May 12, 2021 - Pittsburgh City Paper by Pittsburgh City Paper

INSIDE: CELEBRATE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH WITH LOCAL AAPI ORGANIZATIONS PITTSBURGH’S ALTERNATIVE FOR R NEWS, ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT SINCE 1991

Pittsburgh writer

Brian Broome opens up about race, sexuality, and addiction in highly anticipated new memoir

Punch Me Up To the Gods

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MAY M AY 12-19, 2021

FIRSTSHOT

BY JARED WICKERHAM

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MAY 12-19, 2021 VOLUME 30 + ISSUE 19

Becky Mauro, AM prep cook, tends to the urban garden on the rooftop of Gaucho Downtown on Fri., May 7.

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CORRECTION: Last week’s Election Guide chart on the Allegheny County Common Pleas Judicial Elections erroneously left out Tom Caufield and Patrick A. Sweeney’s endorsements from the Allegheny County Democratic Committee. An updated version of the story is online here: tinyurl.com/PghCommonPleas. Pittsburgh City Paper apologizes for the error.

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COVER PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM READ THE STORY ON PAGE 14

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Suraj Nepal, Board Chair of the Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh, poses for a portrait on Sun., May 9.

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THE BIG STORY

CULTURES WORTH CELEBRATING Pittsburgh Asian organizations offer community, support, and education for local AAPI residents BY KIMBERLY ROONEY 냖㵸蔻 // KIMROONEY@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

S THE REGION’S ASIAN

population has increased, so too has its options for Asian cuisine. Throughout the city and surrounding areas, offerings for Chinese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Indian, Thai, Korean, and more abound. For some, restaurants and perhaps an occasional cultural festival may be the primary way of interacting with Asian and Pacific Islander cultures. But these communities and cultures consist of more than what can be consumed, and local heritage organizations provide touchstones of support, education, and community for Asian American and Pacific Islander residents and visitors in Pittsburgh. “I would love it if we had a way of sharing out with the community that we’re more than just restaurants,” says president of the OCA (Organization of Chinese Americans) Pittsburgh chapter Marian Lien. “We’re more than just that once-a-year, when you’re bored of winter time, and you want to see something vibrant and beautiful and colorful coming down the street and you decide to go to the parade.” While these organizations function year round, Pittsburgh City Paper spoke to several groups for its Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month coverage, as part of the celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage, history, and culture. What became AAPI Heritage Month began in 1976 when former Capitol Hill staffer Jeanie Jew wanted to designate a week to recognize Asian and Pacific Americans after witnessing a lack of recognition for them during the country’s bicentennial celebrations. Jew also wanted to celebrate her great-grandfather, who worked as a laborer helping to build the transcontinental railroad. Asian organi-

zations — including the Organization for Chinese Americans, of which Jew was a member — launched advocacy campaigns in support. In 1978, former President Jimmy Carter signed the first Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week into existence to commemorate the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which was built in part with Chinese labor, and the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant in the U.S. on May 7, 1843. More than 40 years later, the OCA, which rebranded as the OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates in 2013, continues to fight for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and its Pittsburgh chapter does so through a combination of community outreach and aid; festival celebrations, including the Lunar New Year parade and banquet, and the Dragon Boat Festival; and, cultural and educational programs for Asian youth, such as Chinese yo-yo lessons and lion and dragon dance lessons. Especially for programs meant for local Asian youth, the OCA prioritizes not only the passing on of cultural traditions but also the ability for youth to get to know each other and foster a sense of community, as well as develop their own Asian American identities that are distinct from their parents or grandparents. “I have a photograph of them, like decked out in their resplendent silk costumes, right? But then in their hands is this Big Mac, you know? Then they have bubble tea in the other hand,” Lien says. “That is, for us, why we do the work we do to make sure there’s, well, yes, we want them to carry on the language too, but [it’s] for their self-esteem, for their self-worth, all of that.” As the largest among AAPI populations in Pittsburgh as of 2018, with about 37% of the population with self-reported CONTINUES ON PG. 6

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER MAY 12-19, 2021

CULTURES WORTH CELEBRATING, CONTINUED FROM PG. 5

Elect Rosemary Crawford Court of Common Pleas Judge, Allegheny County. No.2

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The OCA Pittsburgh’s 2019 Lunar New Year parade in Squirrel Hill

Asian ancestry, Chinese people also have one of the longest histories of community members and organizations in the city, stretching back to the Hip Sing and On Leong tongs in the late 19th- and early 20th-century Chinatown. Not all Asian and Pacific Islander groups have had similar experiences with settling into the region and establishing large multigenerational communities, and community and cultural organizations still provide support regardless of when people arrived and how long they intend to stay. Among them is the Japan America Society of Pennsylvania, which is based in Pittsburgh. JASP develops cross-cultural and international relations through business, cultural, and educational programs for Japanese residents, as well as those interested in Japanese culture. While the organization occasionally encounters people who fetishize Japanese culture, they try to turn these instances into learning opportunities, and they work with local teachers to understand and fulfill educational needs and interests. JASP’s focus on business and international relations, along with the emphasis on teaching Japanese culture, rather than fostering a new Japanese American identity and culture in the U.S., reflects the motivations of many Japanese people living in the region. “I think we really don’t have much presence of Japanese and Japanese culture in Pittsburgh,” JASP educational outreach coordinator Katsuko Shellhammer says, and although she highlights the

families who came to the Pittsburgh region after being released from WWII internment camps — to varying levels of acceptance — she mentions that many of them later moved out of the region. Shellhammer and JASP executive director Amy Boot also note that many Japanese people do not come to Pittsburgh to stay long term, but rather to do work rotations or complete school. This is reﬂected in JASP’s programming, as well as in the Japanese language schools in the region. One of which, the Pittsburgh Japanese School in Shadyside, teaches classes in Japanese and has its curriculum set by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan to ensure that the Japanese children currently in the region will be able to keep up with their peers in Japan. Other AAPI communities also have language schools with varying educational goals and intended audiences, such as the Pittsburgh Central Korean School — also known as the Korean School of Pittsburgh — in Shadyside, described on its website as catering to “second-generation locally-born Koreans.” The Pittsburgh Chinese School in Squirrel Hill, one of many Chinese schools in the area, primarily serves Chinese-heritage students with an eye towards preparing them to meet what its website refers to as “the challenge of globalization.” While some communities do not have speciﬁc cultural organizations, many use houses of worship as community CONTINUES ON PG. 8

