or sunlight falling across a face — that my thoughts turned to their creation rather than accepting their “reality.” Those are primarily visual cues; oddly enough, the use of one voice (courtesy of Tom Noonan) for all the characters except Michael and Lisa wasn’t nearly as distracting. But I also drifted in and out of the film because of its singular focus on Michael: At times he was pitiable and more emotionally accessible, but as the film played out, he grew less sympathetic and more tiresome. (And truly: Another story about a middle-aged, middle-class white guy suffering some poor-me crisis?) But that’s also the point: Michael is both the victim and perpetrator of his own emotional isolation. Anomalisa is a tidy 90 minutes, while remaining open-ended enough to provoke lively post-screening discussion. The film is more downbeat than not, though there are a few jokes and one sequence that is “Kaufmanesque.” Mind the sunken conversation pit! Manor (Al Hoff)
GROUNDHOG DAY. In this neo-classic 1993 charmer from Harold Ramis, Bill Murray plays a Pittsburgh weatherman who gets trapped in a time loop while covering the annual festivities in Punxsutawney. 7 p.m. Thu., Jan. 28. Hollywood
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Brew Cinema: Groundhog Day (1993)
1/28 @ 7pm Local beer, an exclusive poster, and Bill Murray in one of his greatest roles!
_______________________________________________ Brooklyn (2015)
1/29 @ 7:30pm, 1/30 @ 7:00pm, 1/31 @ 4pm, 2/1 @ 7:30pm, 2/3 @ 7:30pm Nominated for 3 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actress.
_______________________________________________ Lazer Team (2016)
1/29 @ 10pm, 1/30 @ 9:30pm, 1/31 @ 7pm Four small-town misfits must use an extraterrestrial battle suit to save mankind.
_______________________________________________ Rocky Horror Picture Show
1/30 @ Midnight With live shadowcast by the JCCP!
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BROOKLYN. John Crowley’s gentle and frequently poignant melodrama, which Nick Hornby adapted from Colm Toibin’s novel, follows a young Irish woman, Eilis (Saoirse Ronan), as she leaves her small town, in 1952, for the opportunities of Brooklyn. What the film captures best is the bittersweet nature of the immigrant’s life. Eilis now has two homes: One will remain beneath her feet, while the other will be a mix of memories and regrets about choices not taken. Fri., Jan. 29Tue., Feb. 1, and Feb. 3-4. Hollywood (AH)
CP
Lazer Team
WILD AT HEART. David Lynch’s surreal 1990 sex-andviolence potboiler features Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern as outrageous lovers on the run across America’s seediest landscapes; Diane Ladd, Harry Dean Stanton and Willem Dafoe also star. Jan. 29-Feb. 1 and Feb. 3-4. Row House Cinema MULHOLLAND DR. Naomi Watts and Laura Herring star in David Lynch’s 2001 dramatic neo-noir puzzler, about a woman left with amnesia after a car crash. Jan. 29-Feb. 2 and Feb. 4. Row House Cinema
Anomalisa
Dirty Grandpa
DIRTY GRANDPA. When a man loses his wife after more than 40 years of marriage, he guilt-trips his lawyer grandson into accompanying him on a road trip to his second home, in South Florida, in this comedy from Dan Mazer. However, on the way down, the grandpa (Robert De Niro) convinces his grandson (Zac Efron) to take a booze-, drug- and debauchery-filled detour to Daytona Beach. Firsttime screenwriter John Phillip’s script has De Niro’s grandpa shedding his grieving-husband persona and transforming into a homophobic, racist, sex-crazed, bro-like creature. And for some reason, Efron’s upg undergoes g tight dude mostly goes along, some n cushy, upper-crusty life drastic changes to his own in the process. The film’s attempt to make the audience laugh at penisess — both actual and y — fall totally flat, the drawn-on-face variety and viewers are left to awkwardly cringe at offensive jokes aboutt gay people and minorities. The only real bright spot is Jason Mantzoukas’ portrayal of a lovable drugdealer, his role providing a goofy and satirical ure. (Ryan Deto) take on spring-break culture.
KUNG FU PANDA 3. In this ongoing animated comedy series about … well, pandas that do kung fu, Po’s long-lost father returns. This means a journey together to meet up with other pandas, who must then be trained to engage in a showdown with a villain. The film features the voices of Jack Black, Angelina Jolie and Dustin Hoffman; Alessandro Carloni and Jennifer Yuh direct. In 3-D, in select theaters. Starts Fri., Jan. 29
K. I didn’t realize FIFTY SHADES OF BLACK. onted parothese Wayans brother-fronted dies were still a thing, butt here’s the latest: a send-up of 50 Shades of Grey (which truly was its own parrs as “Mr. ody). Marlon Wayans stars es directs. Black,” and Michael Tiddes Starts Fri., Jan. 29 g Gillespie THE FINEST HOURS. Craig ue-events directs this inspired-by-true-events thriller about a perilous at-sea ter of rescue during the winter ffleck, 1952. Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, tar. Ben Foster and Eric Bana star. rs. In 3-D, in select theaters. Starts Fri., Jan. 29
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 01.27/02.03.2016
LAZER TEAM. In this modestly budgeted sci-fi comedy from Matt Hullum, four not-very-heroic g y in a small Texas town find themselves defendguys attack It’s the result ing Earth from an alien attack. of a mix-up — a real hero, trained in a secret military installation, was supposed to get a super-duper we weapon suit supplied by friendly aliens, but there was a delivery issue. Now, e each of the four dudes ends up with on one piece of the suit — helmet, boots boots, arms — and must learn to stop sq squabbling and work together. It’s a lot of low-bal low-ball goofy humor, but enough of it lands to provide chuckles. The film gets off to a slow start, with a Friday-night football game (inexplicab (inexplicably called from the press box by honkytonker Da Dale Watson) and character set-ups. But once the suit pieces get distribute distributed, the pace — and the jokes — pick up. 10 p.m. Fri., Jan. 29; 9:3 9:30 p.m. Sat., Jan. 3 30; 7 p.m. Sun., Brooklyn Jan. 31; and 9:30 p.m p.m. Thu., Jan. 4. H Hollywood (AH)
ERASERHEAD. Beautifully shot in black and white, and with an inventive score, David Lynch’s 1976 work features, without much narrative explication: a depressed man (Jack Nance), his girlfriend, their newborn offspring, a mysterious radiator, and chickens. Still mystifying but strangely compelling after all these years. Jan. 29-Feb. 3. Row House Cinema LOST HIGHWAY. Bill Pullman and Patricia Arquette star in David Lynch’s 1997 thriller about a jazz musician who, after being framed for his wife’s murder, gradually morphs into a different man altogether. Jan. 29-31 and Feb. 2-4. Row House Cinema PSYCHO. Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 classic is a thriller and treatise on troubled mother-son relationships. Embezzler-on-the-run Janet Leigh picks the wrong motel to catch some rest at, though the proprietor seems friendly enough … Psycho remains a textbook of masterful editing, and Bernard Hermann’s score is as creepy as ever. 8 p.m. Sun., Jan. 31. Regent Square (AH)
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THE POWER OF ONE VOICE. Rachel Carson is probably the 20th century’s most well-known environmentalist. But as this new, 51-minute documentary exploring her legacy argues, the radicalism of her insight in books like Silent Spring remains widely unappreciated. In interviews with everyone from Roger Christie, Carson’s adopted son, to her biographer, Linda Lear, locally based filmmaker Mark Dixon portrays a biologist determined to make a case for nature to a post-war society convinced of better living through chemistry, even when that chemistry gave us DDT. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Dixon and executive producer Patricia DeMarco. 7:30 p.m. Tue., Feb. 2. Hollywood. $10 (Bill O’Driscoll) DIRTY DANCING. The much-loved 1987 romance from Emile Ardolino is back on the big screen, for one night. Swoon anew as Baby (Jennifer Grey) learns about dance, love and heartbreak from local dirty-boogier Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) while vacationing in the Catskills. You just might have … the time of your life. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 3. AMC Loews. $5
[DANCE]
IT’S A STUNNING AND SUBTLE INDICTMENT
NEW WINGS
{BY STEVE SUCATO}
INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
DADA MASILO/DANCE FACTORY JOHANNESBURG PERFORMS SWAN LAKE 8 p.m. Sat., Jan. 30. Byham Theater, 101 Sixth St., Downtown. $19-55. 412-456-6666 or www.trustarts.org N E W S
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[ART REVIEW]
KEPT IN
MIND
{BY LISSA BRENNAN}
T Dada Masilo’s Swan Lake
Just like theater classics, ballet classics often receive contemporary redos. Top choreographers including Mats Ek, Jean Christoph Maillot and Matthew Bourne have all created alternate versions of such ballets as Giselle, Romeo & Juliet and The Sleeping Beauty using contemporary choreography and themes. Now, young South African choreographer Dada Masilo offers her version of Swan Lake. Like Bourne’s groundbreaking 1995 Swan Lake, featuring an all-male cast of swans, Masilo gives new life to the 139-year-old ballet in the form of an African-inspired production that touches on issues of sex, gender, homophobia and the scourge of AIDS. Her company, Dada Masilo/Dance Factory Johannesburg, performs the Pittsburgh premiere of the hour-long Swan Lake on Jan. 30, at the Byham Theater. The show is presented by the Pittsburgh Dance Council. “My version of Swan Lake is a fusion of classical ballet, contemporary and African dance styles,” Masilo writes via email from Montreal, where the company was performing. Masilo’s movement language for the ballet also references South African popular culture, creating an unconventional, one-of-kind look that redefines beauty in motion. The production is set to an eclectic soundscape including excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s original score, African rhythms, and music by Steve Reich and Arvo Pärt. Masilo’s storyline for the ballet also deviates from the original: Prince Siegfried falls not for the beautiful white swan, Odette (danced by Masilo), but for a male black swan in the Odile role. The pairing brings sorrow to Siegfried’s parents and eventually a tragic end to the Prince and Odile. London’s The Guardian praised both the ballet’s “fresh and fast-paced style” and Masilo’s “wit and seriousness in handling the original ballet’s themes.” Masilo says her ballet draws from personal experience with friends and loved ones affected by AIDS. “At the end of Swan Lake there is a trio between Siegfried, Odette and Odile,” says Masilo. “The trio started off as a solo I created to Camille Saint-Saëns’ ‘Dying Swan.’ I made it a requiem for my aunt who died of AIDS. My aunt was sick, yes, but what ultimately killed her was the stigma associated with the disease. She died of a broken heart. I wanted to create something visceral, vulnerable, broken and full of grief. That is what the end of Swan Lake is for me.”
