Fall Guide The Big, Spooky Fall Guide The Big, Spooky The Big,
Spooky
PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON
PHOTO:
PHOTO: COURTESY OF BENJAMIN PRISBYLLA
PHOTO: BY PJ PATELLA-REY, COURTESY OF AIDEN SIN FLAME
PHOTO: COURTESY OF VERTICAL VISION INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Some of Pittsburgh’s restaurants come
BY: RACHEL WILKINSON
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER
Fall has arrived, and that means it’s spooky season. Legend holds that as nights grow longer, the veil separating the material and spiritual worlds thins, bringing haunted happenings and unseen forces. For whatever reason, the veil in Pittsburgh has always been extra permeable, and the region boasts a preponderance of places believed to be haunted. For this year’s Fall Guide, Pittsburgh City Paper zeroed in on some of our favorite haunted restaurants and bars (and the list we offer is by no means complete). From a ghost lady in white to a haunted railroad station to a lurid Biddle brothers connection, these eerie establishments are sure to make your hair stand on end — or at least offer a storied place to grab a beer.
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON
Head brewer Matt Moninger describes his encounter with a spirit at Church Brew Works.
The Abbey on Butler Street 4635 Butler St., Lawrenceville.
One theory about why Pittsburgh locales are so haunted is that buildings go through so many renovations. In this respect, The Abbey on Butler St. stands a head above, as the huge cruciform-shaped space in Lawrenceville was formerly a Methodist church, a brass foundry, and a funeral home, converted during the Great Depression. The Abbey’s website details all the artifacts uncovered during its “massive” remodel: industrial foundry lights above what s now its coffeehouse a church hall ormerly at th t. and utler t. and the remnants of a stone-carving business that was transformed into a patio and bar.
oday he bbey e okes an otherworldly past. he so tly lit coffeehouse pub, and bistro is decorated with Old World-style heavy wood, reclaimed stained glass windows, vintage signs, and gold medieval script that winds throughout the building.
Naturally, most of the haunting rumors are tied to the former funeral home. taff ha e reported seein hostly i ures and hearin doors slam on their own.
“Respectfully, we honor the lives and all of loved ones that met here to send off what some re er to as the reatest eneration the restaurant wrote to Pittsburgh City Paper
Shawn Kelly, founder of the Pittsburgh Paranormal Society (and one of the only ghost hunters to explore the National Aviary), tells City Paper, “Funeral homes are the best. I love funeral homes.” Kelly has investigated a handful of the haunted restaurants on our list.
In his opinion, funeral homes become haunted not simply because the dead passed throu h them but because a amily owned uneral parlor offers some measure of comfort.
“I think a lot of spirits feel comfortable at a funeral home because it’s [a] somewhat decent [place],” he says.
Grand Concourse Restaurant
100 W. Station Square Dr., South Side. grandconcourserestaurant.com
One look at the Grand Concourse and I’m willing to believe the rumors of Station Square’s death are greatly exaggerated. The upscale restaurant — which boasts “unmatched grandeur” and is a perennial pick for Best Brunch in CP’s Best of PGH Readers’ Poll — was originally the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station, which opened in 1901.
n the ittsbur h istory andmarks Foundation be an con ertin the entire freight yard site into Station Square, establishing the Landmarks Building. Within it, they turned the historic railroad terminal, with its marble columns, cathedral ceilings, and Victorian and Edwardian architecture, into the Grand Concourse Restaurant. Haunting rumors have persisted since.
The Haunted Pittsburgh ghost tour compiled stories about the restaurant. After hours, there are apparently “creepy otherworldly sounds.” A kitchen worker con ided that aucets turn on by themsel es. ornin staff disco er objects knocked over or misplaced overnight. Once, a cart of dishes was found dumped on the oor mana ers played back security ideo to see the same cart untouched all night.
Apparently, the hauntings extend to the entire Landmarks Building (which also houses the Foundation s o ices). n pril isitors reported bein terri ied a ter limpsin a white translucent i ure in a corridor. he specter was hovering mid-air with one arm draped over a railing. Not exactly what you expect to see, even after some strong mimosas.
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Head brewer Matt Moninger takes CP on a tour of Church Brew Works and the old school building they use for storage.
CP ILLUSTRATION: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST
537 Suismon St., North Side. maxsalleghenytavern.com
here s somethin spirits lo e about the orth ide. e ore ittsbur h o icially had an "H" in its name and Allegheny City was a separate municipality, the area was developed by German-speaking (and, later, Croatian) immigrants, with many buildings from that time still in existence today.
Max’s Allegheny Tavern, a staple in the Deutschtown neighborhood, began as a grocery store nearly 175 years ago. In 1860, it became Farmers and Drovers Hotel (later the Hotel Rahn), and the contours of the original hotel survived into the 21st century.
Reopened as Max’s in 1903, the tavern has always been family-run, specializing in traditional German fare including potato pancakes, sausages, Bavarian soft pretzels, and “the great schnitzels of Europe.” The restaurant has also kept touches rom prior centuries with two anti ue i e door wooden ice bo es now used or stora e and is urnished with solid wood and iffany style stained glass for an Old World aura.
With such a storied history, hauntings should come as no surprise. Largely, the family seems to keep the tavern’s supernatural happenings under wraps, but a couple years after forming the Pittsburgh Paranormal Society in 2006, Shawn Kelly and the team were invited by a friend to explore.
“They knew it was haunted. They were OK with the ghost[s] in there,” Kelly tells CP. “They just wanted to see what they [had].”
Objects had been moved around. Bartenders heard whispers and disembodied voices while getting ice and beer from the stone-walled basement (also reportedly a speakeasy during Prohibition). In the old hotel space upstairs, heavy oak doors slammed by themselves. Kelly says the paranormal team investigated using cutting-edge technology, which in the late 2000s meant digital cameras and voice recorders.
“There was a lot of activity in there, and it was all good,” he remembers. Apparently, the ghosts felt attached to the old neighborhood.
“It was mainly the spirits from that time when the North Side was really picking up … [around when Max’s opened] when it was in its heyday,” Kelly says.
Penn Brewery
Penn Brewery is Pittsburgh’s oldest and largest brewery, which naturally comes with its share of spooky tales. Though the modern Penn Brewery that Pittsburghers know began in 1986, the site was originally settled by the Germans of Deutschtown, including the Eberhardt and Ober families. Breweries existed on the site as far back as 1848, and, before refrigeration, brewers kept barrels of beer cool in what Penn Brewery’s website describes as “a labyrinth of stone caves and tunnels.”
These lagering caves remain today — some of only a handful left in the United States, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places — perpetually kept dark and chilly at 55 degrees. Odd things have been spotted in the dungeon-like subterranean caves.
According to the brewery, the women’s bathroom is “notoriously particularly haunted.” Visitors should also stay wary of the basement, where a new employee was recently assisted by a man in suspenders who showed her where the brewery’s to-go boxes were. After going back upstairs and telling two kitchen workers about the man who helped her, they informed her that no one else was in the building except the three of them. Later, another employee saw the same man in suspenders in the brewery’s lobby.
Max’s Allegheny Tavern
CP ILLUSTRATION: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST
CP ILLUSTRATION: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST
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Harold’s Haunt
142 Grant Ave., Millvale. haroldshaunt.wixsite.com/haroldshaunt
Completing the North-of-the-Allegheny trifecta, Harold’s Haunt sits in the heart of ultra-haunted Millvale. The newest establishment on our list, the witchy-themed “haunted they bar” and inclusive LGBTQ space has already embraced its many ghostly connections.