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CULTURES WORTH CELEBRATING, CONTINUED FROM PG. 6

AAPI COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS OCA-ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN ADVOCATES, PITTSBURGH CHAPTER Civil rights advocacy and cultural education for Asian Pacific Americans through civic engagement, free medical clinics, festival celebrations, performance ensembles, and dance teams ocapghpa.org/index.html JAPAN AMERICA SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA (BASED IN PITTSBURGH) Collective of individuals, corporations, and organizations promoting cross-cultural relations and cultural and business education through programming such as Pittsburgh Taiko and school visits japansocietypa.org JAPAN ASSOCIATION OF GREATER PITTSBURGH Services and programming for Japanese residents, e.g. consulate services, equipment rentals, emergency contact services to family members in Japan, and folk festivals pittsburghjapan.wordpress.com BHUTANESE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF PITTSBURGH Aid and programming for Bhutanese residents and others who need it, including an afterschool program, civic engagement support, citizenship and immigration assistance, counseling, and recreational activities bcapgh.org FILIPINO AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PITTSBURGH Promotes Filipino heritage through cultural, charitable and educational activities, such as scholarships, a dance troupe, festivals, and local charity work benefitting the Philippines thefaap.org/wp BENGALI ASSOCIATION OF PITTSBURGH Connects the Bengali community to their cultural roots of the Indian and Bangladeshi regions and promotes awareness of Bengali culture through traditional musical and dance programs, stage performances, and other cultural events bengaliassociationofpittsburgh.weebly.com TAIWANESE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, PITTSBURGH BRANCH Supports the Taiwanese community through recreational programs such as a choir and softball club, as well as cultural events such as those for Lunar New Year, Mother’s Day, and Mid-Autumn Festival taapittsburgh.org If you’re part of an active AAPI Pittsburgh organization that we missed, please email kimrooney@pghcitypaper.com.

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Marian Lien, president of the Pittsburgh branch of the OCA, speaking during an AAPI Heritage Month Panel discussion at CCAC on Wed., April 29.

touchstones, such as local Korean churches and the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Penn Hills, the latter of which, according to its website, was constructed partially with funds from ﬁrst-generation Indian immigrants who wanted to maintain ties with their culture. Some community members also choose to get involved with cultural groups outside of their birth cultures or heritage cultures, especially those for whom there is not a large community or established community organization. While “Asian American” originated as a political term to organize coalitions of smaller Asian communities, some criticize the term — and the broader “AAPI” umbrella term — because it can obfuscate the needs and experiences of South and Southeast Asian people, along with Paciﬁc Islander groups, in favor of centering East Asian communities. These communities have histories that create different needs and challenges, such as the growing Bhutanese community of Pittsburgh, which is comprised of Bhutanese refugees who came to the U.S. by way of refugee camps in Nepal. The Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh provides support and cultural education for Bhutanese residents, and BCAP board chair Suraj Nepal emphasizes that “our doors are not only for Bhutanese, our doors are for anyone

who needs support.” “We have tried to look for opportunities to grow, to better identify our strengths, our weaknesses, and our own identity being a newly arrived immigration population,” Nepal says. “Being counted in the larger population, it does mean a lot. It means that if we have the support, we are being recognized, and there is somewhat of representation for us as well.” BCAP’s programming includes an after-school program, civic engagement support, citizenship classes, immigration assistance, youth support group, computer literacy program, and food distribution, mental health, and family counseling, as well as recreational activities such as chess, soccer, and futsal (a modiﬁed, indoor form of soccer). These programs are run by volunteers, and Nepal says, “we’re always in need of volunteers.” The organization also sends out information about events and programs through robo calls and texts, and it has representatives for the major pockets of Bhutanese residents in areas such as Castle Shannon, Brentwood, Whitehall, Baldwin, Carrick, Mount Oliver, and Greentree to ensure that community needs are met. The organization also responds to changing needs in the community, such

as those presented by COVID-19. Nepal says many calls BCAP receives concern COVID testing and vaccination availability, and they have worked with other organizations to provide accessible testing and vaccination sites. BCAP also shares and celebrates Bhutanese culture through community events, one of which is usually scheduled to coincide with two Hindu festivals, Dashain and Tihar, to maximize the number of community members who can attend. “A lot of our teens and young adults [were] born in refugee camps in Nepal. They grew up as any other Nepali citizen. And then, mistakenly, even though we are a refugee, when we are in Nepal, people are mistaken that they are Nepali,” says Nepal. “So that has been one of my emphases on clarifying those to at least say who we are … when we identify ourselves with the nation, we would be Bhutanese.” Like many of the other community organizations, BCAP also focuses not only on supporting its own cultural community but also on engaging with the broader community. “We also identify opportunities to go out in the community to represent ourselves and introduce ourselves,” Nepal says. “We are always looking for those opportunities … so people have an opportunity to know about us.”

Follow staff writer Kimberly Rooney 냖㵸蔻 on Twitter @kimlypso

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Magee-Womens Research Institute Challenges the Status Quo in Women’s Health By Niki Kapsambelis, Magee-Womens Research Institute

magine entering a doctor’s office for help with a medical problem. You learn that every tool the doctor has to treat you — every available drug therapy, the recommended course of treatment, even the diagnosis itself — is based on a best guess culled from studying these techniques in people who share some, but not all, of your characteristics. Would you feel confident about your outcome? In fact, that’s exactly how science has approached women’s health for centuries: by studying diseases and remedies in men, then broadly applying that information to the population as a whole. Science considered women too complex to study because of hormone fluctuations in the menstrual cycle, and they were reluctant to expose women to risky experiments during childbearing years. Unfortunately, this historic practice — as well as the mistaken belief that women respond the same way to treatments as men — has led to significant gaps in science’s understanding of women’s health. Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI) is dedicated to changing that status quo by embracing the not-quiteso-radical idea that women’s health is everyone’s health: when women thrive, so do entire communities. Founded in 1992, the institute was well ahead of its time. It wasn’t until 2001 that the Institute of Medicine, now the National Academy of Sciences, asked the key question: Does sex matter in health research? The answer, of course, is yes. From basic cell biology to the way we think, behave, respond to outside forces such as chemicals and infectious disease, men and women are fundamentally different — and science needs to recognize that fact. Today, MWRI is the largest research institute in the United States devoted solely to the health of women and infants. The institute receives more National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding than anywhere else in the U.S. for reproductive health research, and projects are varied and vital, including:

s ()6 PREVENTION FOR SOME OF THE WORLD S MOST VULNER able populations s .ONINVASIVE PRENATAL TESTING s #LINICAL TRIALS THAT ALLOWED A PREGNANT BREAST CANCER patient safely deliver a healthy baby s 4ECHNIQUES TO PRESERVE THE FERTILITY OF CHILDHOOD CAN cer survivors s $EVELOPMENT OF A NASAL SPRAY TO PREVENT #/6)$ without a vaccine )TS LOCATION DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET FROM 50-# Magee-Womens Hospital makes MWRI ideally situated for bringing the latest research discoveries directly to patients, a practice known as “bench to bedside.” In addition to federal support, the generosity of donors is essential to MWRI’s ability to continue pushing boundaries in scientific research. Through its affiliated foundation, the institute benefits from the contributions of philanthropic organizations, corporations, and private individuals. It also hosts several events throughout the year to raise money for its research, including a partnership with Women Who Rock, an annual concert that is founded, produced and fronted by women. After a pandemic-induced hiatus in 2020, Women 7HO 2OCK RETURNS IN WITH A LIVE CONCERT ON /CT 16 at Stage AE. In the meantime, MWRI is gearing up for its second biannual Magee-Womens Summit, an international conference that will convene the world’s top innovators in women’s health on Nov. AND AT THE $AVID , ,AWRENCE #ONVENTION #ENTER 4HE 3UMMIT S CENTERPIECE WILL BE THE awarding of the $1 million Magee Prize to fund collaborative, transformative research in women’s and reproductive sciences. Visit mageewomens.org for more information on events and other ways to support MWRI’s mission. PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER MAY 12-19, 2021

PHOTO: EMMAI ALAQUIVA

Tracey McCants Lewis

.BLACK-LED COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT.