HE SOCIETY for Contemporary Craft
has been producing group shows that tackle densely layered and highly relevant subject matter. These exhibits confront and analyze complex issues of personal, political and social importance to explore their nature, their potential impact and possible solutions by studying them through an artistic lens. Two years ago, ENOUGH Violence: Artists Speak Out was a spectacular and disquieting examination of the epidemic of aggression. This collection of works in varied media was a must-see that resonated far beyond its tenure. The current show, Mindful: Exploring Mental Health Through Art meets the elevated bar set by ENOUGH Violence with a thoughtful, sensitive, illuminating investigation of the illnesses of many forms that collectively are suffered by 1 in 4 adults in the United States, and impact each of us individually and as a society. Developed by SCC’s program team, it gathers the works of 14 artists from around the region and the country, ranging from fiber sculpture to ceramic to video, in pieces that are insightful, evocative, sometimes perturbing and often inspiring. Montana-based Jesse Albrecht’s work reflects his deployment to Iraq as an emergency-medicine noncommissioned officer. That experience is represented by a trio of roughly thrown earthenware vessels, painted with images of combat and its after-effects: a rattle-tailed wolf, eyes concentric circles of madness, hovering behind a tank with Death in the driver’s seat; a swollen, ravaged brain netted with cobwebs; a smiling unicorn, a fantasy of innocence and happy endings. It’s an incendiary condemnation of war as violence and war as profit, and the disposabilty of
{PHOTO COURTESY OF SWOON STUDIO}
“Memento Mori,” by Swoon
MINDFUL: EXPLORING MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH ART continues through March 12. The Society for Contemporary Craft, 2100 Smallman St., Strip District. 412-261-7003 or www.contemporarycraft.org
the humans who fight it, sacrificing their lives and their sanity only to be abandoned by those who’ve used them. It’s a stunning and subtle indictment, asking more questions than it answers. Ian Thomas’ ceramic works delve into
the relationship between pharmaceuticals and mental illness, with larger-than-life sculptures of pills and a life-sized ceramic table setting emblazoned with images of capsules and tablets, the new sustenance. The narrative of Rose Clancy’s installation “All For Naught, Forget Me Not” is crystalline and heartbreaking. Clancy’s mother endured numerous afflictions, her health declining as she got older. Clancy bisects her world with a heavy wooden door. On one side, a child at play stands on a tricycle to reach for keys dangling in the air. On the other, a folded wheelchair, a desolate birds’ nest, and an impenetrable barricade. CONTINUES ON PG. 32
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KEPT IN MIND, CONTINUED FROM PG. 31
THROUGH FEBRUARY 14
CP Readers get $10 off full price tickets with code CITYCITY.
WORLD PREMIERE
SOME BRIGHTER DISTANCE BY KEITH REDDIN DIRECTED BY TRACY BRIGDEN
BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY! 412.431.CITY (2489) / CityTheatreCompany.org 1300 Bingham Street, South Side
The sculptural pieces created by Sophia Jung-Am Park, a professor at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, are seductive, fantastical reproductions of spindly, slightly menacing flora: graphite-like branches and metallic tendrils supporting wispily delicate ivory flowers. On the gallery pedestals they’re spookily entrancing; in the accompanying video, they’re transformed. Park’s sculptures are worn on the body by dancers who adjust and acclimate to the weight they add and the mobility they take away. The confinement is literal, but the concept of hindrance, particularly the need to work around obstacles rather than be stifled by them, can be interpreted metaphorically as well. Kaitlyn Evans crafts compacts — ritualized cosmetic tools and hallmarks of beauty, here filled not with glistening powder but pulpy, meaty craters pocked with holes, nodules, flaws. Jennifer Ling Datchuk assembles objects to query the pursuit of beauty as linked to ethnicity and the possible eradication of evidence of the same. Grace Kubilius provides mannequin-like figures at human scale, swathed and swaddled in messy layers of fabric that obscure, hamper and possibly protect the bodies hidden within their folds, while Alison Saar’s “Pret-A-Porter” strips the body of its protective skin, squirreling away the mantle of assumed identity, a folded hide, in suitcases battered and worn. Lyn Godley’s “In Flight” series utilizes fiber optics and LEDs in a succession of works celebrating the motion of freedom, symbolized by birds soaring through air, unstopped and unstoppable. With “Same Old Wounds: Family Legacy,” Meredith Grimsley looks at the hereditary nature of illness through an intricate installation demonstrating connection with garments, threads and fabric. The show also includes work by Edward Eberle, Joan Iverson Goswell, Michael Janis and nationally known street artist Swoon. In addition to the main exhibition at SCC’s home base, in the Strip District, are two companion exhibitions. The Mindful Project at Seton Hill, at Seton Hill University, continues through Feb. 18, and The Invisible One, at SCC’s satellite gallery at Downtown’s BNY Mellon Center, runs through April 24. The Mindful Project (www.exploremindfulart.com) also includes workshops, performances and information sessions at various venues around the region. At the gallery alone, the subject matter at hand is huge and complex, not always easily definable, often seemingly limitless. This show does a magnificent job of covering a vast expanse of ground, not pigeonholing its topic. The Society for Contemporary Craft is proving expert at doing just that. INF O @PGH C IT YPAPE R . C O M
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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 01.27/02.03.2016
[BOOK REVIEWS]
LIT BRIEFS {BY BILL O’DRISCOLL}
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Kayla Pongrac’s chapbook The Flexible Truth (Anchor & Plume, $10) is a curious, unpredictable collection. Most of its 37 pieces in 38 pages are prose poems or flash fiction in the first person, though there’s also a recurring feature in the form of a surreal advice column, “Ask Murph,” whose author gives poetic but irrelevant answers to every reader. (“Here are two of my favorite words: ‘apothecary’ and ‘cognoscenti.’”) Pongrac works the strange perspective, the odd reference. “My Disappointment With Your Dentist” summons the memory of Howard Carter exploring King Tut’s tomb. Some pieces are lyrical slices of life, others little absurdist fables. “Metal Skeleton” is a potent, straightforward vignette about disillusion. “Esophagus Number Two” imagines a protagonist with a tiny train running daily up her throat and into her mouth, a witty metaphor for social anxiety: “Gone are the days when I could trust my gut, when I could meet people and decide fairly quickly if I could see myself using flattering adjectives to describe them to other people I knew much better.”
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In contrast to Pongrac’s work, the poetry in Kayla Sargeson’s chapbook, Blaze (Main Street Rage, $10), is as direct as its title and the accompanying cover image: an anatomically correct human heart alight in golden flames (and, it appears, charred underneath). Sargeson, who curates City Paper’s online poetry feature, Chapter & Verse, specializes in tough little poems about hard living, domestic abuse, dead friends and despair. “Junkies,” for instance, begins, “The first cold night, my dad’s ex calls — / he has another girlfriend, / younger than me / junkie.” The 21 poems are all first-person, all short (most a page or less). The content and style often recall the hard-edged work of local poetry icon Jan Beatty, whom Sargeson thanks in her acknowledgements. “Strung Out” recounts a visit to a new therapist: “I tell her about the bad night (she says crime): / 19 years old / my dress pulled up / don’t / come / inside me / Vladdy and Monster / tequila and OJ.” It’s brutally candid stuff, if occasionally leavened with the pleasures (or at least the sanctuaries) of sex, lipstick, booze, good times — and, at moments, a weary, hard-won transcendence. “I’ve spent the past year memorizing your face,” concludes one poem. “I finally don’t care that you don’t know mine.” DRISCOLL@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
Peopled: “Bigelow Blvd,” by Douglas Cooper
[ART REVIEW]
PRECIPITOUS PITTSBURGH {BY JAMES LANIGAN}
PITTSBURGH HAS been called the Paris of Appalachia. But if you’ve never thought of Pittsburgh as the Grand Canyon of Appalachia, then let Douglas Cooper’s new works persuade you. Douglas Cooper: Graphic Pittsburgh is an exhibit at Concept Art Gallery consisting of 11 new panoramic charcoal sketches of the city by the ’Burgh-bred artist and Carnegie Mellon University professor of architecture. Typical of Cooper, they are large in scale and very rich in detail — 48-by-60-inches and larger. A single piece takes him about one month to complete. Traditionally, Cooper’s treatment of the city’s landscapes themselves was his focus. However, in Graphic Pittsburgh, it’s a new attention to the interstitial liveliness of the city that has inspired him. In fact, he calls these latest pieces, which are always drawn from an uphill-downhill perspective, a “voyeur’s delight.” “The theme of most of the drawings in this show is backyards and sidewalks,” Cooper said at the exhibition’s opening night, in December. Indeed, anyone familiar with his work will recognize right away that the difference between these and previous works is a population to fill the city’s spaces. Women fill the windows of houses in Oakland, children play outside, and men sit in lawn chairs barbecuing in their backyards on Polish Hill.
Some of the pieces were inspired by Cooper’s youth, such as “Backyards of Forbes Field,” which comes straight from his childhood in Oakland, where he would watch from his porch as Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell and Doc Ellis walked into the old ballpark. Forbes Field is full for a game, the streets are filled with traffic and, in the foreground, a man mows his lawn. Cooper’s previous work hasn’t portrayed such an active community.
DOUGLAS COOPER: GRAPHIC PITTSBURGH continues through Feb. 13. Concept Art Gallery, 1031 South Braddock Ave., Edgewood. 412-242-9200 or www.conceptgallery.com
Yet the landscapes Cooper draws remain just as rich. Speaking with him about his love of Pittsburgh’s hills and valleys, you might hear him voice his comparison of the region to the Grand Canyon. Everyone sees Pittsburgh as part of the Appalachian mountain range, but Cooper says a better way to think of Pittsburgh’s geography is in terms of the ancient process of its rivers cutting through prehistoric plateaus. In his drawings, the foregrounds are bowed, the mid-grounds elevated, and the backgrounds laid-back to permit him to include as much of the scenery as possible. This is so that the “voyeur” of the scene can feel like he’s standing on top of the Grand Canyon, looking out over the gorges. Before remembering that it’s Herron Avenue.
HE CALLS THESE LATEST PIECES A “VOYEUR’S DELIGHT.”
Q UANT UM T HEAT R E
Through February
CIARA
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Ciara is the cherished daughter of a mob boss. She escaped the life of crime for a life of art: she runs a gallery and champions local artists, especially one whose female figures loom over the gritty city like goddesses. quantumtheatre.com 412.362.1713
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DAV I D H A RROWER DI R E C TE D BY
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JAVO STUDIOS 5137 Holmes St.
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FOR THE WEEK OF
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FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO SUBMIT LISTINGS AND PRESS RELEASES, CALL 412.316.3342 X161.