Harold’s is named after the ghost from the bar’s sister business, metaphysical and LGBTQ gift shop Maude’s Paperwing Gallery. After co-owners Athena Flint and Indigo Baloch opened Maude’s in 2021, they noticed a malevolent presence (Flint describes the experience on the podcast Ghoul on Ghoul, hosted by CP’s A&E Editor Amanda Waltz). Electronic devices would fritz out, and a medium who visited the store — now located above Harold’s — picked up on the poltergeist energy. The Maude’s team hired a medium to communicate with the surly ghost, revealing he was a 60-year-old man caught in a “time loop” who apparently made racist and sexist remarks.
In an ironic turn, the team dubbed the ghost Harold and named the bar after him (even creating a mustachioed version for the Harold’s logo). But they found out shortly after that the space came with its own spirits. While setting up the bar, Flint brought in a box of tarot cards and witnessed three cocktail strainers launch out of a glass. An unseen force (now believed to be the ghost of a former bar owner, Paul) also intervened at a crucial moment, when a light inexplicably turned on inside the dark bar. The light alerted Flint and friends to a cooler leaking directly over an electric outlet. Flint and her friend Ringa Sunn recently recounted the incident which they belie e a erted a ire to paranormal investigators at Bump in the Night Society. This is just a taste of the many haunted happenings at Harold’s, where you can regularly catch spooky events like a Dark Histories Walking Tour of Millvale, a funeral-themed second anniversary celebration, and full moon parties.
Shiloh Gastro
Shiloh Gastro has the distinction of not only being a haunted hotspot, but connected to Pittsburgh’s most infamous true crime case. The Victorian houseturned astropub atop t. ashin ton was the amily home o ate offel the woman who risked it all to spring the Biddle brothers from Allegheny ounty ail in . offel who was married to the warden and ministered to condemned men, met the brothers on death row. Though they’d been convicted of a string of robberies that left a grocer dead, the dashing younger Biddle, Ed, pled innocence.
offel a year old mother o our became in atuated with year old d. he smu led in a ile to saw throu h his cell bars and the trio broke out. d and ate are belie ed to ha e consummated their affair be ore bein cau ht by police. oth brothers were shot and killed while offel tried to shoot hersel but survived. Today, her ghost supposedly waits around the house on Shiloh St. pining for her dead boy toy to return.
CP visited Shiloh Gastro to investigate the haunting rumors and it more than deli ered. taff reported smellin ci arette smoke — supposedly comin rom the offels ormer bedroom — hearin phantom noises and seein oatin orbs in the upstairs dining room. The women’s bathroom is known to conjure offel hersel and when went in alone and called her name the li hts ickered and my phone froze. Go for the comfort food and patio, then try out this Beetlejuice maneuver if you dare.
Church Brew Works
3525 Liberty Ave., Lawrenceville. churchbrew.com
Though long rumored to be haunted, Church Brew Works was catapulted to a new level of fame when it was featured on a 2022 episode of Ghost Hunters. Paranormal investigators were called to “The Most Haunted Brewery” at the behest of longtime owner Sean Casey, who, at least or purposes o the show was concerned staff were ettin too spooked.
In the episode, a Church Brew Works accountant reports seeing a chair move on its own. A cook feels followed in the kitchen. ther staff hear ootsteps phantom voices, and faint music from the church organ when no one else is in the building.
Naturally, the ghost hunters look into the Church Brew Works’ former life as St. John the Baptist Church, established in 1902 to serve Lawrenceville’s Irish and Scottish Catholic parishioners. The sprawling original property included a convent (which Casey recently purchased ),
“SHE WASN’T SOMEBODY WHO HAD VAMPIRE TEETH OR SIX-INCH CLAWS OR [WHO WAS] HISSING AT ME,” HE REMEMBERS. “SHE SEEMED TO BE [A] KIND OF LOST, MAYBE SCARED, NEEDING HELP, SORT OF APPARITION WHO JUST SEEMED TO BE OUT OF PLACE.”
a school, and the rectory, which became the brewery’s kitchen, all out of sight for patrons today. Filming over three nights, the Ghost Hunters team posted up in an especially dark and derelict part of the former school, spoke to a wayward spirit or two — even claiming to pick up a worshipful ghost rasping “Jesus” on an electronic recording — and considered the case closed.
Church Brew Works head brewer Matt Moninger tells CP that, for him, the reality is more complex than the reality TV.
Moninger shares the most spectacular story in the Ghost Hunters episode, describing his encounters with a pale young woman — he puts her age at 16 to 22 — in a long white dress. Though he can’t recall exact dates, he was working as a brewer in 2006-2007, in his late 20s, and she ultimately appeared four times over several months before vanishing.
e irst limpsed her oin up the old rectory steps
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON
Head brewer Matt Moninger describes his encounter with a spirit at Church Brew Works.
that connect to the brewery’s kitchen. Initially, Moninger thought the specter was a server he didn’t recognize.
“She wasn’t somebody who had vampire teeth or six-inch claws or [who was] hissing at me,” he remembers. “She seemed to be [a] kind of lost, maybe scared, needing help, sort of apparition who just seemed to be out of place.”
on t et me wron it s off puttin he adds. t wasn t normal but she wasn’t terrifying or even aggressive in any way, shape, or form. So it was hard for me to frame it that way.”
Another peculiarity was that only he could see the ghost, even though she appeared in the busiest parts of the restaurant. She manifested at a table along the apse at the front of the church and behind the altar where there are visible brew tanks.
ut the inal si htin was a pri ate moment o communion and onin er remembers it vividly.
alkin out o the kitchen one mornin he suddenly spotted the host i e to 10 feet away, among the restaurant’s tables.
“She was standing right there, just looking at me,” he tells CP . “We were just making eye contact for [maybe] one to 10 seconds. I have no idea … Even just talking about it gives me goosebumps because it was just that intense.”
“I don’t know how to describe it, because there’s absolutely nothing romantic about this,” he says. “But it’s just like when you lock eyes with somebody that you feel passionate about and you have that feeling of something’s leaving your body and going into theirs, and something’s leaving theirs and coming into yours. t s like you ha e this i ation. hat s kind o like what it was like
really intensely, and then she was just gone … After that, I never saw her again.” he weirdest part onin er belie es is that the host didn t ade or poo out of existence” like in a cartoon. She simply disappeared as if never there, leaving him “struck or mesmerized.”
Moninger is particular about how he describes the apparition. He doesn’t want to come across as narcissistic or paternalistic or imply the ghost was a “damsel in distress” uniquely in need of his help.
For her, “nothing came out of it,” he tells CP. “I chased her around the building a couple of times … I would have been the scary one in that situation.”
Conversely, seeing her changed him. For Moninger, it engendered an interest in the paranormal, neuropsychology, and human consciousness. He remains a nostic about tryin to assi n a de initi e e planation to the e perience — pro ound as it was — or e en make basic assumptions like the host bein a dead person. In the years since, the encounter expanded his view of reality.
“We[’ve] evolved to see what we need to see in order to survive,” he says. his is tiny compared to the electroma netic spectrum we li e in a tiny itty bitty sliver of the universe.”
Even resisting complete explanation, Moninger admits that the ghost sightings steered the course of his career 15 years later. After leaving Church Brew orks in he returned to ilm the Ghost Hunters episode in 2021, and ultimately came back aboard as head brewer.