RISING TO THE TOP BY DANI JANAE // DANIJANAE@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

ITTSBURGH BORN and bred, Tracey

McCants Lewis has been a law professor, a civil rights attorney, and currently serves as the Deputy General Counsel and Director of Human Resources for the Pittsburgh Penguins. And now,

after serving on its board for the past six years, she has also recently been named the ﬁrst Black woman to serve as Board Chair of Downtown’s August Wilson African American Cultural Center. McCants Lewis says she’s proud of

AUGUST WILSON AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER aacc-awc.org

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS’ WILLIE O’REE ACADEMY penguins.nhl.com/community/willie-oree-academy

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the work the center has done to add a wide variety of talents to its board. “We’re just working to build our board and have a range of community leaders, advocates, philanthropists, and business leaders that support the organization.” Though her appointment is still new, McCants Lewis says she’s excited to carry on the legacy of August Wilson and bring more programs to the center. The playwright has been lauded by audiences around the world, but she says there is still something uniquely Pittsburgh about a lot of his work.

“You can look at it and see almost like he predicted some things that we see in Pittsburgh,” she says. “And we also, I think, when you look at his work and you look at the plays, what you’re seeing in them is, you know what’s happening in Pittsburgh. He spoke the history of Pittsburgh throughout his work.” Though Wilson’s work has been turned from the stage to the screen with popular adaptations on platforms like Netﬂix, young people in Pittsburgh may still not know who August Wilson

MCCANTS LEWIS SAYS IT’S IMPORTANT TO MAKE LOCAL YOUTH AWARE OF AUGUST WILSON’S WORK.

was, or have any idea that he is from Pittsburgh. As one of the most signiﬁcant playwrights of the 20th century, McCants Lewis says it’s important to make local youth aware of his work. “They need to know that August Wilson grew up less than a mile from the center in the Hill District and that his contribution was not only to the city of Pittsburgh and our rich cultural and arts legacy, but what he gave to the world and internationally,” she says. “That’s something we do want to just make sure that we’re celebrating August Wilson.” McCants Lewis says the center is currently working on a program called the August Wilson Writer’s Landscape, an interactive exhibit that will allow visitors to see Wilson’s impact, not just in the city limits of Pittsburgh, but beyond. Having grown up in Monroeville with family in the North Side, McCants Lewis is very much a local. After graduating from high school, she attended Gannon University to get her bachelor’s degree in political science, then attended Duquesne Law School for her doctorate. She spent over 10 years at Duquesne as a law professor teaching civil rights litigation. From there, she transitioned to re-entry work, helping individuals with criminal backgrounds get their records cleared or expunged, or receive pardons through the governor’s ofﬁce. She says her interest in this kind of work came after an individual approached her and wanted to look at Pittsburgh becoming a “ban the box” city. The

WE’LL GET THROUGH THIS

initiative seeks to remove the box on job applications asking about past criminal convictions. In 2017, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that he would be “banning the box” from “non-civil service employment applications” under his jurisdiction. McCants Lewis says she and her students researched the matter as a civil rights issue, as “more Black and Brown people are affected by having a criminal record.” McCants Lewis says she enjoyed her time teaching and helping individuals in the community, while also serving as the Director of HR for the Pittsburgh Penguins. She’s been with Pittsburgh’s professional hockey team for a little over two years, and she says that while the sport has a reputation for not being diverse, things are changing at the game and leadership levels. She says the organization has been hiring more diverse candidates, and earlier this year, launched the Willie O’Ree Academy for Black youth hockey players in the Pittsburgh region. The academy, named after Willie O’Ree, the ﬁrst Black player in the National Hockey League, will start in June with a free nine-week training program. “They have the skills, they can skate, they can play, but they need those social resources,” says McCants Lewis. “Because, you know, I’ve been in opportunities. I’ve been in situations, jobs, organizations where I’m ‘the only’; whether it be the ‘only’ woman, the ‘only’ Black woman in the organization. Being the ‘only,’ sometimes you need that support. That’s what this initiative will do.”

TOGETHER We all know someone who has been hit hard by the pandemic. The new PA Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) can help people who’ve had set-backs by providing funds to cover rent and utility bills. If you’ve qualiﬁed for unemployment, had a reduction in income or faced other costs in the past year, our website can connect you with this and other programs.

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The Red Top and White Top pizzas from Armando’s Pizza

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TOP OF THE MON BY RYAN DETO // RYANDETO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

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EGIONAL PIZZA STYLES born and

bred in the greater Pittsburgh area are ﬁnally starting to see some love. Food publications are now focusing on Ohio Valley Pizza, with its airy crust and cold cheese added just after exiting the oven, resulting in a gooey, but not greasy pie. Pittsburgh City Paper even featured Altoona Hotel Pizza — made with genoa salami, a green pepper ring, and topped with square slices of yellow cheese — to the disgust and delight of readers. But Western Pennsylvania has more pizza creations to offer, and the two I recently tried come directly from the Monongahela River Valley. Born in the steel towns of Donora and Monessen, the Mon Valley Red Top style appears to be migrating to other nearby towns like Charleroi, and it even has a sister pie called the White Top. I ordered one of each from Armando’s Pizza on the outskirts of Monessen on a recent weekend trip to the Mon Valley. The place is extremely unassuming: retro plastic signage, a small building with no seating, and a fridge full of pop. This might give the impression that it’s just a run-of-the-mill pizza joint, but both Armando’s Original Red Top and White Top pizzas have intentionality

to them. These pies are designed to be enjoyed on many levels. The Red Top appears as you might expect, with red tomato sauce on top of the ingredients. The sauce is thick and rich, and sprinkled with parmesan, but also has enough herbs that balance well with surprises underneath. Directly below the sauce is a layer of pepperoni, and then cheese below that.