JAN. 28
{PHOTO COURTESY OF OFF THE WALL PRODUCTIONS}
Mother Lode
+ THU., JAN. 28 {OPERA} Ever imagine Julius Caesar in a sharkskin suit and a fedora? Stage director Sally Denmead revives Handel’s Baroque opera, Giulio Cesare, with a 1960s Rat Pack theme. In local company Undercroft Opera’s production, Jenifer Weber and Mia Bonnewell are double-cast as Caesar and Cleopatra. The show, premiering tonight at Seton Center Auditorium, will be sung in Italian with English supertitles, with Jefferey Klefstad conducting the orchestra. Come for the classic tale of murder, love and betrayal — stay for the showgirls. Courtney Linder 7 p.m. Also Fri., Jan. 29, through Sun., Jan. 31. 1900 Pioneer Ave., Brookline. $5-35. www.undercroftopera.org
to the tunes of classic Frank Loesser songs like “Luck Be a Lady.” There’s a live orchestra, and the Public’s Ted Pappas directs a cast including Charlie Brady as Sky Masterson and Kirsten Wyatt (pictured) as Miss Adelaide. The first performance is tonight. Bill O’Driscoll 8 p.m. Continues through Feb. 28. 621 Penn Ave., Downtown. $15.75-65. 412-316-1600 or www.ppt.org
Gruenert and off the WALL Productions, Haston is telling Ruth’s story. Mother Lode is a one-woman show about mother-daughter bonds, end-of-life decisions, and more. Gruenert (off the WALL’s artistic director) and Spencer Whale direct. The first four performances of this brandnew play are this weekend, with encores planned in June and August. BO 8 p.m. Continues through Sun., Jan. 31. 25 W. Main St., Carnegie. $5-40. 724-873-3576 or www.insideoffthewall.com
{SCREEN} Downtown is where Pittsburgh began (as a British military fort, but still). Yet it’s been 24 years since it’s been properly feted — and by “properly feted,” we mean “made the subject of a Rick Sebak documentary.” The iconic local filmmaker, who’s written and produced 23 of WQED-TV’s 24 Pittsburgh History Series documentaries, returns to the scene of his 1992 installment, Downtown Pittsurgh, for an update that premieres tonight. Don’t expect any exposés: Sebak specializes in the light, the quirky, the charming, and tasty snacks. But few are better at
Art by Ka-Man Tse
JAN. 29
Fellowship 16
{STAGE} Pittsburgh Public Theater calls Guys & Dolls “the Great American Musical,” and it’s hard to name a show from musical theater’s golden age that deserves the moniker more. The 1950 show, based on Damon Runyon’s colorful tales of New York City, tells of gangsters, gamblers and showgirls — characters with names like Nathan Detroit —
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{STAGE} Linda Haston’s mother, Ruth, grew up in Jim Crow Alabama, but as a teenager left for Pittsburgh and the Hill District, where she raised her family. Now, with help from playwright Virginia Wall
finding those traits than Sebak, and in the hour-long big hug that is Return to Downtown Pittsburgh, he’ll also catch up on some new buildings and ask, “What makes the fountain flow at the Point?” BO 8 p.m. WQED-TV. www.wqed.org
sp otlight
In 1998, Roundabout Theatre Company mounted just the second Broadway revival of Cabaret. The 1966 Kander & Ebb musical, centering on the decadent Kit Kat Klub in 1931 Berlin, had long been defined by Bob Fosse’s famed 1972 film adaptation, starring Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey. Still, the stage revival — directed by Sam Mendes and co-directed and choreographed by Pittsburgh native Rob Marshall — became a widely acclaimed hit that ran for six years, spawned a national tour and, in 2014, offered its own year-long reprise on Broadway. The Mendes-Marshall version’s darker, more menacing tone, noted for more powerfully evoking the growing shadow of Nazism, has influenced many subsequent productions. Now Roundabout has launched its own new national tour, and Pittsburgh is just the second stop. Cabaret, with its book by Joe Masteroff, is based on a play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. The potent score features the title tune, “Maybe This Time” and “Tomorrow Belongs to Me.” The touring production stars Randy Harrison (of TV’s Queer as Folk) as the iconic Emcee and, as nightclub performer Sally Bowles, Andrea Goss, a veteran of the role for Roundabout on Broadway. Bid Cabaret “Wilkommen” for eight performances at the Benedum Center, courtesy of PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh. Bill O’Driscoll Tue., Feb. 2-Sun., Feb. 7. 719 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $26-72. 412-456-4800 or www.trustarts.org
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{ART} See through the lenses of two award-winning artists at the Silver Eye Center for Photography’s Fellowship 16 exhibition. International Award winner and Yale lecturer Ka-Man Tse draws connections between LGBT culture and the Asian-Pacific Islander community through her world-touring urbanportraiture series, Narrow Distances. Keystone Award winner Aaron Blum approaches the mystery of Appalachian life through A Guide to Folk Taxonomy, a series of color prints, including landscapes, that evoke his personal vision of the region. Explore identity through photography at tonight’s opening reception. CL 6 p.m. Exhibit continues through April 2. 1015 E. Carson St., South Side. Free. 412-4311810 or www.silvereye.org
intertwine in an unexpected manner in Webs, s a new play created and performed by theatriQ, a queer youth performance ensemble. Presented by Dreams of Hope, Pittsburgh’s only arts-focused LGBT organization, the play addresses themes off id identity, th tit mythology and social media through a fully scored production. “Webs explores the different ways people connect,” says theatriQ’s Adil Mansoor. An audience talkback follows each of the
ro g Pte the A urs n a i s ht no Flig of Di
f four showings h i thi this weekend k d at Alloy Studios. Tickets are donation-based. CL 8 p.m. Also Sat., Jan. 30, and Sun., Jan. 31. 5530 Penn Ave., Friendship. “Pay what makes you happy.” 630-854-6340 or www.dreamsofhope.org
JAN. 29
Tracy Morgan
{TALK} guests include Patti Gallagher (Feb. 6), Maria Kyros (Feb. 13) and d Bill ill Miller ill (Feb. ( b 20). 20) BO O 2-4 p.m. 5831 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside. Free. 412-441-6005 or www.galleriechiz.com
{EXHIBIT} If you’ve ever dreamed of soaring over prehistoric landscapes, experimenting with aerodynamics in a wind tunnel or inspecting 150 million-year-old fossils, fly over to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s newest exhibit, Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs. The presentation, which opens today, utilizes rare fossils, life-sized models and interactive displays to explore the winged reptiles’ Jurassic world, courtesy of the American Museum of Natural History. The premium-priced tickets for the exhibit include museum admission. CL 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibit continues through May 22. 4400 Forbes Avenue, Oakland. $14.95-24.95. 412-622-3131 or www.carnegiemnh.org
{MUSIC} Support an unsigned artist at singer-songwriter Eric Roberson’s performance at the August Wilson Center tonight. “Erro” was the first independent artist to be nominated for a BET Award in
What const constitutes a “good education”? Are the liberal education” arts suffering ff i at the hands of STEM? Tonight’s panel discussion at Pitt’s University Club, sponsored by the school’s Honors College, celebrates the school’s Year of the Humanities. The high-prestige panel, including CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, will open a dialogue on what it means to be well educated. Learn what’s at stake for liberal-arts majors at The
JAN. 28
Guys & Dolls
{ART} Gallerie Chiz owner Ellen Chisdes Neuberg is spending six weeks with her painting studio in her gallery. She’s there herself four days a week, and sharing each Saturday with a different artist, followed by a 4 p.m. cocktail hour. Today, watch watercolor artist Peggi Habets demonstrate her technique and give an informal talk as part of Not Enough Time … Inside the Artists’ Studios. Upcoming
{STAGE} Greek mythology and Tumblr
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{COMEDY} After the 2014 car accident that took the life of fellow comedian James McNair, Tracy Morgan spent two weeks in a coma. But recently he was joking with Jimmy Fallon about things that make him want to go back under. “Donald Trump is leading in the polls …. I’m going back,” he quipped. The SNL and 30 Rock veteran is also back touring. His six shows at the Pittsburgh Improv, starting with tonight’s, are sold out. BO 7:30 p.m. Continues through Sun., Jan. 31. 166 E. Bridge St., The Waterfront, West Homestead. $35-50 (21+). 412-462-5233 or www.pittsburgh.improv.com
sounds, with wit soul, R&B, house and hip-hop influences. He’s also known for his ability to freestyle songs on the spot so from audience suggestions. audie CL 8 p.m. 980 9 Liberty Ave., Downtown. Downtown $28.25. 412-4566666 or www.trustarts.org ww
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Humanities: Can You Afford to Leave College Without Them? CL 7 p.m. 123 University Place, Oakland. Free. skrzycki@pitt.edu or www.humanities.pitt.edu
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{ALL LISTINGS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 9 A.M. FRIDAY PRIOR TO PUBLICATION}
TO SUBMIT A LISTING: HTTP://PGHCITYPAPER.COM/HAPPENINGS 412.316.3388 (FAX) + 412.316.3342 X165 (PHONE)
THEATER ALADDIN JR. A retelling of the
Mardi Gras Week•February 3-9 Featuring 25 restaurants, pubs and businesses offering live entertainment and New Orleans and other Pre-Lenten inspired food and drink specials during Pittsburgh’s first and only neighborhood-wide Mardi Gras celebration!
classic story presented by Stage Right’s Student Theatre Company. Fri., Jan. 29, 7 p.m., Sat., Jan. 30, 2 & 7 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 31, 2 p.m. The Lamp Theatre, Irwin. 724-832-7464. ASSASSINS. A musical about the lives of 9 individuals who assassinated or tried to assassinate the President of the United States. Presented by Split Stage Productions. Thu-Sat, 8 p.m. Thru Feb. 6. Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, Greensburg. 724-836-1757. CABARET. Cliff Bradshaw, an American author working on a novel in Berlin, encounters Sally Bowles at the Kit Kat Klub where she sings. The war begins to change their love & the club they love. Feb. 2-4, 7:30 p.m., Fri., Feb. 5, 8 p.m., Sat., Feb. 6, 2 & 8 p.m. and Sun., Feb. 7, 1 & 6:30 p.m. Benedum Center, Downtown. 412-456-6666. CIARA. Ciara is the daughter of a mob boss. She escaped a life of crime for a life of art: she runs a
Compete in an adult spelling bee, listen to Latin jazz or indulge in a food-truck roundup Podcast goes live every Thursday at www.pghcitypaper.com
2 p.m. CAPA Theater, Downtown. gallery & champions local artists, 412-456-6666. especially one whose female MOTHER LODE. A play about figures seem like goddesses. the end-of-life decisions that Presented by Quantum Theatre. must be made by dutiful Wed-Sat, 8 p.m. and Tue, Sun, daughters, as well as the discord, 7 p.m. Thru Feb. 14. Javo Studios, conciliation, warfare & ultimate Lawrenceville. 412-362-1713. acceptance between strong, GIULIO CESARE. Handel’s independent women bound by Baroque opera, Giulio Cesare, love & family. Presented by Off the w/ a 1960s Rat Pack theme. Wall Theater. Jan. 28-30, 8 p.m., Sung in Italian w/ English Sun., Jan. 31, 3 p.m., June 2-4, supertitles & a live orchestra. 8 p.m., Sun., June 5, 3 p.m., Presented by Undercroft Aug. 11-13, 8 p.m. and Opera. Jan. 28-31, 7 p.m. Sun., Aug. 14, 3 p.m. Seton Center, Brookline. Carnegie Stage, 412-561-5511. Carnegie. www. GUYS & DOLLS. www. per a p insideoffthewall.com. Classic musical set in pghcitym o .c SOME BRIGHTER 1950s New York City & DISTANCE. The true Havana. Sun, 2 & 7 p.m., story of Arthur Rudolph Wed-Sat, 8 p.m., Tue, 7 p.m., who was one of more than 1,500 Sat., Jan. 30, 2 p.m., Sat, Germans brought here after WWII. 2 p.m. and Sun., Feb. 28, Tue, Wed, 7 p.m., Sun, 2 p.m., 2 p.m. Thru Feb. 28. Pittsburgh Sat, 5:30 & 9 p.m. and Thu, Fri, Public Theater, 8 p.m. Thru Feb. 14. City Theatre, Downtown. 412-316-1600. South Side. 412-431-2489. LITTLE WOMEN. Based on the WEBS. A play that weaves threads book by Louisa May Alcott & of storytelling from ancient Greece presented by the Pittsburgh to Tumblr to discover how we can Opera. Sung in English with texts grow from passive victims to heroic projected above the stage. Fri., authors of our own mythology. Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 31,
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[SPELLING BEE]
Presented by Dreams of Hope & performed by the theatriQ youth ensemble. Fri., Jan. 29, 8 p.m., Sat., Jan. 30, 2 & 8 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 31, 2 p.m. The Alloy Studios, Friendship. 412-363-4321.