“Rather than me helping her,” he says “she was responsible for bringing me back here.” •
JAILBIRDS
Some ghost hunters say the National Aviary, which was built on the grounds of a notorious prison, is one of Pittsburgh’s most haunted sites
BY: RACHEL WILKINSON // RWILKINSON@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
Out of all of Pittsburgh’s reportedly haunted sites, the National Aviary might be the least known.
One of my favorite places in the city, the Aviary is home to more than 500 birds representing 150 species, many of them rare or endangered. It was amon the irst oos in the nation to pioneer ree i ht habitats where birds it past isitors unca ed and
mentioning that it might be haunted conjures images of ghost penguins or phantom ruit do es yin around the building. But the rumored specters are far stranger, and, given the site’s dark history, perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise.
From 1826 to 1880, the Aviary’s location on the North Side was occupied by Western Penitentiary, the so-called sister to Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. The
prison was alleged to be less brutal than its notorious counterpart.
When Charles Dickens visited America in 1842, he famously wanted to see two places: Niagara Falls and Eastern State. The latter had recently adopted a radical new system of punishment, namely solitary con inement. ut as part o ickens i e month ourney or his travel memoir, American Notes, the 30-year-old author also spent three days in Pittsburgh. After arriving in the city by canal boat, he made his way north to Allegheny City, not yet annexed, and saw shackled prisoners at Western Pen, where the Aviary now stands.
Scholars believe Dickens later drew from his experience at Western Pen to create Jacob Marley, the chained ghost in A Christmas Carol
The Aviary site touched American history again when, in August 1863, it was pressed into service to house Confederate prisoners-of-war.
“IT WASN’T POOP; IT WASN’T THEIR FEATHERS. THEY WERE VERY SOLID ORBS.”
As with what he’d witnessed at Eastern State, Dickens didn’t reserve his horror. He lamented to a friend in a letter, “The utter solitude by day and night; the many hours of darkness; the silence of death; the mind for ever [sic] brooding on melancholy themes, and having no relief…”
He even imagined the imprisoned men being haunted by apparitions, wondering, “What if ghosts be one of the terrors o these ails
Cavalrymen serving under ri adier eneral ohn unt or an were captured after a 1,000-mile raid that ran from Tennessee to northeast Ohio. Ignoring orders from Robert E. Lee, Morgan and nearly 2,500 troops destroyed bridges, disrupted railways, and waged a campaign of terror, seizing food and supplies as they tore through the countryside. Morgan’s Raid made it farther north than any other Confederate incursion in the Civil War, ending with capture by Union forces about 40 miles from Pittsburgh. (Despite his defeat, Morgan’s Raid turned the Kentucky enslaver into a daring folk legend, though his memorial in Lexington was relocated in 2018.)
More than 100 of “Morgan’s Men” were held in Western Penitentiary, with various accounts of deaths that
winter, and an escape attempt. A list of the “rebel prisoners” names was published in the Daily Pittsburgh Gazette, noting almost all were o icers and hailed rom entucky. he soldiers were trans erred to a ew ersey military ort se en months later well clothed and lookin hale and hearty the Pittsburgh Gazette wrote, in March 1864.
ltimately estern en relocated two miles up the Ohio River, reopening in 1882. (It operated as tate orrectional nstitution ittsbur h until .) he ori inal prison was torn down and ittsbur h s irst plant conser atory was established on the land until it was destroyed by a as e plosion in the s. he ity o ittsbur h rebuilt the conser atory in addin birds to the indoor ardens. hen city bud et cuts threatened to close the iary in concerned orth ide residents
ormed a e the iary nc. a pri ate nonpro it corporation to keep it runnin . he roup lobbied the . . on ress to rant the iary honorary ational status and res. ill linton si ned the declaration in .
Since its opening and reopening (which also required unearthing a subterranean dungeon), people ha e e perienced odd happenin s in the building. In Haunted Western Pennsylvania , atty . ilson reports iary staff ha e seen shadowy i ures that dart around and heard “phantom footsteps through the halls” and ban in noises in the basement. irds react to unseen phenomena. Radios malfunction. In the book ilson recounts an o t repeated story rom a staff member who was preparin birds ood in the mornin and saw a radio ip on by itsel its dial mo in as i a hostly hand was turning it.”
ith its lon standin commitment to un ettered bird li e the iary has understandably distanced itsel rom its haunted history and estern en. ut in the s the or ani ation invited two paranormal teams to investigate the building.
hawn elly who ounded the ittsbur h aranormal ociety in 2006, tells Pittsburgh City Paper he iary is e tremely haunted. he oin theory is most o the paranormal acti ity emanates rom wayward on ederate troops. here are apparently scattered accounts o iary isitors spottin i ures in i il ar era clothin . elly says that durin the aranormal ociety s in esti ation someone cau ht the shadow o a soldier on ilm. he team also saw oatin orbs in the iary etlands where all the birds hang out.”
“It wasn’t poop; it wasn’t their feathers. They were very solid orbs,” Kelly says.
The late Rosemary Ellen Guiley details her investigation with the International Parapsychology Research Foundation in her 2009 book Ghosthunting Pennsylvania. She brought in a Frank’s Box or “spirit box,” a modi ied radio scanner belie ed to pick up disembodied voices.
Placing it in the kitchen where the ghost radio incident occurred, “a male voice said there were six communicators present.” Apparently, one copped to turning the radio dial, also saying “the communicators liked the staff members and the birds and sometimes followed [them] around on their duties.”
Wilson conveys a similar sentiment, saying the Aviary’s spirits enjoy
the birds and view the building as “a peaceful place” that they “seem intent on keeping it that way.”
Kelly is more skeptical. He asserts the Aviary is a better example of a “residual haunting,” which paranormal investigators believe happen where negative energy is stored at a site of stress or trauma.
Spirits essentially get “stuck,” Kelly tells City Paper , and are unaware of anyone’s presence, “continuously walkin the same route like a broken record.”
Accounts of 150-year-old ghosts enjoying the Aviary’s birds seems to speak to a deeper wish for a happy ending. Rather than a historical ruin, the site can be a lively, if slightly spooky, place for conservation and renewal. .
ILLUSTRATION: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST
THEY ALWAYS COME BACK
ScareHouse returns with vampires, extreme haunts, and hopes for a better future after multiple setbacks scaled down its haunted attractions
BY: AMANDA WALTZ // AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SCAREHOUSE Chipped Fang by ScareHouse
Few haunted attractions have garnered as much attention as ScareHouse . Every year, the Pittsburgh Halloween staple has lured crowds with high-quality frights executed by dedicated, professional scare actors and crew members. Oscar-winning horror ilmmaker uillermo del oro and actor Elijah Wood gave ScareHouse their approval and, in 2023, it earned the title o op aunt by the aunted Attraction Association.
business specializing in interactive, in-person entertainment.
Now, ScareHouse faces another obstacle. he business recently declared bankruptcy a ter a stint at the alleria at ittsbur h ills unsuccessfully returned ScareHouse to its terri yin pre lory days. ut like a ombie character shu in throu h a manu actured haunted lair, ScareHouse refuses to die. t returned this year on an appropriately spooky date (Fri. ept. ) with three concepts — he asement
“I JUST WANT TO SCARE PEOPLE WITH CLOWNS AND CHAINSAWS, WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT?”
Despite this impressive resume, ScareHouse has experienced a fair share o setbacks. n permitting issues upset an anticipated move from its longtime Etna location to the Strip District, resulting in delays and lost re enue. hen hit takin a ma or toll on a
an extreme haunted attraction brou ht back a ter se eral years the on oin talked y erial iller escape room, and the new, vampirethemed hipped Fan immersi e mocktail pop up bar.