ARMANDO’S PIZZA 201 Tyrol Blvd., Monessen. armandospizza.net

This combo gives each bite almost a calzone or stromboli-like quality, but with less crust, which is appreciated. And although the cheese is rich, the pepperonis really lend their spices to each bite, and the herbs in the sauce pack a punch that balances out the richness of the cheese. Add on the soft, doughy, and slightly dense crust and Armando’s Red Top is a ﬁlling and decadent pizza. It’s like bar food, but not too over the top. The Red Top has even more surprises. The crust is folded over the bottom later of cheese, which gives the Red Top a pseudo-stuffed crust. This also gives Follow news editor Ryan Deto on Twitter @RyanDeto

some space for pepperoni grease to sink into the crust, like a good West Virginia pepperoni roll. It’s like three different Italian American favorites combined: a pizza, a calzone, and a pepperoni roll all in one treat. The Red Top only comes in a 12-inch pie, but even though I was starving, I could only manage to eat two slices. According to Pittsburgh Magazine, the Mon Valley Red Top was ﬁrst discussed in the 1980s between the owners of Armando’s and Anthony’s Italiano in Donora, and is a Mon Valley homage to the Chicago-style stuffed pizza. The perfect complement to my Red Top was Armando’s White Top pizza. This pie had the same kind of dough as the Red Top, but with layers like a traditional pizza, only replacing the traditional red sauce with a garlic butter sauce. It tasted like the soft, doughy cheese bread I had been craving for the last several months. Each bite contains thick layers of cheese and a strong garlic sauce to keep you coming back. A modest addition of sliced, fresh tomatoes added just enough sweetness and freshness to the White Top, so it wasn’t too rich. Both the Red Top and White Top are worth a trip to the Mon Valley.

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.MUSIC.

SOULSHOWMIKE’S ALBUM PICKS Sa-Roc’s “The Sharecropper’s Daughter”

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A-ROC CAME to me slowly. As the

singles “Hand of God,” “Deliverance,” and “r(E)volution” trickled in one by one, I paid increasingly more attention and waited for more. The Sharecropper’s Daughter album of late 2020 is the full album. It is as special overall as the individual pieces have been. Everything’s conscious (hint: the title). The melodies, beats, and harmonies are carefully orchestrated. I like my hip hop inﬂected with organic instrumentation, and hearing guitar strums on the title track is beautiful. Ledisi, Black Thought, Chronixx, and others offer vocal and cultural support throughout. Sa-Roc herself delivers with a strong, mature voice, and the lyrics make me scroll back to miss nothing.

The Sharecropper’s Daughter has turned the trickle into a full (H) faucet turn. On The Soul Show, I tend not to lock in on a track week after week. Sa-Roc will keep me busy for months.

N A SEPARATE note, assuming R&B is at least part of your thing, deﬁnitely check out the brand new show Vibin’ on WYEP. Host George T. has guested on The Soul Show and Grand Groove Radio for years, and he deservedly graduates to his own program. Vibin’ ﬁnds the sweet spot of new jack swing, neo soul, and hip hop of the late ’80s and ’90s. New music will sneak in, too. Catch Vibin’ on Mondays from 10 p.m.-midnight on WYEP 91.3FM or wyep.org.

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Mike Canton is the longtime host and producer of The Soul Show on WYEP 91.3FM. He recently launched a syndicated edition of the program, now airing in four markets. Both are produced in his Electric Basement Studios. Canton is also a Pittsburgh-area voice artist.

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Catch up on ones you’ve missed under Arts+Entertainment > Music

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER MAY 12-19, 2021

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

Brian Broome poses for a portrait inside the Jennie King Mellon Library on the campus of Chatham University.

.LIT..

BRIAN BLOOMS BY DANI JANAE // DANIJANAE@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

UNCH ME UP to the Gods is a memoir that chronicles one Black man’s journey and his struggles with race, sexuality, addiction, and recovery. The author, Brian Broome, is a Black gay man who traveled from Ohio to Pittsburgh in the 1990s to ﬁnd a sense of acceptance and community. The book expertly weaves stories from Ohio to Pittsburgh to Paris, following Broome as he navigates the negative Black stereotypes he was fed as a child in order to become his fully realized self. The memoir, set to release on Tue., May 18, has already received accolades from literary heavyweights including bestselling authors like Kiese Laymon (Heavy) and Augusten Burroughs (Running with Scissors), and

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has recently been listed as one of this month’s “Best New Books” by Entertainment Weekly, Apple Books, and editors of Amazon Books. One of the early scenes in Broome’s book that struck me happens within the ﬁrst 20 pages. We follow Broome as a boy and his antagonistic friend Corey. The relationship between the two is contentious as Corey is the opposite kind of boy as the author. Broome describes himself as reserved and often effeminate, whereas Corey plays more into the stereotypes of young masculinity. In the scene, the boys at school have been speculating that Broome might be gay, so Corey has put together a plan to prove that Broome is not, taking him to a barn where a girl awaits. The two are supposed to have a 10-year-old’s

deﬁnition of sex. As the scene unfolds, I felt concerned for both the girl and for Broome. They both have been forced into roles in that moment. The girl has been forced to be a receiver of the insecurities and desires of the boys that watch on. Broome has been forced into the role of a straight, Black, masculine male, a narrow identity he doesn’t ﬁt. “I have leaned on Black women a lot throughout my life and that is something that I want to stop doing,” Broome tells me over Zoom as we discuss the relationship between toxic masculinity and the treatment of Black women. “I don’t know where we get this idea that Black women are, you know, these fonts of strength and wisdom. Black women are those

things, but Black women are also vulnerable and need to have a kind word and things like that as well.” One of the major themes in Broome’s book hinges on the world’s perception of Blackness, specifically Black masculinity. The book itself braids stories from Broome’s life in Pittsburgh, his life in Ohio, and an interaction on a bus between himself and a father-son duo. One of the book’s first scenes is Broome observing this father and son: how, while waiting for a bus, the boy, named Tuan, injures himself and is encouraged by his father to not cry, to “be a man.” Like with Tuan, Broome believes the pressure on Black men starts at an early age. “I do feel like there is so much more pressure on Black men in our culture to be super masculine at all times,” he says. “And that lends itself to a kind of sexism that I think is different with regards to Black men and Black women.” The book also handles Broome’s journey to be comfortable with his sexuality, living as a Black gay man in America. When his college roommates forced him out of the closet, he moved back to his hometown of Warren, Ohio to wallow first, then begin to dream of a better, bigger place. That place seemed to be Pittsburgh. In one story from the book, Broome tells of his first Pride parade in the ’90s, describing how he walked along with a group of gays and lesbians in the pouring rain, staying on the outskirts to look like he wasn’t necessarily part of the group. Readers watch Broome transform from the shy, fearful man in this scene

to one that visits the Arena Health Club, a noted local gay hotspot. He goes from denying his sexuality when confronted by his roommates to being out at gay clubs and bars. He says how gay people, especially Black gay people, come to accept their sexuality has a lot to do with community and seeing other people be out and proud. “I think Black gay people are some of the strongest people we know because

BRIAN BROOME in conversation with poet Yona Harvey Tue., May 18. 7 p.m. (Video available for one month.) Free, with registration. pittsburghlectures.org

we’re getting it from both sides,” says Broome. “You know, we’re getting racism of the general public and we’re getting homophobia from Black people and the

general public, and it’s just a whole world of people telling you that you shouldn’t exist the way that you are.” Punch Me Up to the Gods is structured around a Gwendolyn Brooks poem, “We Real Cool.” Speaking as a poet myself, I loved the use of Brooks’ poem — it serves as a guide for the reader and as a skeleton for the myriad of stories Broome tells. Broome, an instructor in the writing program at the University of Pitsburgh where he’s currently pursuing an MFA after graduating from CCAC and Chatham University, also discusses how he has been inspired by James Baldwin, the late author, intellectual, and Black gay icon. During his time in France, Broome visited Paris and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where Baldwin lived after he left the United States. Broom says being able to connect to Baldwin and to himself in these towns was a crucial atmosphere for writing the book. The book ends with a letter to the boy Tuan, a letter that hopes for a future that is free of the bonds of masculinity that the world tried to force onto Broome. “I hope if the book actually lands in Tuan’s hands, that he already knows all of the stuff that I’m saying in the book,” says Broome. “I hope that he enjoys the book, but I hope that it has nothing to teach him because he’s already selfactualized. I hope he ﬁnds good stories in the pages. I hope he ﬁnds stories that move in and make him laugh and make him cry. But I hope that the book is not a revelation. That he’s already at a point in his life where he realized all the lessons that I’m trying to teach with these stories.”