COMEDY FRI 29 STOPH EDISON W/ TOM HENRY, HOWARD LESTER, BLAIR PARKER, HOSTED BY SERENY SAYS. 10 p.m. Club Cafe, South Side. 412-431-4950.
FRI 29 - SUN 31
TRACY MORGAN. 7:30 & 9:45 p.m. and Jan. 30-31, 7 & 9:30 p.m. The Improv, Waterfront. 412-462-5233.
SAT 30 AARON KLEIBER, SEAN COLLIER, COLLIN CHAMBERLIN. 7 p.m. The Rose Bar, McKeesport. DAVID KAYE, TOM MUSIAL, MIKE SASSON. 8 p.m. Kennedy VFD, McKees Rocks. FRANKLY SCARLETT COMEDY HOUR. All-female comedy troupe Frankly Scarlett debuts a brand new sketch comedy show, opening set by Atomic Jane. 8 p.m. Arcade Comedy Theater, Downtown. 412-339-0608. JOHN RATHBONE, AUGGIE COOK, RAY ZAWODNI. 7:30 p.m. Monessen Elks #773. LAUGH & LYRICS. Live comedy & R&B vocalists. Last Sat of every month James Street Gastropub & Speakeasy, North Side. 412-904-3335.
MON 01 COMEDY SAUCE SHOWCASE. Local & out-of-town comedians. Mon, 9 p.m. Pleasure Bar, Bloomfield. 412-682-9603. OPEN MIC COMEDY NIGHT. Mon, 10 p.m. Lava Lounge, South Side. 412-431-5282.
WED 03 BROOKLINE COMMUNITY OPEN MIC. A community run open mic. Wed, 7-10 p.m. Brookline Pub, Brookline. 412-531-0899.
EXHIBITS ALLEGHENY CITY HISTORIC {PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIK GATZ}
Come spell some words (out loud) for fun and for charity at the Great Pittsburgh Spelling Bee. Proceeds will benefit the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh, and a raffle will benefit the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. After a long break, the Bee is back to challenge dictionary-readers, word-lovers and anyone looking for some friendly competition. All are welcome at the The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination, although the Bee is mostly an adult-participation event. 6 p.m. Sat., Jan. 30. 5006 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. Donation-based admission. $5-10 entry fee. pghspellingbee.tumblr.com
GALLERY. Historical images & items forcusing on the North Side of Pittsburgh. North Side. 412-321-3940. ALLEGHENY-KISKI VALLEY HERITAGE MUSEUM. Military artifacts & exhibits on the Allegheny Valley’s industrial heritage. Tarentum. 724-224-7666. CONTINUES ON PG. 38
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“Portrait of Self” (digital, 2014), by Erick Morell. From the exhibition Redfishbowl Collective Artists’ Showcase, at The Gallery 4, Shadyside.
blogh.pghcitypaper.com
VISUALART NEW THIS WEEK CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL BUILDING. The Cranberry Artists Network Members Show. Work from over 70 members of the Cranberry Artists Network. Opening reception February 3, 6-8 p.m. Cranberry. ON THE SKIDS. RUL37: A Retrospective of Art. New shirt designs, classic designs, prizes, games, BYOB. Jan. 30, 7-9 p.m. Knoxville. 814-937-3563. SHAW GALLERIES. Garden of Joy. A three-day painting exhibit the works of Katya Vadim Greco. Artist’s reception Jan. 30, 5-8 p.m. Downtown. 412-281-4884. SILVER EYE CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY. Fellowship 16: Projects by Ka-Man Tse & Aaron Blum. Two solo exhibitions from our International Award & Keystone Award winners, selected from an open call for entries in mid-2015. Opening reception Jan. 29, 6-9 p.m. South Side. 412-431-1810.
ONGOING 937 LIBERTY AVE. Humanae/ I AM AUGUST. A series of photographs of everyday Pittsburghers by Angelica Dass. Downtown. 412-338-8742. ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM. Permanent collection. Artwork & artifacts by the famed Pop Artist. North Side. 412-237-8300. ARTDFACT. Artdfact Gallery. The works of Timothy Kelley & other regional & US artists on display. Sculpture, oil & acrylic paintings, mixed media, found objects, more. North Side. 724-797-3302.
ARTISTS IMAGE RESOURCE. Printwork 2015. Feat. prints created by 22 artists from around the country, the exhibition features innovative techniques combined w/ solid conceptual thinking. North Side. 412-321-8664. BACKSTAGE BAR AT THEATRE SQUARE. Fibers Fiction. Encaustic handmade papers w/ embellished stitching by Katy DeMent. Downtown. 412-325-6768. BOCK-TOTT GALLERY. 5 Artists: A Collection of Works. Works in various mediums by Brandy Bock-Tott, Jeffrey Phelps, Linda Breen, Joyce Werwie Perry & Cindy Engler. Sewickley. 412-519-3377. BOXHEART GALLERY. 15th Annual Art Inter/National Exhibition. Twenty-two powerful visual storytellers that are changing our world w/ imaginative imagery of wisdom, beauty, & truth. Bloomfield. 412-687-8858. CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART. HACLab Pittsburgh: Imagining the Modern. An exhibition of over, under architecture highlighting successive histories of pioneering architectural successes, disrupted neighborhoods & the utopian aspirations & ideals of public officials & business leaders. Silver to Steel: The Modern Designs of Peter Muller-Munk. Displaying the work of 60s German emigre & Pittsburgh industrial design Peter Muller-Munk, who started as a silversmith at Tiffany’s. Oakland. 412-622-3131. CHRISTINE FRECHARD GALLERY. Tony Havrilla. Paintings utilizing high contrast
& perspective to create images that blur the line between realism & abstraction. Squirrel Hill. 412-421-8888. CHROMOS EYEWEAR. Steel Mills Past & Present: Lithography by Keith Clouse. Black & white imagery of both working & decaying mills and the people who worked in them translated through lithography printing. Presented in conjunction w/ Carolyn Pierotti of Purple Room Fine Arts. Lawrenceville. 412-477-4540. ECLECTIC ART & OBJECTS GALLERY. 19th century American & European paintings combined w/ contemporary artists & their artwork. The Hidden Collection. Watercolors by Robert N. Blair (1912- 2003). Hiromi Traditional Japanese Oil Paintings The Lost Artists of the 1893 Chicago Exhibition. Collectors Showcase. Emsworth. 412-734-2099. FRAMEHOUSE. Except For The Sound of my Voice: Photogravures by Leslie A. Golomb. Feat. selections from Wielding the Knife, woodcuts by Master Chinese Printmaker, Li Kang. Lawrenceville. 412-586-4559. FRICK ART & HISTORICAL CENTER. Permanent collection of European Art. Point Breeze. 412-371-0600. FRICK FINE ARTS BUILDING. Studio Arts Summer 2015 Creative Research Exhibition. Artwork by five studio arts majors. Oakland. GALLERIE CHIZ. Not Enough Time. Inside The Artists’ Studios. Artist/Owner Ellen Chisdes Neuberg moves her studio into the gallery for six weeks & paints live during regular business hours. Shadyside. 412-441-6005. THE GALLERY 4. Redfishbowl Collective Artists’ Showcase. Recent Works from the Redfishbowl Collective. Shadyside. 412-363-5050. GLENN GREENE STAINED GLASS STUDIO INC. Original Glass Art by Glenn Greene. Exhibition of new work, recent work & older work. Regent Square. 412-243-2772. HOLOCAUST CENTER OF PITTSBURGH. In Celebration of Life: Living Legacy Project. A photographic/ multimedia exhibit honoring & commemorating local Holocaust survivors. North Side. 412-421-1500. JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER. Jane Haskell: Drawing in Light. An exhibition of 30 sculptures, paintings & drawings by the artist. Squirrel Hill. 412-521-8010.
The first hit is free. Actually, so are all the others.
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{PHOTO BY LISA CUNNINGHAM}
*Stuff We Like
MAKENight A couple of times a year the Children’s Museum offers a 21-and-over event where adults can be kids again. Activities vary depending on the time of year — Feb. 11 is “My Snarky Valentine” — but the evening always features delicious food and drinks from local vendors. www.pittsburghkids.org
Traditional Medicinal’s Organic Ginger With Chamomile
{PHOTO BY LISA CUNNINGHAM}
Perfect tonic for those seasonal sniffles. Find it at the East End Co-op and Whole Foods.
The Farmer’s Daughters The gift shop at this Deutschtown florist is full of great handpicked and handmade items. Choose from fingerless gloves and funky jewelry to bow ties and hip toiletries. 431 E. Ohio St., North Side
Guantanamo Diary The first-hand story of Mauritanian native Mohamedou Ould Slahi, still imprisoned at Guantanamo, was edited by Larry Siems, who recently visited Pittsburgh’s City of Asylum to talk about Slahi’s diary and case. www.guantanamodiary.com
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ANDREW CARNEGIE FREE LIBRARY MUSIC HALL. Capt. Thomas Espy Room Tour. The Capt. Thomas Espy Post 153 of the Grand Army of the Republic served local Civil War veterans for over 54 years & is the best preserved & most intact GAR post in the United States. Carnegie. 412-276-3456. BAYERNHOF MUSEUM. Large collection of automatic rollplayed musical instruments & music boxes in a mansion setting. Call for appointment. O’Hara. 412-782-4231. BOST BUILDING. Collectors. Preserved materials reflecting the industrial heritage of Southwestern PA. Homestead. 412-464-4020. CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART. The Propeller Group: The Living Need Light, the Dead Need Music. A video based exhibition that looks at colorful, spirited funeral traditions in Vietnam & New Orleans. Oakland. 412-622-3131. CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs. Rare fossils, life-size models & hands-on interactives to immerse visitors in the winged reptiles’ Jurassic world. Dinosaurs in Their Time. Displaying immersive environments spanning the Mesozoic Era & original fossil specimens. Permanent. Hall of Minerals & Gems. Crystal, gems & precious stones from all over the world. Population Impact. How humans are affecting the environment. Oakland. 412-622-3131. CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER. H2Oh! Experience kinetic water-driven motion & discover the relations between water, land & habitat. How do everyday decisions impact water supply & the environment? Ongoing: Buhl Digital Dome (planetarium), Miniature Railroad & Village, USS Requin submarine & more. North Side. 412-237-3400. CENTER FOR POSTNATURAL HISTORY. Explore the complex interplay between culture, nature & biotechnology. Sundays 12-4. Garfield. 412-223-7698. COMPASS INN. Demos & tours w/ costumed guides feat. this restored stagecoach stop. North Versailles. 724-238-4983. DEPRECIATION LANDS MUSEUM. Small living history museum celebrating the settlement & history of the Depreciation Lands. Allison Park. 412-486-0563. FALLINGWATER. Tour the famed Frank Lloyd Wright house. Mill Run. 724-329-8501. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Tours of 13 Tiffany stainedglass windows. Downtown. 412-471-3436. FORT PITT MUSEUM. Captured by Indians: Warfare & Assimilation on the 18th Century Frontier. During the mid-18th century, thousands of settlers of European & African descent were captured by Native Americans. Using documentary evidence from 18th & early 19th century sources, period imagery, &
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MALL AT ROBINSON. Digital Designs: Showcase of Student Design Work. Robinson. 412-788-0816. MATTRESS FACTORY. Ongoing Installations. Works by Turrell, Lutz, Shiota, Kusama, Anastasi, Highstein, Wexler & Woodrow. Factory Installed. Artists Anne Lindberg, John Morris, Julie Schenkelberg, Jacob Douenias, Ethan Frier, Rob Voerman, Bill Smith, Lisa Sigal & Marnie Weber created new room-sized installations that demonstrate a uniquely different approach to the creative process. North Side. 412-231-3169. MILLER GALLERY AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. Maximum Minimum In Unum. Exhibiting artists whose work eludes maximalist or minimalist classification. Oakland. 412-268-3618. MORGAN CONTEMPORARY GLASS GALLERY. parallelgenres. Christine Barney, John Burton, Granite Calimpong, Bernie D’Onofrio, Jen Elek, Saman Kalantari, David Lewin, David Royce, Margaret Spacapan & Cheryl Wilson Smith exploring an interconnected set of parameters through different genres. Shadyside. 412-441-5200. NEU KIRCHE CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER. Like a Body Without
artifacts from public & private collections in the U.S. and Canada, the exhibit examines the practice of captivity from its prehistoric roots to its reverberations in modern Native-, African- & Euro-American communities. Reconstructed fort houses museum of Pittsburgh history circa French & Indian War & American Revolution. Downtown. 412-281-9285. FRICK ART & HISTORICAL CENTER. Ongoing: tours of Clayton, the Frick estate, w/ classes & programs for all ages. Point Breeze. 412-371-0600. HARTWOOD ACRES. Tour this Tudor mansion & stable complex. Enjoy hikes & outdoor activities in the surrounding park. Allison Park. 412-767-9200. KENTUCK KNOB. Tour the other Frank Lloyd Wright house. Mill Run. 724-329-8501. KERR MEMORIAL MUSEUM. Tours of a restored 19th-century, middle-class home. Oakmont. 412-826-9295. MARIDON MUSEUM. Collection includes jade & ivory statues from China & Japan, as well as Meissen porcelain. Butler. 724-282-0123. MCGINLEY HOUSE & MCCULLY LOG HOUSE. Historic homes open for tours, lectures & more. Monroeville. 412-373-7794.