While the 2024 season delivers comparatively smaller-scale haunts,
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it marks a return to ScareHouse’s roots, and a positive step toward building the Halloween attraction back up to its original form.
Scott Simmons, who founded ScareHouse in 1999 with his father, Wayne, can only laugh at the last several years of misfortunes.
“I just want to scare people with clowns and chainsaws; why is it so dificult he tells Pittsburgh City Paper. Simmons, who serves as ScareHouse’s creative director, says The Basement brings ScareHouse back to where it started, in the lower level of an over 100-year-old building that once housed the Etna Elks lodge. ScareHouse operated in Etna starting in 2007, but, after losing a majority of parking due to redevelopment, ScareHouse employed shuttles to ferry crowds from the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium parkin lot an e pensi e endea or
according to Simmons.
“We had to pay the zoo. We had to pay for buses. We had to pay for the staff he remembers. nd then on top of that, a lot of people didn’t really enjoy the shuttle process, so they tried to ind parkin where they could. So then the neighbors were getting frustrated because, you know, they were losin their parkin .
The ScareHouse then shifted gears in 2019 to a Strip District-based escape room that did not open in time for the Halloween season due to an unexpectedly slow permit approval process. Undeterred, the ScareHouse crew regrouped and opened the concept for Valentine’s Day in February 2020 — a month before the COVID shutdown.
Despite promising opportunities to thrive at Pittsburgh Mills once the pandemic subsided, Simmons says care ouse had to e it due to con icts
with the mall’s ownership, which he says stopped signing the new leases required to expand operations.
After years of hardships, Undead Productions, the company behind care ouse iled or bankruptcy protection with the intent of fully reopening at some point. Simmons says that, even without COVID, mall drama, and other outside issues, ScareHouse was already operating at a disadvantage due to the limited run of its main attractions, which only operated from mid-September through Halloween.
Simmons believes that this year will appeal to a broader array of visitors. While The Basement caters to adults looking for an intense experience, he calls Chipped Fang a “general audience amily riendly concept.
“The hope is, by having The Basement and having this mocktail experience in the Strip, that
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SCAREHOUSE
A scene from Chipped Fang by ScareHouse
LYNN CULLEN LIVE LIVE PODCAST
essentially helps us keep the lights on or a while and keep our staff paid while we sort o i ure out the long-term plans for bringing the ScareHouse back in the future in some form and location yet to be determined,” he says.
So far, he says the response has been positive, citing a long line on The Basement’s opening night.
he effort to build care ouse back up will not come at the expense of safety, an aspect that has previously helped earn accolades for the business. Simmons says that, while Basement patrons are consensually terrorized by scare actors (per the ScareHouse website, ticket holders must be 18 or over and sign a waiver to participate), precautions like safe words are used to ensure that no one gets hurt.
The focus on safety is encouraging given past controversy around extreme haunted attractions being accused of going too far, most notoriously McKamey Manor in Tennessee, which reportedly subjected its patrons to actual assault and torture, including being held underwater. Simmons says that, while The Basement is “meant to be a bit more psychological and a bit more
disturbing and more tactile,” they don’t want anyone to feel as though they are trapped.
“We want you to know that you are choosing to do this and if at any point you don’t enjoy it, or you’re not having fun, you can always stop it,” he explains. “It really is the true way it is supposed to work.”
Even so, he says some patrons have left wanting more. “I had a guest come out the other night and he was unhappy because he had not been slapped,” Simmons laughs. “That’s a whole different thin sir.
Simmons says that, even with an uncertain future, he feels buoyed by the commitment of ScareHouse patrons and staff members some o whom have worked for the company for over 10 years.
“It’s remarkable how, even with all of our hardships, we still have so many o the core staff and core cast and crew sticking by us, and the fan response so far has been really encouraging,” says Simmons. “ScareHouse means a lot to a lot of people … A lot of the weirdos, a lot o the mis its a lot o the alternati e people, this gives them a chance to be creative and get out of their comfort zone and perform.” .
ScareHouse presents THE BASEMENT
Continues through Thu., Oct. 31. 118 Locust St., Etna. Advance tickets required. scarehouse.com/the-basement
ScareHouse presents THE CHIPPED FANG
Continues through Thu., Oct. 31.
2420 Penn Ave., Strip District. Advance tickets required. scarehouse.com/immersive-vampire-experience
ScareHouse presents STALKED BY A KILLER
Times vary. Bold Escape Rooms. 2420 Penn Ave., Strip District. Advance tickets required scarehouse.com/events/stalkedbyakiller
FILM • MILLVALE
Mr. Smalls Café Horror Film Festival 6 p.m.
The Big, Spooky Pittsburgh The Big, Spooky Pittsburgh
THU., OCT. 3
KIDS • HIGHLAND PARK
Mr. Smalls Café. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. Free. mrsmalls.com
Pumpkin Palooza 10-11 a.m. Continues through Sat., Oct. 5. Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. 7370 Baker St., Highland Park. For guests aged 2-5. $17-52. pittsburghzoo.org
TOUR • SQUIRREL HILL
Haunted Walking Tour with Kelly Florence and Meg Hafdahl of Travels of Terror: Strange and Spooky Sightings Across America 6-7 p.m. Riverstone Bookstore. 5841 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. Free. Reservation required. riverstonebookstore.com
FESTIVAL • HIGHLAND PARK
Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza 6:30-10:30 p.m. Continues through Sun., Nov. 3. Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. 7370 Baker St., Highland Park. $17-52. pittsburghzoo.org
MAGIC • HOMESTEAD
13 Deceptions with mentalist Shane Patrick. 8-9 p.m. Continues through Sat.,
PARADE • SHARPSBURG
First Friday Halloween Parade. 6:30 p.m. Sharps Landing Point. 13th St., Sharpsburg. Free. All ages. instagram.com/prototypepgh
BY CP STAFF
FILM • DOWNTOWN
The Forest Hills. 8 p.m. Continues through Tue., Oct. 8. Harris Theater. 809 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $9-11. trustarts.org
SAT., OCT. 5
MARKET • DOWNTOWN
Alternate Histories Horror VHS Store Pop-Up. 12-4 p.m. Continues every Friday and Saturday through Sat., Oct. 26. Alternate Histories Studio. 517 Greenfield Ave., Greenfield. Free. RSVP required. alternatehistories.com
OUTDOORS • NORTH SHORE
Venture Outdoors Spooky Outdoor Series: Phantom Paddle. 3-5 p.m. Heinz Quay Boat Launch. Three Rivers Heritage Trail, North Shore. $15. ventureoutdoors.org
MARKET • ALLENTOWN
Oct. 26. Co-Sign Speakeasy. 145 E. Eighth Ave. Fourth Floor. Homestead. $54.13. 21 and over. cosignpgh.com/events
FRI., OCT. 4
FESTIVAL • WEST MIFFLIN
Kennywood has plenty of frights, food, and fun during the latest edition of its annual Phantom Fall Fest. This year promises more than 30 attractions, including “six horrifying haunts, four scare zones, and the biggest fall ride lineup yet,” as well as a variety of seasonal food and drink options. Kids and families can enjoy activities like festive scavenger hunts and dance parties by day. After the sun goes down, more than 100 mad doctors, menacing Alice in Wonderland creatures, vampires, and other ghouls come out to play. Take a spin on Phantom’s Revenge, try one of the park’s “sinisterly sweet treats,” or do your best to avoid a scare actor in an evil clown costume. Continues every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Sun., Oct. 27. 4800 Kennywood Blvd., West Mi lin. Ticket prices vary. kennywood.com
Allentown Night Market 7-11 p.m. Multiple locations. 800 block of E. Warrington Ave., Allentown. Free. allentownnightmarket.com
PHOTO: COURTESY OF FEVER
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics at Omni William Penn Hotel
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KENNYWOOD Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood
PHOTO: BENJAMIN PRISBYLLA Allentown Night Market
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KENNYWOOD Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood
DRAG • LAWRENCEVILLE
Witch Show with Cindy Crotchford 11 p.m.