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Follow staff writer Dani Janae on Twitter @figwidow

SUMMER READING #pghreadsfive This summer, we’re asking the community to band together to ensure that all Pittsburgh youth read five. Summer Reading officially kicks off on June 13, 2021! Sign up today at carnegielibrary.org/summer or scan presented by

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PHOTO: BRIAN CONLEY

Carnegie Museum of Art courtyard

.ARTS.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS BY AMANDA WALTZ // AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

HE ARTS ARE ROARING back after a year of being dormant or stuck online. Even more exciting, local organizations

are taking their festivities outside so audiences can enjoy dance, art, music, and more in some of Pittsburgh’s most notable outdoor spaces. Pittsburgh City Paper compiled a list of happenings to check out as the temperatures rise and people venture out of lockdown looking for something to do. So dig out your sunscreen and picnic blanket and get ready for some outdoor, socially distanced fun.

Open Air: A Series in Celebration of the Performing Arts Tue., May 18-Mon., May 31. Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park. Frew St., Oakland. Ticket prices vary. pbt.org/performances/open-air Over 20 arts organizations from around the region will turn one of the most visible parts of Schenley Park into a stage for live dance, music, and theater. Audiences can sit back on the Flagstaff Hill lawn as they watch the action on a Stageline SAM450 mobile stage. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre purchased the stage with foundation funding, and will share it with fellow performers from other

dance groups, local opera and theater companies, musicians, and others. “Being new to Pittsburgh, I have been amazed to learn of the breadth and depth of the arts community here,” says Susan Jaffe in a press release. A year ago Jaffe was chosen as PBT’s new artistic director. “It is a real privilege to be able to share the stage with such a wide range of artists.” PBT will present eight performances featuring choreography from Helen Pickett, Anabelle Lopez Ochoa, Azure Barton and more, as well as excerpts of ballet classics like Swan Lake, Don Quixote, and The Sleeping Beauty. The lineup also

includes performances from other dance companies, including the STAYCEE PEARL dance project & Soy Sos, Shana Simmons Dance, and the Balafon West African Dance Ensemble. Open Air will also see the world premiere of hypersensitive, a new onewoman show written and presented by multidisciplinary artist vanessa german and produced by the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company. The Pittsburgh Playwrights website describes hypersensitive as a “love poem for strange Black Girls, fat Black Girls, Winged Black Girls, the Missing Black Girls, the Black

Girls who rode skateboards to school, Black Girls whose eyebrows were never on Fleek, Black Girls who dig aloneness, and Black Girls who do magic.”

Inside Out at Carnegie Museum of Art June 5-Sept. 4. Thursdays from 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 12-5 p.m. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. Free. cmoa.org/inside-out The Carnegie Museum of Art invites the public to its courtyard for a new outdoor event series Inside Out. Starting in the beginning of June, Inside Out will feature months of free art activities, dance parties, live performances, and more, all hosted in partnership with various local artists and arts organizations. There will also be bites from on-site food trucks, as well as beer, wine, snacks, and more served by a bar open in the museum’s Café Carnegie. Inside Out kicks off June 5 with an opening day celebration showcasing music by DJ collective Most Beautifullest and a live performance by the Sankofa Village for the Arts Drum and Dance. Starting June 10, Thursday nights will be for dancing, with sets by Hot Mass Collective, UHAUL Disco, Bento Boombox, YASS Queen, and more. On Saturdays, drop by for family-friendly art-making activities, site-specific performances, and even more hot summer jams by local DJs. All programming is free and open to all ages. Even so, events are still at a limited capacity and will be available on a first come-first serve basis.

PHOTO: KELLY PERKOVICH

Don Quixote by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, part of Open Air: A Series in Celebration of the Performing Arts

YOU

Summer Under the Stars at Heinz Field July 8-10 and July 21-24. 100 Art Rooney Ave., North Side. Tickets will go on sale June 7. pittsburghclo.org/2021-Summer Football and musical theater unexpectedly come together when Pittsburgh CLO presents Summer Under the Stars at Heinz Field. The series marks the ﬁrst-ever partnership between the professional theater company and the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the team offering its stadium to present two shows, The Wizard of Oz

MATTER

and Pittsburgh CLO’s 75th Anniversary: A Broadway Musical Celebration, on a stage placed on the 20-yard line. The move is a departure from Pittsburgh CLO’s usual venue, the Benedum Center, which has been closed due to the pandemic. Heinz Field not only allows the company to provide adequate space for social distancing, it will also be able to seat up to 3,500 guests per performance. “Heinz Field is proud to host Pittsburgh CLO’s 75th Anniversary Celebrations this summer,” said Jimmie Sacco, vice president of Heinz Field stadium

operations and management, in a press release. “The CLO is a great cultural asset in our community, and we are excited to showcase their performances for everyone to enjoy.” However, as Pittsburgh CLO CEO and president Van Kaplan says, this is not the first time the company has been on a field. “Our musicals started in 1946 at Pitt Stadium and 75 years later, in a full-circle moment, we are back outdoors,” says Kaplan. “We are so grateful to the Steelers and Heinz Field for making this happen.” Taking place July 8-10, Pittsburgh CLO revisits The Wizard of Oz for the first time since its 2003 production, bringing the stage musical adaptation of Frank L. Baum’s magical tale to life with the help of IMAG video technology and the stadium’s video boards. Descriptions for Pittsburgh CLO’s 75th Anniversary: A Broadway Musical Celebration — on the field July 21-24 — says the show will “artfully encompass unforgettable musical highlights spanning the history of Pittsburgh CLO,” and that audiences “can anticipate dazzling renditions of theater classics performed by Broadway and hometown stars.” Both shows will also feature musical accompaniment by the Pittsburgh CLO Orchestra. Curtain times will be 8:30 p.m. with special matinees on Saturdays at 1 p.m. Pittsburgh CLO announced that it will also host its annual Wine Tasting event and 75th Gala Celebration at Heinz Field.

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Follow senior writer Amanda Waltz on Twitter @AWaltzCP

The past year has been challenging.

YOU

From the coronavirus pandemic, protest movements, elections and changes in government, you have been able to rely on your local community newspaper to report the facts and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions. Local community journalism offers stability when you need it most. You can

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continue to count on us for Real News.