Skin. Work by Fiona Amundsen addressing the relationships between steel manufacturing industries & their mobilization into a united national front that produced everything from planes to bombs during WWII. North Side. 412-322-2224. PANZA GALLERY. Verse Envisioned. Poems from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette & works of art they have inspired. Millvale. 412-821-0959. PERCOLATE. The Futuristic Art Works of Ryder Henry. Organic, cybernetic urban landscapes portray a lush & stylish new world. Open Saturdays 12-4 p.m. or by appointment. Wilkinsburg. 412-606-1220. PHOTO ANTIQUITIES MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY. Shantytown. Twelve pictures & the only ones in existence from the Great Depression in 1930s of what is now the Strip District. See touching middle-class people living in poor shacks, but taking great steps to keep their style & cleanliness intact. Plus 30,000 other photos of History. North Side. 412-231-7881. PITTSBURGH FILMMAKERS. In the Air: Visualizing what we breath. Photographs that show the effects of western PA’s air quality. Oakland. 412-681-5449. SOCIETY FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT SATELLITE GALLERY. The Invisible One. Insight into the
NATIONAL AVIARY. Masters of the Sky. Explore the power & grace of the birds who rule the sky. Majestic eagles, impressive condors, stealthy falcons and their friends take center stage! Home to more than 600 birds from over 200 species. W/ classes, lectures, demos & more. North Side. 412-323-7235. NATIONALITY ROOMS. 29 rooms helping to tell the story of Pittsburgh’s immigrant past. University of Pittsburgh. Oakland. 412-624-6000. OLD ST. LUKE’S. Pioneer church features 1823 pipe organ, Revolutionary War graves. Scott. 412-851-9212. OLIVER MILLER HOMESTEAD. This pioneer/Whiskey Rebellion site features log house, blacksmith shop & gardens. South Park. 412-835-1554. PENNSYLVANIA TROLLEY MUSEUM. Trolley rides & exhibits. Includes displays, walking tours, gift shop, picnic area & Trolley Theatre. Washington. 724-228-9256. PHIPPS CONSERVATORY & BOTANICAL GARDEN. 14 indoor rooms & 3 outdoor gardens feature exotic plants & floral displays from around the world. Orchid & Tropical Bonsai Show. A display of orchids & bonsai. Garden Railroad. Model trains
loneliness & confusion felt by stigmatized individuals. The three artists on display present hope for awareness, action & understanding through a variety of works composed of wood, fiber, clay & mixed media. Downtown. 412-261-7003. THE SOCIETY FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT. Mindful: Exploring Mental Health Through Art. More than 30 works created by 14 contemporary artists explore the impact that mental illness is having on society & the role the arts can play in helping to address these issues. Strip District. 412-261-7003. SPINNING PLATE GALLERY. Transactions: Art & Poetry Exchange. A discourse between visual and literary artists. Friendship. 412-559-4804. SWEETWATER CENTER FOR THE ARTS. Poetic Logic: Collage & Assemblage. This national juried exhibition will showcase artists working in collage, assemblage & other processes of incorporating elements of repurposed materials as a way of expressing our contemporary experience. Sewickley. 412-741-4405. TUGBOAT PRINT SHOP. Tugboat Printshop Showroom. Open showroom w/ the artists. Fridays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. & by appt. only. Lawrenceville. 412-980-0884.
chug through miniature landscapes populated w/ living plants, whimsical props & fun interactive buttons. Runs through Feb. 28. Tropical Forest Congo. An exhibit highlighting some of Africa’s lushest landscapes. Oakland. 412-622-6914. PHOTO ANTIQUITIES MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY. Displaying 660 different movie cameras, showing pictures on glass, many hand-painted. The largest display of 19th Century photographs in America. North Side. 412-231-7881. PINBALL PERFECTION. Pinball museum & players club. West View. 412-931-4425. PITTSBURGH ZOO & PPG AQUARIUM. Home to 4,000 animals, including many endangered species. Highland Park. 412-665-3639. RACHEL CARSON HOMESTEAD. A Reverence for Life. Photos & artifacts of her life & work. Springdale. 724-274-5459. RIVERS OF STEEL NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA. Exhibits on the Homestead Mill. Steel industry & community artifacts from 18811986. Homestead. 412-464-4020. SENATOR JOHN HEINZ HISTORY CENTER. From Slavery to Freedom. Highlight’s Pittsburgh’s role in the anti-slavery movement. Ongoing:
Western PA Sports Museum, Clash of Empires, & exhibits on local history, more. Strip District. 412-454-6000. SEWICKLEY HEIGHTS HISTORY CENTER. Museum commemorates Pittsburgh industrialists, local history. Sewickley. 412-741-4487. SOLDIERS & SAILORS MEMORIAL HALL. War in the Pacific 1941-1945. Feat. a collection of military artifacts showcasing photographs, uniforms, shells & other related items. Military museum dedicated to honoring military service members since the Civil War through artifacts & personal mementos. Oakland. 412-621-4253. ST. ANTHONY’S CHAPEL. Features 5,000 relics of Catholic saints. North Side. 412-323-9504. ST. NICHOLAS CROATIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. Maxo Vanka Murals. Mid-20th century murals depicting war, social justice & the immigrant experience in America. Millvale. 412-407-2570. WEST OVERTON MUSEUMS. Learn about distilling & coke-making in this pre-Civil War industrial village. West Overton. 724-887-7910.
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bi-partisan training for women who want to run for office, seek higher office, work on a campaign, get appointed for office or learn more about the political system. Mellon Board room. 8:30 a.m.5:45 p.m. Chatham University, Shadyside. 412-365-1878.
LITERARY THU 28 ENGLISH LEARNERS’ BOOK CLUB. For advanced ESL students. Presented in cooperation w/ the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council. Thu, 1 p.m. Mount Lebanon Public Library, Mt. Lebanon. 412-531-1912. THE HOUR AFTER HAPPY HOUR WRITER’S WORKSHOP. Young writers & recent graduates looking for additional feedback on their work. thehourafterhappyhour. wordpress.com Thu, 7-9 p.m. Lot 17, Bloomfield. 412-687-8117.
SAT 30 TAYLOR GRIESHOBER & ANGELE ELLIS. Staghorn Poetry Series: 2016 Kickoff. Curated by Deena November. 4 p.m. Staghorn Garden Cafe, Greenfield. 412-315-7298.
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STORYSWAP. An open w forum to swap stories. DADA MASILO’S typaper ci h g p First Mon of every SWAN LAKE. A classic .com month, 7 p.m. Northland re-framed in a South Public Library, McCandless. African lens. The piece 412-366-8100. deals w/ issues of sex, gender & homophobia in a country ravaged by AIDS. 8 p.m. Byham Theater, KID’S BOOKS FOR GROWN-UPS Downtown. 412-456-6666. BOOKCLUB. First Tue of every month, 10 a.m. Penguin Bookshop, Sewickley. 412-741-3838. THE MOTH. A themed story-telling series where all the stories must be CLUB RED WINTER COCKTAIL. Benefiting the American Red Cross. true, be about the storyteller & be told w/o notes. Every show has a DJ, hors d’oeuvres, & cash bar. theme. First Tue of every month, 7 p.m. Hotel Monaco, Downtown. 8 p.m. Rex Theater, South Side. 412-263-3152. 412-381-6811. STEEL CITY SLAM. Open mic poets & slam poets. 3 rounds of GOLF BASH 2016. Includes raffles 3 minute poems. Tue, 7:45 p.m. for 20 golf prizes, including five Capri Pizza and Bar, East Liberty. full sets of clubs, food & draft beer. 412-362-1250. 11:30 a.m. St. Ferdinand Church, Cranberry. 724-816-7299.
MON 01 CREATIVE INK TEEN WRITING WORKSHOP. No writing experience necessary. Registration required. Mon, 6-7:15 p.m. Thru March 7 Shaler North Hills Library, Glenshaw. 412-486-0211. MAKER STORY TIME. Explore tools, materials & processes inspired by books. Listen to stories read by librarian-turned-Teaching Artist Molly. Mon, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, North Side. 412-322-5058.
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CHESS CLUB. For students in grades K-7. First Tue of every month, 6:30 p.m. Mount Lebanon Public Library, Mt. Lebanon. 412-531-1912.
WED 03 ONCE UPON A WEDNESDAY. Each week, a new fairy tale will be introduced as well as an accompanying craft. This creative program is geared for ages 4 & under, but all are welcome to attend. Registration required. Wed, 10:30 a.m. Thru April 27 Baldwin Borough Public Library, Baldwin. 412-885-2255.
OUTSIDE FRI 29 TWILIGHT SNOWSHOE. 7-9 p.m. Boyce Park, Monroeville. 724-327-0338.
SAT 30 - SUN 31
FUNDRAISERS
SNOWSHOEING W/ THE PARK RANGERS. Jan. 30-31, 10 a.m.12 p.m. & 2-4 p.m. Boyce Park Four Seasons Ski Lodge, Monroeville. 724-733-4665.
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SUN 31 I’VE GOT THE MUSIC IN ME: A FUNDRAISER FOR GEORGIA BEA CUMMINGS. Live performances by Georgia Bea Cummings, Molly Belle Cummings, Deep Violet, Lyndsey Morgan Smith, Horus Maze. 7 p.m. Club Cafe, South Side. 412-431-4950.