Blue Moon Bar. 5115 Butler St., Lawrenceville. Free. Tip money strongly encouraged for performers. instagram.com/thebluemoonbar
SUN., OCT. 6
KIDS • OAKLAND
Meet the Salem Sisters. 12-2 p.m. Schenley Park Cafe and Visitor Center. 101 Panther Hollow Rd., Oakland. $25. Registration required. pittsburghparks.org
BURLESQUE • LAWRENCEVILLE
FireWALL Dance Theater presents BooLesque 7 p.m. Doors at 6 p.m. Thunderbird Music Hall. 4053 Butler St., Lawrenceville. $35-45. 18 and over. thunderbirdmusichall.com
WED., OCT. 9
FILM • MCKEES ROCKS
Jump Cut Theater presents Halloween
Hootenanny Film Kitchen 7 p.m. Doors at 6 p.m. The Parkway Theater. 644 Broadway Ave., McKees Rocks. $8. jumpcuttheater.org/film-kitchen
PODCAST • DOWNTOWN
MrBallen: The Strange, Dark, & Mysterious Live Tour. 8 p.m. Byham Theater. 101 Sixth St., Downtown. $46-181. trustarts.org
TUE., OCT. 10
TEENS • OAKLAND
Teen Night: Ghoulish Galleries 5-8 p.m. Carnegie Museum of Natural History. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. Free. Registration required. For ages 13-18. carnegiemnh.org/events
MUSIC • LAWRENCEVILLE
Queeroween Halloween Cover Show Benefit for SisTers PGH. 9 p.m. Spirit. 242 51st St., Lawrenceville. $5-15. spiritpgh.com
FRI., OCT. 11
FILM/TOUR • OAKLAND
The Silence of the Lambs Cage Night 5:30 p.m. Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum. 4141 Fifth Ave., Oakland. $25. soldiersandsailorshall.org
PARTY • NORTH SIDE
21+ Night: Mythology 6-10 p.m. Carnegie Science Center. One Allegheny Ave., North Side. $20-25. 21 and over. carnegiesciencecenter.org
FILM • SEWICKLEY
The Pittsburgh Moving Picture Festival’s Thriller Picture Show. Times TBA. Continues through Mon., Oct. 14. The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center. 418 Walnut St., Sewickley. instagram.com/pittsburghmovingpicturefest
FILM • OAKMONT
Rocky Horror Picture Show with The Junior Chamber of Commerce Players 9 p.m. Doors at 8 p.m. The Oaks Theater. 310 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont. $15. theoakstheater.com
SAT., OCT. 12
MARKET • NORTH SIDE
Kinder Being Cafe Spooky Season Pop-Up Market Soiree 12 p.m. The Government Center. 715 East St., North Side. Free. thegovernmentcenter.com
OUTDOORS • TROY HILL
Venture Outdoors Spooky Outdoor Series: Voegtly Cemetery Urban Hike 3-5 p.m. Penn Brewery. 800 Vinial St., Troy Hill. $15. ventureoutdoors.org
FILM • LAWRENCEVILLE
Nosferatu With Radiohead: A Silents
Synced Film. 9:50 p.m. Continues through Sun., Oct. 13. Row House Cinema. 4115 Butler St., Lawrenceville. $15. rowhousecinemas.com
SUN., OCT. 13
FILM • OAKMONT
Hocus Pocus Cinebrunch 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Doors at 10 a.m. The Oaks Theater. 310 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont. $20. theoakstheater.com
FILM • ALLENTOWN
Hammer Horror Film Festival. 12-8 p.m.
Death Comes Lifting. 636 E Warrington Ave., Allentown. Free. instagram.com/ deathcomeslifting
PARTY • STRIP DISTRICT
13 Nights of Halloween. 7 p.m. Continues through Sun., Oct. 27. Kingfly Spirits. 2613 Smallman St., Strip District. Ticket prices vary. kingflyspirits.com/events
MUSIC • LAWRENCEVILLE
FESTIVAL • DOWNTOWN
Pittsburgh Playhouse o ers theater, food and drinks, carnival booths, tarot readings, and more during its first-ever Fall Fest. The multi-day event kicks o with the all-ages Boo’s Halloween House Party show and continues with outdoor and indoor street festivals, pop-up bars, live music by local band The Hauntones, and other activities. There will also be an Instagram-worthy fall mural by Pittsburgh artist Cara Rossetti. 7:30-10 p.m. Continues through Sun., Oct. 27. 350 Forbes Ave., Downtown. Free entry. Ticket fees apply to some events. VIP packages available. playhouse.pointpark.edu
COMEDY • DOWNTOWN
FMK Sketch presents Halloween: Season of the Sketch 8 p.m. Continues through Fri., Oct. 18. Arcade Comedy Theater. 943 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $18. arcadecomedytheater.com
FRI., OCT. 18
PARTY • OAKLAND
Concert For The Living Dead featuring Bad Spirits, The Legendary Hucklebucks, The Forbidden 5, and Trojan Whores 6 p.m. Doors at 5 p.m. Thunderbird Music Hall. 4053 Butler St., Lawrenceville. $15 in advance, $17 at the door. 18 and over. thunderbirdmusichall.com
TUE., OCT. 15
Haunted Museum After Dark 6-10 p.m. Carnegie Museum of Natural History. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. $19-24. 21 and over. carnegiemnh.org
FILM • OAKMONT
Night of the Living Dead. 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. The Oaks Theater. 310 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont. $10. theoakstheater.com
WRESTLING • SOUTH SIDE
Enjoy Wrestling delivers suplexes with a side of spookiness during its latest show. Very Evil will see the title defense of Sonny Kiss, the return of Darius Carter, an appearance by tag team champions DME, and much more. Danhausen adds an extra dash of supernatural fun with his Enjoy debut. The night marks the first time Enjoy takes over Velum Fermentation, so grab a craft beer and cheer on your favorite pro. 7 p.m. 2120 Jane St., South Side. $36.70-46.90. linktr.ee/Enjoywrestling
FILM • ALLENTOWN
Jack-O: Bad Movie Bingo with Neo-Trash Video 8 p.m. Doors at 4:30 p.m. Bottlerocket Social Hall. 1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. Free. RSVP required. bottlerocketpgh.com
THU., OCT. 17
MUSIC • DOWNTOWN
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics 6:30 p.m. Continues on Fri., Oct. 25. Omni William Penn Hotel. 530 William Penn Pl., Downtown. $43-70. candlelightexperience.com/ halloween-concerts
MUSIC • NORTH SHORE
One Dark Night Halloween Party and Concert. 7 p.m. Stage AE. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. $39.50-65. promowestlive.com
SAT., OCT. 19
FESTIVAL • STRIP DISTRICT
Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival
8 a.m. Continues through Sun., Oct. 20. The Stacks at 3 Crossings. Railroad St. between 28th and 29th St., Strip District. Free. monsterpumpkins.com
KIDS • HIGHLAND PARK
ZooBoo. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Continues through Sun., Oct. 27. Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. 7370 Baker St., Highland Park. Included with regular admission. All ages. pittsburghzoo.org
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON
Sonny Kiss of Enjoy Wrestling: Very Evil at Velum Fermentation
KIDS • NORTH SIDE
Owl-O-Ween. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Continues through Sun., Oct. 27. National Aviary. 700 Arch St., North Side. Included with regular admission. All ages. aviary.org
LIT • ALLENTOWN
Crypt Book Faire 1-6 p.m. Death Comes Lifting. 636 E. Warrington Ave., Allentown. Free. instagram.com/deathcomeslifting
OUTDOORS • MCKEESPORT
Venture Outdoors Spooky Outdoor Series: Dravo Cemetery Bike Ride 3-6 p.m. Great Allegheny Passage. 1906 Donner St., McKeesport. $15. ventureoutdoors.org
PARTY • MUNHALL
In Bed By Ten Halloween Dance Party. 5-10 p.m. THIS IS RED. 605 East Ninth Ave., Munhall. $20 in advance, $30 at the door. 21 and over. instagram.com/inbedbytenpgh
MUSIC • LAWRENCEVILLE
Hellbender Ball: Night of the Living Hellbender 7:30 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m.