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER MAY 12-19, 2021

SEVEN DAYS IN PITTSBURGH

PHOTO: PITTSBURGH DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP

^ Yoga in the Park

THU., MAY 13 TALK • IRL See the art world from the perspective of two Black women artists when the August Wilson African American Cultural Center presents Unhoarding Our Stories: Black Women Talking Art, Heart, and the Insides of the Art World. Local arts leader vanessa german and New York-based curator and educator Niama Safia Sandy will speak during a panel moderated by Naomi Chambers. The event is co-presented by ArtHouse, german’s community arts space in Homewood. Space for this event is limited. 6:30 p.m. 980 Liberty Ave., Downtown. Free. Registration required. COVID-19 safety protocols will be implemented. aacc-awc.org

FRI., MAY 14 OPERA • HYBRID Enjoy a night with the Pittsburgh Opera during a livestream performance of Semele, a “Baroque gem” by composer George Frideric Handel. Semele chronicles the journey of Princess Semele in her quest

to marry Jove (Jupiter), King of the Gods, “a cad who is all too happy to add Semele to his long list of human mistresses.” However, Semele is set to marry Athamas, a human prince. Find out if Semele achieves her dream of marrying a god by tuning into this tale of ambition and vanity. Tickets for the in-person event are sold out, but you can still watch the special livestream on Pittsburgh Opera’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. 7:30 p.m. Free. pittsburghopera.org

OUTDOORS • IRL Spend two hours hiking in nature with the Hazelwood Initiative and the Pittsburgh chapter of Outdoor Afro, an organization that fosters and supports Black connections, experiences, and leadership in nature. Tiffany Taulton, the director of community initiatives for Hazelwood Initiative, will lead Hazelwood Hike with Outdoor Afro, a medium-paced hike through the Hazelwood Greenway starting at the top of the hill on Elizabeth Street and walking to Calvary Cemetery and back. All are welcome, regardless of age or race. Masks are required for participation, and bug repellant, boots, and pants are recommended. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. hazelwoodinitiative.org

SAT., MAY 15 THEATER • IRL Indulge in musical nostalgia with Forever Plaid, presented by Stage 62 at the Crafton Park Amphitheater. The Plaids, a classic barbershop quartet, will perform pop hits from decades past in a revue directed by local artist and arts manager Seth Laidlaw. Performances will have limited audience capacity, with some lawn and bleacher seating available. Tickets must be purchased as a group of up to six people to ensure social distancing, and masks must be worn. 2 p.m. Continues through Sun., May 16, and Sat., May 22-Sun., May 23. $15 for standard or bleacher seating, $20 for lawn seating. stage62.org/forever-plaid

LIT • VIRTUAL City of Asylum partners with a local nonprofit publishing house for LitFest: International Perspectives from Autumn House Press. The event features three Autumn House writers — a poet, a short story writer, and a memoirist — who will talk about their writing and how their work integrates themes of immigration

and multiculturalism. The three writers presenting are Patricia Jabbeh Wesley, author of Praise Song for My Children, Michael X. Wang, author of Further News of Defeat, and Dickson Lam, author of Paper Sons. 8-9 p.m. Free. alphabetcity.org

SUN., MAY 16 OUTDOORS • IRL The twice weekly Yoga in the Square series continues with Laurel Chiappetta, owner and founder of Yoga U PGH, an online group of yoga instructors focused on teaching educational and sustainable yoga practices. Bring your own mat to Market Square to learn from Chiappetta through socially distanced yoga. Mats will be spaced at least six feet apart, and masks are required for participation, along with registration to allow for proper social distancing. The series will continue through the summer and fall on Wednesdays and Sundays. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free with registration. downtownpittsburgh.com/ programs-activities/yoga-in-the-square CONTINUES ON PG. 21

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1-877-350-1003 AT&T TV: AT&T TV requires high speed internet. Recommend minimum 24 Mbps for optimal viewing (min 8 Mbps per stream). Limit 3 concurrent AT&T streams. CHOICE: Ends 1/16/21. 1st & 2nd year Pricing: $64.99 for first 12 mos. only. After 12 mos. or loss of eligibility, then prevailing rate applies $110/mo. for CHOICE Pkg, unless cancelled or changed prior to end of the promo period. Includes: CHOICE Pkg. Req’s 1 AT&T TV device, included for well qualified customers; otherwise $120. Add’l devices avail for $120 each or on installment; non-qualified customers must purchase additional devices up front. Additional Fees & Taxes: Price excludes Regional Sports Fee of up to $8.49/mo. (which is extra & applies to CHOICE and higher Pkgs), and certain other add’l fees & charges. AT&T TV: Subject to AT&T TV terms and conditions. Avail. in the U.S. only (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands). AT&T TV service will continue monthly at the prevailing rate charged to your payment method on file, unless you cancel, subject to any early termination fees. If you cancel in the first 14 days of order, you must return the included AT&T TV device within 14 days of order to avoid $120 non-return fee. Additional devices purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. See cancellation policy at att.com/help/cancellation-policy-att-tv.html for more details. Once you’ve canceled, you can access AT&T TV through the remaining monthly period. No refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. Compatible device req’d. Residential customers only. Pricing, channels, features, and terms subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Regional Sports & Local Channels: Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. GENERAL: Limit 3 concurrent streams per account. Programming subject to blackout restrictions. Taxes may apply. See your Order Confirmation email and att.com/legal/att-tv.html for more details. HBO Max: Access HBO Max through HBO Max app or hbomax.com with your AT&T log-in credentials. Compatible device or browser required. Use of HBO Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see hbomax.com/terms-of-use for details. Programming and content subj. to change. Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose access to HBO Max. Limits: Access to one HBO Max account per AT&T account holder. May not be stackable w/other offers, credits or discounts. To learn more, visit att.com/hbomax. HBO Max is only accessible in the U.S. and certain U.S. territories where a high-speed broadband connection is available. Minimum 3G connection is requiredfor viewing on mobile devices. HBO Max is used under license. Offers may not be combined with other promotional offers on the same services and may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Other conditions apply to all offers. ©2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property. All other marksare the property of their respective owners.

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER MAY 12-19, 2021

- EDUCATIONAL ADVERTISEMENT -

There’s money buried in your backyard. And you don’t need a shovel to ﬁnd it. Learn how home equity can help you fund a better retirement. It’s a well-known fact that for many older Americans, the home is their single biggest asset, often accounting for more than 45% of their total net worth. And with interest rates near all-time lows while home values are still high, this combination creates the perfect dynamic for getting the most out of your built-up equity. But, many aren’t taking advantage of this unprecedented period. According to new statistics from the mortgage industry, senior homeowners in the U.S. are now sitting on more than 8.05 trillion dollars* of unused home equity. Not only are people living longer than ever before, but there is also greater uncertainty in the economy. With home prices back up again, ignoring this “hidden wealth” may prove to be short sighted when looking for the best long-term outcome.