WED 03 THE MERGING ART SERIES. W/ musical guest Beauty Slap, artist Baron Batch, benefiting Community Kitchen Pittsburgh. 7 p.m. Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, Warrendale. 724-799-8333.
POLITICS SAT 30
READY TO RUN PITTSBURGH. A
SAT 30
PTEROSAURS! Experience what it’s like to be a scientist in the field w/ hands-on activities, experiments, demonstrations & discussions w/ museum experts, family-friendly activities, more. 12 p.m. Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Oakland. 412-622-3131. SECOND ANNUAL CARDBOARD BOX SNOW TUBING DERBY. 4:30 p.m. Boyce Park, Monroeville. 724-327-0338.
SAT 30 - SUN 31 OUTDOOR FAMILY GAMES & ACTIVITIES. Enjoy various games & activities w/ parks department staff & our Park Rangers. Jan. 30-31, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Boyce Park, Monroeville. 724-327-0338.
WEDNESDAY MORNING WALK. Naturalist-led, rain or shine. Wed Beechwood Farms, Fox Chapel. 412-963-6100.
OTHER STUFF THU 28 A SOTO ZEN BUDDHIST SITTING GROUP. http://city dharma.wordpress.com/schedule/ Tue, Thu Church of the Redeemer, Squirrel Hill. 412-965-9903. BOARD GAMES NIGHT. Fourth Thu of every month, 6 p.m. Carnegie Library, Oakland. 412-622-3151. ETHICS, CITIZENSHIP & GOVERNANCE: CAN WE FIX THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM FOR THE 21ST CENTURY?” Lecture from Fred Thieman, president, Buhl Foundation. 12 p.m. University of Pittsburgh Law Building, Oakland. 412-648-1413. HARD HATTED WOMEN & WILD SISTERS: LESBIAN FEMINIST COMMUNITY IN PITTSBURGH. Lecture from Ulbrich, visiting scholar, Pitt Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Program. Rm 602. 4 p.m. Cathedral of Learning, Oakland. 412-621-9339. CONTINUES ON PG. 40
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BIG LIST, CONTINUED FROM PG. 39
FIND LABATT BLUE & BLUE LIGHT SPECIALS NEAR YOU DURING ALL PENS GAMES ON THE CP HAPPS APP!
LETS GO PENS!
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF PITTSBURGH. Social, cultural club of American/ international women. Thu First Baptist Church, Oakland. iwap. pittsburgh@gmail.com. MIMI JONG. An Art & Inspiration lecture that will highlight her visit w/ images from her recent trip to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. 7 p.m. Shaler North Hills Library, Glenshaw. 412-486-0211. RADICAL TRIVIA. Thu, 9 p.m. Smiling Moose, South Side. 412-431-4668. REBECCA KAUFMAN & THE GROOVE DOCTORS. 7 p.m. Rivers Casino, North Side. 412-231-7777. TRIVIA NIGHT. Thu, 7 p.m. The BeerHive, Strip District. 412-904-4502.
EVERYONE IS A CRITIC
FRI 29 AFRICAN DANCE CLASS. Second and Third Fri of every month and Fourth and Last Fri of every month Irma Freeman Center for Imagination, Garfield. 412-924-0634. FRIDAY NIGHT CONTRA DANCE. A social, traditional American dance. No partner needed, beginners welcome, lesson at 7:30. Fri, 8 p.m. Swisshelm Park Community Center, Swissvale. 412-945-0554. WOMEN REVITALIZE NOW! Rep. Hal English to learn about services provided by PA Women Work & PA Career Link. Registration requested. 6:30-9 p.m. Shaler North Hills Library, Glenshaw. 412-486-0211.
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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 01.27/02.03.2016
at The Wheel Mill, Homewood CRITIC: Michael Pacinda, 34, an industrial technician from Swissvale WHEN: Sat.,
Jan. 23
[The Winter Welcome Jam] gets a lot of people together in one place, even from out of town. [The Wheel Mill] is one of the most unique places to ride in this area — it’s a really good environment. Everybody’s riding bikes and that’s a lot of fun. There’s a bunch of trick contests. The youngest [competitors] are 12 and under. I also love watching the Halahan kids — they travel all over the world. I ride here, but I don’t have the competitive bug to compete in these things. I just like to be around it. There are different aspects to riding, but it’s all good. A lot of people are going for speed and looking to ride smoothly, but in the room with the bigger jumps, you see people doing tricks in the air. And even though it snowed, it didn’t matter, because you can just ride your bike here.
Freeman Center for Imagination, Garfield. 484-888-2021. MATT BARRANTI & BILL ALI DUO. 9 p.m. Rivers Casino, WINTER WONDERLAND LASER North Side. 412-231-7777. LIGHT SHOW. A laser light show OVERCOMING TRAUMA. projected above the ski slopes. The Therapist & author Tamara Hill show will be accompanied by a DJ. will discuss the psychological, 7-10 p.m. and Sat., Jan. 30, 7-10 emotional, & physiological & p.m. Boyce Park Four Seasons Ski neurological effects of trauma. Lodge, Monroeville. 724-733-4665. 2:30 p.m. Carnegie Library, Downtown. 412-281-7141. POTTC PING PONG AGING YOUR WAY TOURNAMENT. 9:30 a.m. PITTSBURGH. A workshop on Eastminster Presbyterian Church, how to create a meaningful aging East Liberty. 412-916-2439. experience in Pittsburgh. RE:NEW FESTIVAL INFO RSVP required. 10:30 a.m.SESSION FOR ARTISTS. 2:30 p.m. Shaler North 2 p.m. Carnegie Hills Library, Glenshaw. Museum of Art, 412-486-0211. Oakland. 412-391-2060. ASK THE TRAINER: www. per a p SCOTTISH COUNTRY CANINE WINTER pghcitym o .c DANCING. Lessons ENRICHMENT. 7-8 p.m., social dancing 12:30 p.m. Western follows. No partner needed. Pennsylvania Humane Society, Mon, 7 p.m. and Sat, 7 p.m. North Side. 412-228-5812. Grace Episcopal Church, BEGINNER TAI CHI CLASSES. Mt. Washington. 412-683-5670. Sat, 9 a.m. Friends Meeting House, SOUTH HILLS SCRABBLE CLUB. Oakland. 412-683-2669. Free Scrabble games, all levels. BUTLER COUNTY WINE Sat, 1-3 p.m. Mount Lebanon FESTIVAL. Sample & purchase Public Library, Mt. Lebanon. wine, talk to vitners, raffle, 412-531-1912. more. 3-9 p.m. Days Inn, Butler. SWING CITY. Learn & practice 724-287-6761. swing dancing skills w/ the Jim DONATE BLOOD & MEET ENID Adler Band. Sat, 8 p.m. Wightman & SOPHIA FROM THE WALKING School, Squirrel Hill. 412-759-1569. DEAD. 7:30 a.m. Central Blood VOICECATCH WORKSHOP W/ Bank, Green Tree. 866-366-6771. KATHY AYRES. A community GREAT PITTSBURGH SPELLING writing workshop & writing space BEE. Adult spelling bee w/ prizes. provided by Chatham’s Words Benefits local social service Without Walls program. Sat, organizations. 6 p.m. Irma
FRI 29 - SAT 30
DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP FOR A CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS TO A GAME!
EVENT: Winter Welcome Jam
B Y C OURT N E Y L I N D E R
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Carnegie Library, East Liberty. 412-363-8232. WIGLE WHISKEY BARRELHOUSE TOURS. Sat, 12:30 & 2 p.m. Wigle Whiskey Barrel House, North Side. 412-224-2827. WINTER WINE FESTIVAL. Live music by Island Sounds Steel Drum & wine sampling. 12-3 & 5-9 p.m. St. Malachy Catholic Church, Coraopolis. 412-327-5663.
SUN 31 ARGENTINE TANGO CLASSES. Learn Argentine Tango w/ the Pittsburgh Tangueros. Classes for all levels. Beginners from 5-7pm. No partner required. Sun, 5 p.m. Thru Feb. 22 Wilkins School Community Center, Swissvale. 412-661-2480. CALMING COZY COLORING PROGRAM. Coloring sessions for adults. Sun, 2-4 p.m. Shaler North Hills Library, Glenshaw. 412-486-0211. MEET THE FACULTY. Visit the school, tour the classrooms & meet faculty & parents. 11 a.m. St. Teresa of Avila, West View. 412-366-1077. PPM & FRIENDS FOOD TRUCK ROUND-UP. 7 food trucks outside the Market. 11 a.m. Pittsburgh Public Market, Strip District. 412-281-4505. RADICAL TRIVIA. Trivia game hosted by DJ Jared Evans. Come alone or bring a team. Sun, 7 p.m. Oaks Theater, Oakmont. 412-828-6322. RECLAIMED WOOD WORKSHOP W/ POP CRAFT. Make art w/ reclaimed wood. 1 p.m. Pittsburgh
Public Market, Strip District. 412-532-9440. SUNDAY MARKET. A gathering of local crafters & dealers selling unique items, from home made foodstuffs to art. Sun, 6-10 p.m. The Night Gallery, Lawrenceville. 724-417-0223.
MON 01
DINING W/ DIABETES. Helping people w/ type 2 diabetes identify & understand important information about managing & preventing this disease. Mon, 5:30 p.m. Thru Feb. 2 Energy Innovation Center, Hill District. 412-263-1000. IN PRAISE OF IDLENESS? THE WORK OF THE HUMANITIES. Lecture from Helen Small, professor, Faculty of English Language & Literature. Rm. 602 5 p.m. Cathedral of Learning, Oakland. 412-621-9339. RE:NEW FESTIVAL INFO SESSION FOR ARTISTS. Learn the many ways you can apply to be a part of the brand-new Re:NEW Festival, a month-long celebration of creative reuse, transformation & sustainability. 6 p.m. Neu Kirche Contemporary Art Center, North Side. 412-391-2060. SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING. Lessons 7-8 p.m., social dancing follows. No partner needed. Mon, 7 p.m. and Sat, 7 p.m. Grace Episcopal Church, Mt. Washington. 412-683-5670. TRIVIA NIGHT. Hosted by Pittsburgh Bar Trivia. Mon, 7 p.m. Carnivore’s Restaurant & Sports Bar, Oakmont. 412-820-7427.
TUE 02 A SOTO ZEN BUDDHIST SITTING GROUP. http://city dharma.wordpress.com/schedule/ Tue, Thu Church of the Redeemer, Squirrel Hill. 412-965-9903. THE HUMANITIES: CAN YOU AFFORD TO LEAVE COLLEGE WITHOUT THEM?” Panel discussion feat. CNN’s Fareed Zakaria. Ballroom A. 7 p.m. University Club, Oakland. 412-648-8213. MT. LEBANON CONVERSATION SALON. Discuss current events w/ friends & neighbors. For seniors. First Tue of every month, 10 a.m. Mount Lebanon Public Library, Mt. Lebanon. 412-531-1912. NO-BAKE TREATS W/ RITA & MELISSA. Whip up easy & delicious holiday desserts without turning on the oven. First Tue of every month, 6 p.m. Carnegie Library, Oakland. 412-622-3151. PITTSBURGH MANSIONS. Melanie Linn Gutowski, author of Pittsburgh Mansions will discuss Pittsburgh’s great houses from the Victorian Era & the Gilded Age. Audience members will not only be introduced to the architecture of these homes but will learn of some of the more interesting stories of their inhabitants. 7 p.m. Mount Lebanon Public Library, Mt. Lebanon. 412-531-1912.