Thunderbird Music Hall. 4053 Butler St., Lawrenceville. $17.50-27.50, $30 at the door. 21 and over. thunderbirdmusichall.com
PARTY • MILLVALE
Cowboys & Aliens Halloween Bash with Bonnie and the Mere Mortals. 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. mrsmalls.com
SUN., OCT. 20
DRAG • SOUTH SIDE
The Ultimate HALLODrag Brunch
Extravaganza. 11 a.m. Velum Fermentation. 2120 Jane St., South Side. $5-70. facebook. com/ssproductionspgh
FRI., OCT. 25
FESTIVAL • MONROEVILLE
Boos and Toos Tattoo Horror Fest 12-10 p.m. Continues through Sun., Oct. 27. Monroeville Conventions and Events Center. 209 Mall Blvd., Monroeville. $20-45. monroevilleconventioncenter.com
KIDS • NORTH SIDE
Boo! A Sensory Friendly Halloween. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. 10 Children’s Way, North Side. $8. pittsburghkids.org
PARTY • NORTH SIDE
Scare up support for cancer survivors during a special Halloween celebration at Rivers Casino. Wig Out invites partygoers to bust out their best costumes during a festive fundraiser for the work of Young Adult Survivors United, a group created to provide resources to cancer survivors diagnosed between the ages of 18-45. Dance to music by TJ the DJ, enjoy live performances by the Pittsburgh Samba Group, or participate in the Best Wig contest. There will also be an auction, bu et, and food and drink vendors. 6-10 p.m. 777 Casino Dr., North Side. $75-130, $25 for cancer patients and survivors. yasurvivors.org
SAT., OCT. 26
KIDS • OAKLAND
Super Science Saturday: Booseum Trick or Treat. 12-4 p.m. Carnegie Museum of Natural History. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. Included with regular admission. Registration required. carnegiemnh.org
OUTDOORS • MCKEESPORT
Venture Outdoors Spooky Outdoor Series: Dead Man’s Hollow Hike 1-3:30 p.m. Great Allegheny Passage. 1906 Donner St., McKeesport. $15. ventureoutdoors.org
PARTY • EAST LIBERTY
Pumpkin Palooza: An East Liberty Halloween Adventure. 1-4 p.m. Kelly Strayhorn Theater. 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty. Pay What Moves You. All ages. kelly-strayhorn.org
BAR CRAWL • SOUTH SIDE
Blue Light Events presents Nightmare on Carson Street 2-10 p.m. Multiple locations, Carson St., South Side. $15 in advance, $40 day of event. 21 and over. nightmareoncarsonstreet.com
MUSIC • MILLVALE
Old Neon Halloween Bash with The Middle Room, Crash Nebula, and Panic Landing. 7 p.m. Doors at 6:30 p.m. The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. $15. mrsmalls.com
PARTY • LAWRENCEVILLE
From Dusk til Dawn Halloween Bash. 8 p.m. Spirit. 242 51st St., Lawrenceville. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. 21 and over. spiritpgh.com
PARTY • GARFIELD
Second Skin presents Festival des Éternels Halloween Dance Party 9 p.m. Mixtape. 4104 Penn Ave., Garfield. $10. 21 and over. facebook.com/SecondSkinPGH
SUN., OCT. 27
FILM • LAWRENCEVILLE
Classic Monster Movie Marathon Showtimes vary. Row House Cinema. 4115 Butler St., Lawrenceville. $36. rowhousecinemas.com
PHOTO: PHOTO COURTESY OF YOUNG ADULT SURVIVORS UNITED Wig Out at Rivers Casino
PHOTO: COURTESY OF THUNDERBIRD MUSIC HALL Hellbender Ball: Night of the Living Hellbender
PHOTO: EMMA SAUNDERS October at the National Aviary
SAT., OCT.5
DRAG • STRIP DISTRICT
Lola LeCroix presents The Real Drag Brunch of Pittsburgh Halloween Special. 12 p.m. Doors at 11 a.m. City Winery. 1627 Smallman St., Strip District. $10. citywinery.com
MUSIC • STRIP DISTRICT
Chatham Baroque presents Tales and Tunes of the BOO-roque. 4 p.m. Continues on Wed., Oct. 30. Pittsburgh Winery. 2809 Penn Ave., Strip District. $25-50. chathambaroque.org
KIDS • NORTH SIDE
Haunted Space Mansion. 8:30 p.m. Allegheny Observatory. 159 Riverview Ave., North Side. Free. Registration required. All ages. observatory.pitt.edu
WED., OCT. 30
MUSIC • NORTH SIDE
Devil’s Night Bash with Balaclava, Tony
From Bowling, and Sunny Daze and The Weathermen. 7 p.m. The Government Center. 715 East St., North Side. $10. thegovernmentcenter.com
GAME SHOW • STRIP DISTRICT
Match Gayme: Hocus Pocus 7:30 p.m. City Winery. 1627 Smallman St., Strip District. Tickets start at $25. pittsburgh.citywinery.com
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FILM • STRIP DISTRICT
Jump Cut Theater presents Devil’s Night Sin-ema 8-10:30 p.m. Kingfly Spirits. 2613 Smallman St., Strip District. Tickets TBA. kingflyspirits.com
THU., OCT. 31
FESTIVAL • HOMEWOOD
Baxter Park Fall Festival. 5:30-7:30 p.m. 7601 Frankstown Ave., Homewood. Free. All ages. pittsburghparks.org
MUSIC • LAWRENCEVILLE
The Clock Reads: The Return of Clockoween with DJ Dini Daddy 7 p.m. Spirit. 242 51st St., Lawrenceville. $20. 21 and over. spiritpgh.com
MUSIC • STATION SQUARE
The Punk Rock Horror Show with Green Jelly and First Jason. 7 p.m. Hard Rock Cafe. 230 W. Station Square Dr., Station Square. $20. facebook.com/hardrockpgh
OUTDOORS • LAWRENCEVILLE
Pittsburgh Underwear Halloween Ride. 8 p.m. 46th St. and Butler St., Lawrenceville. Free. facebook.com/PghUnderwearBikeRide
BRUNCH & PUNCH
PHOTO: BENJAMIN PRISBYLLA Allentown Night Market
OUT FOR BLOOD
Aiden Sin Flame is back with another kink-forward Obsidian party, and this time, there's blood lust
BY: JESSIE SAGE // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
It would be easy to imagine, based on my 10 years working in the sex industry and the topics I cover in my writing, that I live a wild life that consists of late-night hedonistic debauchery. The reality is quite different.