Today, HECM loans are simply an effective way for homeowners 62 and older to get the extra cash they need to enjoy retirement. Although today’s HECM loans have been improved to provide even greater financial protection for homeowners, there are still many misconceptions. For example, a lot of people mistakenly believe the home must be paid off in full in order to qualify for a HECM loan, which is not the case. In fact, one key advantage of a HECM is that the proceeds will first be used to pay off any existing liens on the property, which frees up cash flow, a huge blessing for seniors living on a fixed income. Unfortunately, many senior homeowners who might be better off with a HECM loan don’t even bother to get more information because of rumors they’ve heard.

family members. Some people simply need the extra cash for everyday expenses while others are now using it as a safety net for financial emergencies. If you’re a homeowner age 62 or older, you owe it to yourself to learn more so that you can make the best decision - for your financial future. It’s time to reverse your thinking

We’re here and ready to help. Homeowners who are interested in learning more can request a FREE Reverse Mortgage Information Kit and DVD by calling toll-free at

800-841-0378

FREE

Request a FREE Info Kit & DVD Today! Call 800-841-0378 now. All things considered, it’s not surprising that more than a million homeowners have already used a government-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) loan to turn their home equity into extra cash for retirement. It’s a fact: no monthly mortgage payments are required with a government-insured HECM loan; however the borrowers are still responsible for paying for the maintenance of their home, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and, if required, their HOA fees.

oved ones

In fact, a recent survey by American Advisors Group (AAG), the nation’s number one HECM lender, found that over 98% of their clients are satisfied with their loans. While these special loans are not for everyone, they can be a real lifesaver for senior homeowners - especially in times like these. The cash from a HECM loan can be used for almost any purpose. Other common uses include making home improvements, paying off medical bills or helping other

Our new Reverse Mortgage information guides & DVD are now available featuring award-winning actor and paid AAG spokesman, Tom Selleck.

U.S.A.’s #1

Reverse Mortgage Company

As Featured on: ABC, CBS, CNN & Fox News

*https://finance.yahoo.com/news/senior-housing-wealth-exceeds-record-154300624.html

Reverse mortgage loan terms include occupying the home as your primary residence, maintaining the home, paying property taxes and homeowners insurance. Although these costs may be substantial, AAG does not establish an escrow account for these payments. However, a set-aside account can be set up for taxes and insurance, and in some cases may be required. Not all interest on a reverse mortgage is tax-deductible and to the extent that it is, such deduction is not available until the loan is partially or fully repaid. AAG charges an origination fee, mortgage insurance premium (where required by HUD), closing costs and servicing fees, rolled into the balance of the loan. AAG charges interest on the balance, which grows over time. When the last borrower or eligible non-borrowing spouse dies, sells the home, permanently moves out, or fails to comply with the loan terms, the loan becomes due and payable (and the property may become subject to foreclosure). When this happens, some or all of the equity in the property no longer belongs to the borrowers, who may need to sell the home or otherwise repay the loan balance. V2020.12.22 These materials are not from HUD or FHA and were not approved by HUD or a government agency. 328945_10_x_9.65.indd 1 20 PGHCITYPAPER.COM

NMLS# 9392 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). American Advisors Group (AAG) is headquartered at 18200 Von Karman Ave, Suite 300, Irvine CA 92612. Licensed in 49 states. Please go to www.aag.com/legal-information for full state license information. 5/3/21 5:33 PM

SEVEN DAYS IN PITTSBURGH, CONTINUED FROM PG. 18

Explore cannabis as a support for what ails you. Become a medical cannabis patient. We provide low-cost certifications and expert assistance, over the phone. $125 - New Cannabis Card Certification $75 - Card Recertification $75 - New Certification for Veterans/SSI/Disability

www.herbalcarerx.com • 215-554-4044 • HELP@HERBALCARERX.COM PHOTO: DAVID BACHMAN PHOTOGRAPHY FOR PITTSBURGH OPERA; COSTUMES: PITTSBURGH OPERA COSTUME SHOP MANAGER JASON BRAY

^ Aaron Crouch as Jove, Veronique Filloux as Semele, and Maire Therese Carmack as Juno Pittsburgh Opera’s Semele

MON., MAY 17 EVENT • IRL Picture it — nine acres of recreational vehicles, all begging to be driven to campgrounds and other stops across the country. This is what you’ll find during the Pittsburgh RV Show at David L. Lawrence Convention Center, a multi-day event featuring the latest in motor homes, travel trailers, golf carts, and more. There will also be tons of exhibitors to check out when you can’t possibly look at another camper. Be sure to read the Pittsburgh RV Show’s COVID-19 health guidelines before you head out. Continues through Sun., May 23. 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Downtown. $5-12. pittrvshow.com

TUE., MAY 18 ART • VIRTUAL The Carnegie Museum of Art presents a Watch Party & Workshop for Reign of Winter, part of its ongoing exhibition series. The silent, animated video work by Iranian

filmmaker Rokni Haerizadeh was originally exhibited as a part of the 2013 Carnegie International. The film follows the wedding procession of Prince William and Kate Middleton from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace, the live-action footage accompanied or replaced by “fantastical forms and anthropomorphic figures.” 7–8 p.m. Pay what you wish. cmoa.org

WED., MAY 19 LIT • VIRTUAL The University of Pittsburgh Asian Studies Center and Pitt Global Hub welcome Sally Wen Mao for a virtual reading event over Zoom. Enjoy selections from the ChineseAmerican poet’s 2014 debut Mad Honey Symposium and her 2019 collection Oculus, described on Mao’s website as exploring “exile not just as a matter of distance and displacement, but as a migration through time and a reckoning with technology.” Her work has appeared in numerous publications and earned her number of awards and recognitions, including the prestigious Pushcart Prize. 7 p.m. Free. Registration required. ucis.pitt.edu/asc/events •

IRL = IN REAL LIFE EVENT VIRTUAL = STREAMING OR ONLINE-ONLY EVENT HYBRID = MIX OF IN REAL LIFE AND ONLINE EVENT

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER MAY 12-19, 2021

A SHOW OF HANDS

BY BRENDAN EMMETT QUIGLEY // BRENDANEMMETTQUIGLEY.COM

ACROSS

99_4.75_x_4.75.indd 1

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

1. Systemic Equality org. 5. Wave off the 5/4/21 12:34 PM coast of Rio? 8. Spit (out) 13. Lane out of Smallville 14. Up to the minute 15. Piece of cake, for a dieter 16. Scarlet Witch, for Wanda Maximoff 18. Down to earth 19. Motherfucking problem 21. “Anybody seen my hoodie?” 22. Comic routine 23. Tee-___ 24. “___ Année Sans Lumiére “ (Arcade Fire song) 25. Human rights attorney Clooney 27. Response to a slow server, say 29. Wagers 30. Ledecky who stays in her lane! 32. First route of attack 34. Where an Anglican might worship 40. Carlo who produced Fellini’s La Strada 41. Vowel-heavy papal name