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WED 03 CARNEGIE KNITS & READS. Informal knitting session w/ literary conversation. First and Third Wed of every month, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Carnegie Library, Oakland. 412-622-3151. FLEET FEET SPEED SQUAD. At the track. Coach Alex from Fleet Feet Sports Pittsburgh hosts weekly Wednesday night speed workouts. The workouts are free & open to the public. Anyone who wants to improve their speed & form are encouraged to join. Wed, 7 p.m. Jefferson Elementary, Mt. Lebanon. 412-851-9100. THE PITTSBURGH SHOW OFFS. A meeting of jugglers & spinners. All levels welcome. Wed, 7:30 p.m. Union Project, Highland Park. 412-363-4550.
GALLERY. Searching for glass artists, fiber artists, potters, etc. to compliment the exhibits for 2015 & 2016. Booking for both galleries for 2017. Exhibits run from 1 to 2 months. Ongoing. 412-721-0943. EAST END COOPERATIVE MINISTRY. Request for proposals for artwork to hang in chapel of new building. Available funds of $2500 for materials and labor. Contact grumetjf@mac.com for more detailed information. Thru Feb. 15. 412-361-5549. THE HOUR AFTER HAPPY HOUR REVIEW. Seeking submissions in all genres for fledgling literary magazine curated by members of the Hour After Happy Hour Writing Workshop. afterhappy hourreview.com Ongoing.
EAST END COOPERATIVE MINISTRY
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INDEPENDENT FILM NIGHT. Submit your film, 10 minutes or less. Screenings held on the second Thursday of every month. Ongoing. DV8 Espresso Bar & Gallery, Greensburg. 724-219-0804. INTERWOVEN STATES ART EXHIBITION. Open to artists of any age who were a student or instructor at Sweetwater in 2015. Participant may enter 2 works in any medium (work does not need to be framed, but must be wired for hanging or prepared for display). Thru March 1. Sweetwater Center for the Arts, Sewickley. 412-741-4405. THE NEW YINZER. Seeking original essays about literature, music, TV or film, & also essays generally about Pittsburgh. To see some examples, visit www. newyinzer.com & view the current issue. Email all pitches, submissions & inquiries to newyinzer@gmail. com. Ongoing. THE POET BAND COMPANY. Seeking various types of poetry. Contact wewuvpoetry@hotmail. com Ongoing. THREE RIVERS ARTS FESTIVAL. A call for artists. Learn more about opportunities at TrustArts.org/ TRAFapply. Thru Jan. 31. WINTER BLUES. Call for artists for Multi-Media Juried Art Exhibit. Artists can submit recent work (from the last two years) that has not been in a previous juried show at the North Hills Art Center. Each piece must be ready for display or hanging w/ picture wire. Artwork may be delivered to the center between 10 a.m. & 3 p.m., Jan. 25-30. Maximum of three pieces. 412-364-3622.
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Walk-ins are Welcome
East End Cooperative Ministry is seeking volunteers to help with its adult education programs, in its main office and community kitchen, and more. Clearances are required for some volunteer positions. There are also opportunities for group volunteering. For more information, call Tracy Hudson at 412-345-7124 or visit www.eecm.org.
Auditions for ‘The Spitfire Grill’ & ‘Floyd Collins’. Seeking trained male & female singers/actors w/ strong singing abilities in folk-rock & contemporary musical theater styles, in addition to strong acting capabilities. Open calls Feb. 19, 5 p.m. & Feb. 20, 5 p.m. If called back, dance call Feb. 21, 4-6 p.m. All applicants must register online at http://frontporchpgh.com/ audition-form. Pittsburgh Musical Theater, West End. 412-551-4027. MUSICAL THEATRE ARTISTS OF PITTSBURGH. Seeking new unproduced musicals, either fully or substantially written & scored, to be considered for its Incubator Program. Interested writer/ composers are invited to contact MTAPgh@gmail.com for an application form or visit mtap. weebly.com for details. Thru Feb. 1. THE WESTMORELAND YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PROGRAM’S PHILHARMONIC. Open to high school & advanced middle school students. Openings exist in all string sections, as well as double reeds and brass. Visit http://westmorelandsymphony. org/academy-of-music/wyso/to download copies of the audition excerpts. To schedule an audition or for more information, contact Ramona at wysorc@verizon.net or 412-216-1970. Feb. 3, 6 p.m. Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, Greensburg. 724-836-1757.
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We wade through the crap so you don’t have to. www.pghcitypaper.com/ blogs/PolitiCrap +
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Savage Love {BY DAN SAVAGE}
blogh.pghcitypaper.com
Work yourself into a lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Christmas came and went, and every present I bought for my extraordinary husband could be opened in front of our children. He deserves better, and I have a particular gift in mind for Valentine’s Day. My husband has expressed an interest in sounding, something we’ve attempted only with my little finger. He seemed to enjoy it! But the last thing I want to do is damage his big beautiful dick. Is sounding a safe thing? Recommendations for a beginner’s sounding kit? Or should I scrap the idea and just get him another butt plug? SAFETY OF SOUNDING
Sounding, for those of you who didn’t go to the same Sunday school I did, involves the insertion of smooth metal or plastic rods into the urethra. “But whether or not something is a safe thing depends on knowledge of the risks/pitfalls and an observance of proper technique,” said Dr. Keith D. Newman, a urologist and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. “The urethral lining has the consistency of wet paper towels and can be damaged easily, producing scarring. And the male urethra takes a bend just before the prostate. Negotiating that bend takes talent, and that’s where most sounding injuries occur.” Recreational cock sounders — particularly newbies — shouldn’t attempt to push past that bend. But how do you know when you’ve arrived at that bend? “SOS’s partner should do the inserting initially,” said Newman, “as the bend in the urethra is easily recognized by the soundee. Once he is clear on his cues — once he understands the sensations, what works and when the danger areas are reached — SOS can participate safely with insertion.” And cleanliness matters, SOS, whether you’re sounding the husband or serving burritos to the public. “Clean is good, but the closer to sterile the better,” said Newman. “And be careful about fingers. They can be more dangerous than sounds because of the nails and difficulty in sterilizing.” So for the record, SOS: Your previous attempts at sounding were more dangerous than the sounding you’ll be doing with the lovely set of stainless-steel sounding rods you’ll be giving your hubby on Valentine’s Day. Moving on … “Spit is not lube,” said Newman. “Water- or silicone-based lubes are good; oil-based is not so good with metal instruments.” Using “glass or other breakable instruments” as sounds is a Very Bad Idea. Dr. Newman was pretty emphatic on this point. Now let’s go shopping! “Choosing the best ‘starter kit’ is not hard: Pratt Dilators are not hard to find online, they’re not that expensive, and they will last a lifetime,” said Newman. And when your set arrives, SOS, don’t make the common mistake of starting with the smallest/skinniest sound in the pack. “Inserting something too small allows wiggle room on the way in and for a potential to stab the urethral wall,” said Newman. The doc’s next safety tip will make sense after you’ve seen a set of Pratt Dilators: “Always keep the inserted curve facing one’s face, meaning the visible, external curve facing away toward one’s back.” You can gently stroke your husband’s cock once the sound is in place, SOS; you can even blow him. Vaginal intercourse is off the table, obviously,
and you might not wanna fuck his big beautiful dick with a sound until you’re both feeling like sounding experts. And when that time comes: Don’t stab away at his cock with a sound in order to sound-fuck him. Hold his erection upright, slowly pull the well-lubricated, non-glass sound until it’s almost all the way out, and then let go. It will sink back without any help from you. Your husband’s butt should be plug-free during your sounding sessions, SOS, as a plug could compress a section his urethra. The sound could puncture his compressed urethra. And a punctured urethra is every bit as unpleasant as it sounds. Finally, SOS, what about coming? Will your husband’s balls explode if he blows a load while a metal rod is stuffed in his urethra? “Coming with the sound in place is a matter of personal preference,” said Newman. My wife and I have an amazing relationship. Our sex life is as hot as it can be given a child and two careers. A couple of years ago, I bought her one of those partial-body sex dolls (it has a cock and part of the stomach). We took videos and pictures while using it. Very hot for both of us. We later got a black version of the same toy. (We are white.) Even hotter videos. I have kept the videos in a secure app on my iPad. Over the past year, I have created Photoshop porn of my wife with black men using screenshots from commercial porn. I haven’t shared this with my wife. We never discussed what to do with the videos and pics we made. I assumed she trusted me not to share these images with anyone. (I haven’t and won’t!) Is it OK that I have a porn stash that features my wife? Is it OK that I have a stash of Photoshop porn of my wife fucking black men? Should I share this info — and my fantasies — with her? I’ve always fantasized about her being with a black man, but I’m not sure either of us would truly want that to happen. SECRETLY KEEPING ENCRYPTED PORN THAT ISN’T CLEARLY ALLOWED LATELY
You need to speak to your wife about those pics and videos, about the way you’ve manipulated them, and about your fantasies — but that’s a lot to lay on her at once, SKEPTICAL, so take it in stages. Find a time to ask her about those old pics and videos and whether she wants them discarded or if you can continue to hang on to them. At a different time, bring up your racially charged fantasies and let her know what those partial-body sex dolls were doing for you. And finally, SKEPTICAL, if she reacts positively to your having held on to the photos and to your fantasies, ask her how she feels about you creating a few images using Photoshop of her hooking up with a black man for fantasy purposes only. It’s a little dishonest, but you’ll know what you need to do if her answer to the Photoshop question is “No, absolutely not!” (To be clear: You’ll need to delete those Photoshopped pics.) All that said, SKEPTICAL, if the images you’re holding onto could destroy your marriage and/or your wife’s life and/or your wife’s career if they got out (computers can be hacked or stolen, clouds may not be as secure as advertised), don’t wait: Delete all of the images now. On the Lovecast, porn star Bailey Jay on the perils and pleasures of letting your dirty photos out: savagelovecast.com.
SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO MAIL@SAVAGELOVE.NET AND FIND THE SAVAGE LOVECAST (DAN’S WEEKLY PODCAST) AT SAVAGELOVECAST.COM
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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 01.27/02.03.2016
FOR THE WEEK OF
Free Will Astrology
01.27-02.03
{BY ROB BREZSNY}
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “It seems that the whole time you’re living this life, you’re thinking about a different one instead,” wrote Latvian novelist Inga Abele in her novel High Tide. Have you ever been guilty of that, Aquarius? Probably. Most of us have at one time or another. That’s the bad news. The good news is that the coming months will bring you excellent opportunities to graduate forever from this habit. Not all at once, but gradually and incrementally, you can shed the idea that you should be doing something other than what you’re doing. You can get the hang of what it’s like to thoroughly accept and embrace the life you are actually living. And now is an excellent time to get started in earnest on this project.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “Even nightingales can’t be fed on fairy tales,” says a character in Ivan Turgenev’s novel Fathers and Sons. In other words, these marvelous birds, which sing sublimely and have long been invoked by poets to symbolize lyrical beauty, need actual physical sustenance. They can’t eat dreamy stories. Having acknowledged that practical fact, however, I will suggest that right now you require dreamy stories and rambling fantasies and imaginary explorations almost as much as you need your daily bread. Your soul’s hunger has reached epic proportions. It’s time to gorge.