PHOTO: PJ PATELLA-REY COURTESY OF AIDEN SIN FLAME Eden Ivy performs at Obsidian.
I’m a nerdy writer and a fierce introvert who likes to spend long periods alone in silence. Moreover, I’m whatever brand of neurospicy makes loud and people-filled environments physically painful. Indeed, one of the best things about my job as an escort is that I’ve created a work environment where I only have to interact with one person at a time, for a predetermined duration, in an entirely private setting.
Given this context, when my partner PJ, who freelances as an event photographer, came to me a year or so ago and asked if I wanted to go with them to a goth-themed all-night dance party at Pittsburgh’s gay bathhouse to hang out while they shot the event, I told them I couldn’t imagine anything I wanted to do less. I stayed home and read a book (ahem, watched reality TV). I was long asleep before they got home.
That was the first of several
Obsidian parties they shot — a goth rave/dance party with performances created and produced by artist and performer Aiden Sin Flame. Each time PJ went to one of the events they came home with tales of intense performances akin to ritual, wild costumes, loud techno, and sweat-filled dancefloors.
In the wake of the pandemic, after most social spaces had been shut down for some time, Aiden created Obsidian because she didn’t think there were enough parties like this in the area. “I just wanted to create something cool,” she tells me over video chat.
She didn’t have a lot of expectations going into her first event and recalls thinking, “If it's good, we'll do it again. If it's not, then, you know, we won't.” But she was floored by the response to her first Obsidian, which had a turnout that far exceeded her expectations, solidifying the demand
PHOTO: PJ PATELLA-REY COURTESY OF AIDEN SIN FLAME
The dance floor at Obsidian
for such a space here in Pittsburgh. On Nov. 1, she is hosting her sixth Obsidian at Club Pittsburgh from 9 p.m.-4 a.m. Live performances by Lilac Web, Ravae Chainsaw, Roxie Hard, and Nasty have been lined up, with DJs Erica Scary, Krass Advert, and Strigoii set to take the stage as well.
Given the proximity to Halloween, this party’s theme is vampire blood lust, and she is stepping up her game. While previous parties have had two DJs, this one will have three, and for the first time, attendees of all genders will be allowed to explore the upper levels of the building, separate from the party, where nudity and public sex are permitted. (As a gay bathhouse, historically, men have typically only been allowed in these areas of Club Pittsburgh.)
Obsidian welcomes and embraces various aspects of kink, creating a space where folks can
express themselves freely and explore their interests. As Nicci, a self-described leather dyke and organizer with the Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP) Pittsburgh notes, the event has a "very posi tive" atmosphere, featuring artisans vending leather goods and other kink-related items.
Aiden clarifies that while Obsidian is "kink forward," it's not a play party or a swingers party. Attendees are welcome to display their Dominant/ submissive dynamic or dress in a way that reflects their kink interests, but the focus remains on creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
Obsidian is known for its capti vating and unconventional perfor mances, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. In Nicci’s words, “Aiden brings in some really creative burlesque acts.” Attendees have witnessed a burlesque perfor mance involving an angle grinder,
PHOTO: PJ PATELLA-REY COURTESY OF AIDEN SIN FLAME Eden Ivy performs at Obsidian.
PHOTO: PJ PATELLA-REY COURTESY OF AIDEN SIN FLAME
Jessica Renae and the Only Flesh suspension team at Obsidian
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showcasing the event's commitment to creative and daring displays. Performers like Columbus-based Ravae Chainsaw bring their unique talents to Obsidian on Nov. 1, with plans to showcase electro-play and bloody needle acts this time. These performances, albeit intense, are always conducted with a focus on safety and consent.
Ravae emphasizes the importance of using proper safety equipment and obtainin the necessary certi ications for such performances. From sterile needles and sharps containers to checking in with their "bottom" throughout the performance, every precaution is taken to ensure a safe and consensual experience for those involved and those watching. They explain that in their performances/ demonstrations, they are diligent about checking in with their bottom: “I'm like, ‘Are you still feeling okay? Are you just checking out of this mentally because it's taking me too long?’”
Ravae remarks that at Obsidian they have the authority to stop any performance to ensure the safety and comfort of the people they are working with, which is important given the intensity of what they are doing. They say of their needle demonstrations, for example, “I have to keep track of excessive bleeding, of how the skin looks. I'm not afraid to disturb my art piece for safety.”
This commitment to safety allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the artistic spectacle, appreciating the skill and dedication of the performers while witnessing the beauty and intensity of these alternative art forms. Looking back on a past performance, Aiden says, “When we did the esh suspension altar at a previous Obsidian], I stepped back and looked at my friend who was, like, being made into this human ornament, and the beauty of it, and I was like, ‘This is literally a live ritual that we're all participating in at the same time.’” Indeed, I remember my partner telling me about the power of that exact moment when they came
home from shooting that night.
This inclusive spirit extends to the event's collaboration with SWOP. At the upcoming event, SWOP will be fundraising for their Mutual Aid Fund. From 9 p.m. until midnight, representatives from SWOP will give spankings for tips that will provide essential support to sex workers in need. This partnership underscores Obsidian's commitment to social responsibility and its role as a safe space for marginalized communities.
As Aiden explains, "Any charity that I help or any organization that I help has to be somewhere that I or people that I care about can ask for help.” a in personally bene ited rom s assistance durin a di icult time, Aiden understands the importance of their direct and non-judgmental approach to providing aid. Moreover, SWOP's Mutual Aid Fund, established during the pandemic to address the urgent needs of sex workers impacted by lockdowns and economic hardship, continues to play a vital role in providing a safety net for the community.
Nicci says, “From my experience, Aiden throws a good party. If you go, you’ll have a good time.” And as a plug for SWOP, she adds, “If you go and you decide to try out bottoming or impact play or the irst time you mi ht ind somethin that you like Even if you don’t, you’ll be supporting a good cause — helping sex workers and all
Speaking with Aiden, Ravae, and Nicci has convinced me that I should step outside of my comfort zone a bit and go to a party. If you want to see me there ll be the wall ower in the back with earplugs in. I’ll make sure to bring a few extra dollars because, though I’m inclined to turn down party invites, I never turn down a good spanking.
OBSIDIAN
Many Americans are fortunate to have dental coverage for their entire working life, throughemployer-provided benefits. When those benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock, leading people to put off or even go without care.
Simply put — without dental insurance, there may be an important gap in your healthcare coverage.
When you’re comparing plans ...
Look for coverage that helps pay for major services. Some plans may limit the number of procedures — or pay for preventive care only.
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Shop for coverage with no annual maximum on cash benefits. Some plans have annual maximums of $1,000.
Medicare doesn’t pay for dental care.1
That’s right. As good as Medicare is, it was never meant to cover everything. That means if you want protection, you need to purchase individual insurance.
Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones. The best way to prevent large dental bills is preventive care. The American Dental Association recommends checkups twice a year.
Previous dental work can wear out.
Even if you’ve had quality dental work in the past, you shouldn’t take your dental health for granted. In fact, your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2
Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need.
Consider these national average costs of treatment ... $222 for a checkup ... $190 for a filling ... $1,213 for a crown.3 Unexpected bills like this can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.