42. They’re found under layers 45. “It’s not a tumor!” speaker, fondly 48. Make like those in Nomadland 49. Jemison in space 50. Rock genre possibly named after the sound the guitar makes 51. Great leveler 53. Small pill? 54. Trying location? 58. Needing no introduction 59. Return fire on social media, or this puzzle’s theme 61. “You dig it?” 62. Some Bandcamp purchases 63. Floride, e.g. 64. Mortise fitter 65. ___ jam 66. Macerates flax

DOWN 1. Copying 2. Bright way to see the world? 3. Book club? 4. Secondhand 5. Target of many a strike 6. Smoothly, on the keyboard 7. Man not on a mission 8. Deenie author

9. Not firm 10. Vodka brand with a raspberry flavor 11. Show mercy 12. Scary dinos 15. Heavy waterproof boot 17. BBQ morsel 20. Take a personal day, say 21. Smoke a bowl 26. Vocal coach challenges 28. Rapper who runs the Nappy Boy record label 29. Eddie ___ (outdoor brand) 31. Zero-waste pref. 33. Coyotes’ domain, in short 35. Currently passionate (about)

36. Letter-shaped plumbers part 37. Number on a hotel door 38. Animal whose poop is used in gourmet coffee beans 39. Went like mad 42. Cowboy Smith 43. Lacking social graces 44. Like some salami 46. “Seems fine” 47. Box up 50. Son 52. Put cheese on, say 55. Passionate about 56. Chase no. 57. App with a “Where to?” bar 60. Chess pieces with L-shaped moves: Abbr. LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

FINANCIAL SAVE BIG on HOME INSURANCE! Compare 20 A-rated insurances companies. Get a quote within minutes. Average savings of $444/ year! Call 844-712-6153! (M-F 8am-8pm Central) (AAN CAN)

LEGAL Need Help with Family Law? Can’t Afford a $5000 Retainer? Low Cost Legal Services- Pay As You Go- As low as $750-$1500Get Legal Help Now! Call 1-844-821-8249 Mon-Fri 7am to 4pm PCT (AAN CAN) https://www.familycourtdirect. com/?network=1

MARKETPLACE

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PERSONALS Female Companion wanted 30-40 y.o. Waist length hair and/or cornrows a PLUS PLUS! Permanent Position 724-223-0939 Wash. Co Advertise your Business in City Paper. Call 412.685.9009

Metro Community Health Center offers full dental services to everyone regardless of identity, income, insurance status, or the ability to pay. Make an appointment by calling 412-247-2310 and visit our website, www.metrocommunityhealthcenter.org, to learn more. 1789 S. Braddock Ave, #410 Pittsburgh, PA 15218 To make an appointment: (412) 247-2310

FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISEMENT, CALL 412-685-9009 ext. 106 HELP WANTED

REHEARSAL

SERVICES

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Rehearsal Space

to Lose Weight. 30-day money back guarantee. Herbal Program. Also opportunity to earn up to $1,000 monthly. 1-800-492-4437 www.myherbalife.com

starting @ $150/mo. Many sizes available, no sec deposit, play @ the original and largest practice facility, 24/7 access.

AT&T TV - The Best of Live & On-Demand On All Your Favorite Screens. CHOICE Package, $64.99/mo plus taxes for 12months. Premium Channels at No Charge for One Year! Anytime, anywhere. Some restrictions apply. W/ 24-mo. agmt TV price higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $8.49/mo. is extra & applies. Call IVS 1-877-350-1003

Struggling With Your Private Student Loan Payment? New relief programs can reduce your payments. Learn your options. Good credit not necessary. Call the Helpline 888-670-5631 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Eastern) (AAN CAN)

HELP WANTED Help Needed! Looking for young gentleman to help with some handywork, heavy lifting, and cleaning at a home in Carnegie. Paid in cash. If interested, call 412-279-2096.

MISCELLANEOUS Guaranteed Life Insurance! (Ages 50 to 80). No medical exam. Affordable premiums never increase. Benefits never decrease. Policy will only be cancelled for non-payment. HOURS: M-F 9a-10p & Sat 11a-2p EST 1-888-386-0113 (Void NY) (AAN CAN)

DENTAL INSURANCE DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-385-3879 www.dental50plus.com/ citypaper #6258

412-403-6069

AUTO CASH FOR CARS!

HOME SERVICES

We buy all cars! Junk, high-end, totaled – it doesn’t matter! Get free towing and same day cash! NEWER MODELS too! Call 866-535-9689 (AAN CAN)

Looking for self storage units? We have them! Self Storage offers clean and affordable storage to fit any need. Reserve today! 1-855-617-0876 (AAN CAN)

NAME CHANGE

FINANCIAL

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-21-1401. In re petition of Quentin Lamarr Arrington for change of name to Quentin Lamarr Arrington-Mitchell. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the ﬁling of said petition and ﬁxed the 24th day of May, 2021, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-21-3498, In re petition of Micah ED parent and legal guardian of Pashia Leighann McQuiston-Starrett for change of name to Pashia Leighann ED. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the ﬁling of said petition and ﬁxed the 7th day of June, 2021, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for. Melissa C Lewis, Esquire Attorney for Petitioner Address 3810 South Water Street. PGH PA 15203. Phone (412) 281-9906

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-21-3499, In re petition of Micah ED parent and legal guardian of Ezra Gordon McQuiston-Starrett for change of name to Ezra Gordon ED. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the ﬁling of said petition and ﬁxed the 7th day of June, 2021, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for. Melissa C Lewis, Esquire Attorney for Petitioner Address 3810 South Water Street. PGH PA 15203. Phone (412) 281-9906

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-21-759. In re petition of Taylor Nicole Rebholz for change of name to Taylor Nicole Ruffo-Dugas. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the ﬁling of said petition and ﬁxed the 15th day of June, 2021, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for

SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your MORTGAGE? Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bank threatening foreclosure? CALL Homeowners Relief Line NOW for Help 1-855-4395853 Mon-Fri : 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Sat: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm(all times Pacific) (AAN CAN)

Free confidential testing HIV • stD • hep c

Dr. Stacy Lane, D.O. • 412-515-0000

SERVICES DISH Network. $59.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-877-857-5995

CREDIT REPAIR Denied Credit?? Work to Repair Your Credit Report With The Trusted Leader in Credit Repair. Call Lexington Law for a FREE credit report summary & credit repair consultation. 855-620-9426. John C. Heath, Attorney at Law, PLLC, dba Lexington Law Firm. (AAN CAN)

HELP HEal all WITH NO JUDGEMENT

your body & soul

are welcome

• ALL INSURANCES ACCEPTED • WALK INS WELCOME • tRANSPORATION PROGRAM • NO INSURANCE? WE CAN HELP North Shore - 127 Anderson Street - Suite 101 Timber Court Building, PIttsburgh, PA 15212 Phone: (412) 322-4151 washington, pa - 95 Leonard Avenue Suite 203, Washington PA 15301 Phone: (724) 249-2517 beaver county - 2360 hospital drive Suite 1, aliquippa, pa 15001 Phone: (724)707-1155 Erie - 3104 State Street, Erie, PA 16508 PHONE: (814) 619-4009

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER MAY 12-19, 2021