ARIES (March 21-April 19):
Do you know Emily Brontë’s novel Wuthering Heights? At one point, the heroine Catherine tells her friend about Edgar, a man she’s interested in. “He wanted all to lie in an ecstasy of peace,” Catherine says, “and I wanted all to sparkle and dance in a glorious jubilee. I said his heaven would be only half alive; and he said mine would be drunk: I said I should fall asleep in his; and he said he could not breathe in mine.” If you’re a typical Aries, you’re more aligned with Catherine than with Edgar. But I’m hoping you might consider making a temporary compromise in the coming weeks. “At last, we agreed to try both,” Catherine concluded, “and then we kissed each other and were friends.”
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): People turn to you Tauruses for help in staying grounded. They love to soak up your down-toearth pragmatism. They want your steadfastness to rub off on them, to provide them with the stability they see in you. You should be proud of this service you offer! It’s a key part of your appeal. Now and then, though, you need to demonstrate that your stalwart dependability is not static and stagnant — that it’s strong exactly because it’s flexible and adaptable. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to emphasize this aspect of your superpower.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): When winter comes, pine trees that grow near mountaintops may not be able to draw water and minerals from the ground through their roots. The sustenance they require is frozen. Luckily, their needle-like leaves absorb moisture from clouds and fog, and drink in minerals that float on the wind. Metaphorically speaking, Gemini, this will be your preferred method for getting nourished in the coming weeks. For the time being, look UP to obtain what you need. Be fed primarily by noble ideals, big visions, divine inspiration and high-minded people.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): We all go through phases when we are at
odds with people we love. Maybe we’re mad at them, or feel hurt by them, or can’t comprehend what they’re going through. The test of our commitment is how we act when we are in these moods. That’s why I agree with author Steve Hall when he says, “The truest form of love is how you behave toward someone, not how you feel about them.” The coming weeks will be an important time for you to practice this principle with extra devotion — not just for the sake of the people you care about, but also for your own physical, mental and spiritual health.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): After fighting and killing each other for years on end, the Roman and Persian armies agreed to a truce in 532 A.D. The treaty was optimistically called “The Endless Peace.” Sadly, “endless” turned out to be just eight years. By 540, hostilities resumed. I’m happy to announce, though, that your prospects for accord and rapprochement are much brighter. If you work diligently to negotiate an endless peace anytime between now and March 15, it really is likely to last a long time.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “I shiver, thinking how easy it is to be totally wrong about people, to see one tiny part of them and confuse it for the whole.” Author Lauren Oliver wrote that, and now I’m offering it to you, just in time for your Season of Correction and Adjustment. The coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to get smarter about evaluating your allies — and maybe even one of your adversaries, as well. I expect you will find it relatively easy, even pleasurable, to overcome your misimpressions and deepen your incomplete understandings.
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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “I opened my mouth, almost said something. Almost. The rest of my life might have turned out differently if I had. But I didn’t.” The preceding reminiscence belongs to a character in Khaled Hosseini’s novel The Kite Runner. I bring it up in hopes that you will do the opposite: Say the words that need to be said. Articulate what you’re burning to reveal. Speak the truths that will send your life on a course that’s in closer alignment with your pure intentions.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): According to some traditional astrologers, you Capricorns are vigilant to avoid loss. Old horoscope books suggest that you may take elaborate measures to avoid endangering what you have accumulated. To ensure that you will never run out of what you need, you may even ration your output and limit your self-expression. This behavior is rooted in the belief that you should conserve your strength by withholding or even hiding your power. While there may be big grains of truth in this conventional view of you Capricorns, I think it’s only part of the story. In the coming weeks, for instance, I bet you will wield your clout with unabashed authority. You won’t save yourself for later; you’ll engage in no strategic self-suppression. Instead, you will be expansive and unbridled as you do whatever’s required to carry out the important foundation work that needs to be done. What could you do to free your imagination from its bondage? Read “Liberate Your Imagination”: http://bit.ly/Liberate
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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In June 1942, the U.S. Navy crushed Japanese naval forces at the Battle of Midway. It was a turning point that was crucial to America’s ultimate victory over Japan in World War II. One military historian called it “the most stunning and decisive blow in the history of naval warfare.” This milestone occurred just six months after Japan’s devastating attack on U.S. forces at Pearl Harbor. To compare your life to these two events may be bombastic, but I’m in a bombastic mood as I contemplate your exciting possibilities. I predict that in the second half of 2016, you’ll claim a victory that will make up for a loss or defeat you endured during the last few months of 2015. And right now is when you can lay the groundwork for that future triumph.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Playwright Edmond Rostand (1868-1918) had a lot of friends, and they often came to visit him
GO TO REALASTROLOGY.COM TO CHECK OUT ROB BREZSNY’S EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES AND DAILY TEXT-MESSAGE HOROSCOPES. THE AUDIO HOROSCOPES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE BY PHONE AT 1-877-873-4888 OR 1-900-950-7700
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uninvited. He found it hard to simply tell them to go away and leave him alone. And yet he hated to be interrupted while he was working. His solution was to get naked and write for long hours while in his bathroom, usually soaking in the bathtub. His intrusive friends rarely had the nerve to insist on socializing. In this way, Rostand found the peace he needed to create his masterpiece Cyrano de Bergerac, as well as numerous other plays. I suggest you consider a comparable gambit, Scorpio. You need to carve out some quality alone time.
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ACROSS 1. Pres. born one mile from my house in Brookline, MA 4. French seasoning 7. Begins 13. Chapter 3 14. Pants that are dropped, for short 16. Hold together 17. Arabian desert nomads 19. Japanese noodle dish 20. Some deliveries 22. Locked up 24. Cheerleader’s word 25. Quatro estaciones 26. Bad outlook 28. Author St. Johns 33. Loin letters 35. Place for experimenting 36. Admit as much 37. Skyscraper transport with exactly two cars 41. “How about that!” 42. “___ of Saul” (2016 Best Foreign Language front-runner) 43. Quaint word in some bar names 44. “Toodles!” 45. Insubstantial 46. Under the weather 47. Ice Cube’s group 49. Room to move
52. 1962 Shirley MacLaine Robert Mitchum romcom 57. “Leave. Now!” 58. Backup for emergency startups 62. Some smokes 63. Happening infrequently 64. Chinese energy 65. Appliance time saver 66. Squeeze in barely 67. Bad spelling?
DOWN 1. Sail 2. Globe curse 3. Tease playfully 4. Publicity ___ 5. Comic who was in the fictional band The Rutles 6. What may lie ahead, in a cliché 7. Diving gear 8. Two-time Emmy winner for “Veep” 9. Ishmael’s boss 10. Start from the beginning 11. NFL commentator Aikman 12. Ottawa NHLers, familiarly 15. Common port type 18. Abbr. meaning way passé 21. Hammerlocked limb
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22. Shoe section 23. Small lump 25. Q7 and A3, e.g. 27. Like one considering gastric banding, maybe 29. “Girl U Want” new wavers 30. And others, in a footnote 31. With a regal flair 32. Shooter Adams 34. ___ Whelan (“Scandal” character”) 38. 1972 Bill Withers hit 39. Vito and Fredo’s family
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40. Hosiery piece 45. Where one might get pinned 48. Pull (from) 50. First name in mascara 51. Used tissue shape 52. Cumin meas. 53. Time’s sign? 54. Look at 55. The enemy 56. “Silicon Valley” channel 59. I, to Kraftwerk 60. Pen or dam, for one 61. Puffed cereal brand {LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS}
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MOVING PICTURES {BY MIKE WATT}
SINCE 1991, Pittsburgh Citiparks has celebrated Black History Month with elaborate displays inside the lobby of the City-County Building, Downtown. This year the lobby will be decorated with famous faces from Hollywood — actors, directors, writers and producers, most with Pittsburgh ties. It’s titled A History of Film: A Tribute to the Contributions of African Americans on Film. Organizer Dodi Byrne says focusing on African Americans in Hollywood seemed like a natural progression for the display. “In past years we did displays on writers, musicians, playwrights. A year or two ago, we did a display on comic-book artists. So this year, I thought, ‘Why not film?’” Byrne says. “It’s a [medium] that reaches the [widest] demographic in the world. I thought that would be good and it’s just sort of taken off on its own. “
there to shoot film at all. If they get any press at all, it’s negative. But I have to tell you our experiences there were amazing.” Young says the local business owners were very supportive, opening their doors during the hot summer shoot to let the cast and crew cool off in the air conditioning. “Some of these people I didn’t truly know … they were just happy we were there doing something positive,” Young says. “I had people walking up to me while I’m standing by the monitor, watching the scene. Some of the crew were like, ‘That doesn’t annoy you?’ Not really. Because they’ve never seen anyone make a movie before. That’s something that I want them to see. “This is the process. This is how it’s done. And I wanted to be accessible to them. Filmmaking is a skill. You go somewhere and you learn about it
“I’M NOT BEGGING TO SIT AT YOUR TABLE. I’M GOING TO CREATE MY OWN TABLE.” “On one side of the lobby, we’ll have a display tracking [over] the decades the roles that African Americans have had, and how the roles have evolved,” Byrne explains. “From the not-so-great roles of the 1910s [and] 1920s, to today where you have the Denzels and your James Earl Jones and their very powerful leading roles. Not only that, [but] they are writers and directors and producers in the business now, too. The other side of the lobby is going to be dedicated to African-American actors and actresses from Pittsburgh. I’ll have their headshots and their biographies on the wall.” The exhibit kicks off with a meet-and-greet presentation on Mon., Feb. 1, on the main floor of the City-County Building. There will be a reception and presentations from two young local women making names for themselves in the industry. Former Miss Pennsylvania USA Kimmarie Johnson grew up in Wilkinsburg. She went from modeling to Beverly Hills 90210 to entrepreneurship with her line of skin-care products, SkinGlow by Kimmarie. Johnson will be speaking about her challenges in the industry. Sharing the stage with her will be writer/producer/director Najaa Young from Homewood. Young’s directorial debut, Blood First, wrapped in 2014 and hit screens last year. Filmed in and around Pittsburgh, particularly in Homewood and Lincoln-Larimer, Blood First tells the story of two brothers caught up in criminal activities, which are all too common in poverty-stricken areas. “[Shooting here] was amazing,” Young says. “Everyone was so supportive. I think people were really tripped out that we were actually from Pittsburgh. In the neighborhoods we shot in, most people don’t come
and you put that into practice. It’s not that unattainable.” The role of African Americans in the film industry is a hot topic due to the recent charges that artists of color were snubbed by this year’s Academy Awards. While Young admits that this year’s absence is aggravating, she adds, “I have to ask you this — how is this any different from any other year? The Academy Awards [voters are mostly] older white men. Am I ever surprised by anything they don’t do? Nope, I’m not. I’m not begging to sit at your table or begging for recognition from you. I’m going to create my own table, and recognize who I think is important. Period.”
A HISTORY OF FILM: A TRIBUTE TO THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS ON FILM 6 p.m. Mon., Feb. 1. City-County Building, 414 Grant St., Downtown. Free. www.pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/black-history-month
For Byrne, the Academy’s omissions are more egregious. “There were so many talented performances, and how they could disregard that is just beyond me,” she says. Asked about the ongoing relevance of Black History Month, Byrne offers the perfect response to those who debate its value. “How far back does history go? You’re never going to be able to stop rediscovering new things and new pieces of history turning up. I don’t see it ever stopping. I don’t see why it should,” Byrne says. I N F O@ P G HC I T Y PA P E R. C OM
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