“Absolutely
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HELP WANTED
SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER
(Master’s w/ 3 yrs exp or Bach w/ 5 yrs exp; Majors: Mechanical Engg or equiv)
- Cuddy, PA. Job entails working w/ & reqs exp that must be in the rubber extrusion industry & incl: engg resins incl EPDM, Neoprene, Nitrile, TPV, TPE, FKM, FFKM, PVC, ABS, PP, TPRs/TPOs, & PC; thermoplastic elastomers incl TPE & TPVs; FEA & strength of materials; general manufacturing processes incl machining, injection molding, thermoforming, extrusions, additive manufacturing, & surface treatments; 3D printing & prototyping; ANSYS; SolidWorks or equiv per ASME Y14.5; Ultimaker Cura. Send resumes to SantopSeal Corporation, Attn: HR, 3 Nicholson Dr, Cuddy, PA 15031
MARKET PLACE
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF BELLO, HELEN S., DECEASED OF BRIDGEVILLE, PA No. 022406056 of 2024. Extr. Gary Bello 2086 Antigua Ln, Naples, FL 34120.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE is hearby given that the Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the 20th day of September, 2024 with respect to a proposed nonprofit corporation, Project for Responsive Democracy which has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988, as amended.
NOTICE GOLDEN DOODLE PUPPIES
ready for their forever homes. 2 boys and girls. Asking 1,000.00. Call 724-971-5412.
HELP WANTED PRODUCT MANAGER IQUOTE AND IPLAN
EPS US, LLC’s Pittsburgh, PA, o ice seeks a Product Manager iQuote and iPlan to be responsible for overseeing the visioning of iQuote as it relates to the Enterprise Suite, with particular focus on the high growth direct and transactional mail markets. Apply at https://recruiting.ultipro. com/EPR1000EPSUS #PRODU001964.
NAME CHANGE
Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-24-009338
In re petition of Nina Paulette Ndayisaba Muhunga for change of name to Nina Ndayisaba Muhunga Joseph.
To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 16th day of October 2024, 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.
NAME CHANGE
IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-24-9849, In petition of Genysha Davis, parents and legal guardians of Kendyl Emily Elizabeth Edwell, minor, for change of name to Kendyl Emily Elizabeth Davis-Vesci.
To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 9th day of October 2024, 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.
NAME CHANGE
Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD 24-009072
In re petition of Matthew Allen Mitchell for change of name to Matthew Allen Miceli. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 23rd day of October 2024, 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.
NAME CHANGE
IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-24 009073
In re petition of Dylan Joseph Mitchell for change of name to Dylan Joseph Miceli.
To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 23rd day of October 2024, 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.
The University of Pittsburgh’s Alcohol & Smoking Research Lab is looking for people to participate in a research project. You must:
• Currently smoke cigarettes
• Be 18-49 years old, in good health, and speak fluent English
• Be right handed, willing to not smoke before two sessions, and to fill out questionnaires Earn up to $260 for participating in this study. For more information, call (412) 407-5029
PUBLIC AUCTION
PUBLIC AUCTION
PUBLIC AUCTION
PUBLIC AUCTION
TWO OF CLUBS
ACROSS
1.
Puts into cargo
6.
Use soap and water
10. 99% review, often
14.
Comment to someone who’s been acting cheeky
15. Alarm clock setting
16. Like sadistic puzzle makers
17. Strange bad experience that feels unreal (WNBA, WNBA)
19. “___ burn!”
20. Evening game?
21. Takes home
22. “La Belle Dame
Sans Merci” poet
23. Blubber
24. Abbr. in an o ice block
25. Refried beans bean
26. Heavy rain accompaniment (NBA, WNBA)
30. Persian world?
33. Dumb fools
34. Site from Sugarloaf Mountain
35.
Cluster of stars?
36.
“Workin’ for a Livin’” singer Lewis
37. Like, now
38. Gus Walz, to Tim
39. Like some skink tails
41. Flash in the summer sky
(NBA, NHL)
45. Campaign’s assistant
46. Feminist Wolf
49. Scholarship metric
52. Ski bunny’s rental
56. “I got you, ___”
57. Two-horse wager
59. Fast-spreading success (NHL, MLS)
61. ___ potatoes
62. Lady Tigers sch.
63. Birthplace of nearly all the world’s major religions
64. Big business
65. Seashell seller in tongue twisters
66. Transitional word
DOWN
1. Citizen leader?
2. His and her
3. Schlemiel’s kvetch
4. Trouble
5. Beastie Boys song that begins “’Cause you can’t, you won’t, and you don’t stop”
6. Massachusetts senator Elizabeth
7. Prayer period
8. Vichy showers locations
9. “I’ll have to think about that ...”
10. Hold a grudge
11. Type of sunglasses
12. Queen
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of its a iliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s Lien at the location indicated: 3200 Park Manor Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 on October 16, 2024 at 1:00pm. 1131 Casey John Mencher; 4001M Joseph Keenan. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
PUBLIC AUCTION
Extras Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its a iliates Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a Public Auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extras Space’s lien at the location indicated: 902 Brinton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 11:30am. Ricardo Grubber 2091, Quinton Leanard II 2201, Carl Parker 3021. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com
nicknamed “The grandmother of Europe”
13. Benevolent people
18. Single statistic
22. Treat in the middle of a Peanut Butter Blossom cookie
25. Haunt
26. Jet bombs, at times: Abbr.
27. Scratch
28. Put into action
29. Janitor’s prop
30. Scratch
31. Burn balm
32. Talking Heads bassist Weymouth
36. The Phenomenology of Spirit philosopher
37. Actress Gunn
of Breaking Bad
39. Divested (of)
40. Plied with Pinot
42. Martial arts/meditation practice
43. Couple of pointers?
44. Children’s drawing game
47. Madame Tussaud
48. “Let me clarify ...”
49. “Ain’t nobody got time for that,” e.g.
50. Thing you might bring a crib to
51. Symptom of laryngitis
53. Birds with swivel heads
54. Serving of guacamole
55. Stamp backing
58. Fruity beverage
60. Budgetary excess
LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS
Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the property.
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its a iliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 880 Saw Mill Run Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15226, October 16, 2024, at 1:15 PM. Marc Anthony Smith 1104, Andrea Barbour 2141, Arianna Taylor 3017. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.
Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.
Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
PUBLIC AUCTION
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its a iliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 1212 Madison Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. October 16th, 2024 at 1:30 PM. Leah Hall 133, Dallas Harris 6070. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.
Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.
Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
For more information on the available properties and locations, please contact us at
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its a iliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 1005 E Entry Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15216 on 10/16/2024 at 11:30 AM. 2240 Kelly McCarthy, 4143 Charmaine Charles, 5125 Oxana Lazzor. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures. com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.
Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
PUBLIC AUCTION
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its a iliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 111 Hickory Grade Rd. Bridgeville, PA 15017, October 16, 2024 at 12:30PM. Jessica Martinez 2154, Jacob Elias 3168. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.
Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its a iliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 141 N Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh PA, 15208 on October 16th, 2024 at 11:00 AM. 1228A Mark Easley, 2041 Ebonie Robinson, 2262A Calvin Pryce, 3182A Darnell Mcmiller, 3232A Moniquka Magee, 4034 Ellen Jean Musto, 5027 40 80 Architecture LLC. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases
Join Port Authority Police along with the Allegheny County Communities and Police Together for
National Coffee with a Cop Day
Thursday, October 10, 2024 6-9AM at Wilkinsburg Station (along Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. East Busway)
National Coffee with a Cop Day is an annual event that brings police officers and the community members they serve together over coffee to discuss issues and break down barriers between law enforcement and the community.
Free coffee, mugs, doughnuts and cookies will be provided while supplies last. Meet WAMO radio personality Kiki from 7-9 AM.
