Update: Gov. Tom Wolf confirms two presumptive positive cases of coronavirus in Pennsylvania
Update: 11 a.m., Fri., March 6: In a press release this morning, Gov. Tom Wolf confirmed that Pennsylvania has two “presumptive positive” cases of the coronavirus, one adult in Wayne County and one adult in Delaware County. Both are currently under isolation in their homes. One of the individuals recently traveled to a country where…
Celebrate International Women’s Day at the All Rise Female Maker Faire
While brands may try to cash in on Women’s History Month by paying lip service to gender equality and inclusivity, actions speak louder than words. That’s why Quelcy Kogel and Lindsey Smith, co-founders of the Wild Rose Collective, created the All Rise Female Maker Faire in celebration of International Women’s Day. Using the image of U.S.…
Don’t sleep on Cam Chambers
New Kensington’s Cam Chambers put out his first single, “Nuedae” (new day), back in September, but I didn’t happen upon the R&B singer until Empty Space Project released a video of Chambers performing it at AK Valley Park two months later. I watched the video, enjoyed, and then promptly forgot about it. The lineup for…
This week in Pittsburgh music: Seven Days of Concerts
Thursday, March 5 Standard Broadcast, Lofi Delphi, and Erika June & The Tunes. 6:30 p.m. Club Cafe, 56 S. 12th St., South Side Friday, March 6 Pittsburgh’s Very Own, featuring Cam Chambers, Jrouz3, Mani Bahia & The Mob, and Shawna Roxanne. 7 p.m. Mr. Smalls Theatre, 500 Lincoln Ave., Millvale Saturday, March 7 Valesuchi, Boo…
4 Downtown Pittsburgh alleys worth cutting through
Alleys get a bad reputation. The narrow side streets are often associated with illegal behavior, trash, and darkness. Not exactly the kind of place that encourages a leisurely stroll. Downtown Pittsburgh has its share of the type of alleys you’d expect in a city, but it also has some that may be even nicer than…
This week in Pittsburgh: Seven Days of Arts and Entertainment
Thursday, March 5 STAGE [Cue music.] “My heart wants to beat like the wings of the pigeons that rise from the Monongahela to Point State Park.” Get out your whistle, line your children up in a row, and head Downtown as Pittsburgh Musical Theater brings one of the most loved musicals of all time to…
MuseumLab opens line of communication with Channel group art exhibition
In an increasingly divisive culture, communication seems nearly impossible, even as social media and smartphones have made the world more connected. A new group art exhibition at MuseumLab will address at least one type of communication, that of intergenerational. Opening Thu., March 5, Channel features 10 artists using painting, photography, installation, and multimedia artworks to…
Gisele Fetterman says we need to embrace safe-injection sites for those afflicted by drug addiction
Last week, a proposed supervised injection site for those afflicted by drug addiction was canceled in Philadelphia. The site would have been the first in the nation and would have served as a resource to help the city combat the opioid epidemic, which has the highest opioid-related death rate of any large city in the…
Weekly Food Truck Schedule: March 4-10
Are you tired of tracking down food trucks? Welcome to the Pittsburgh City Paper food truck roundup, where we do the hard work for you. Each week, we’re compiling a list of city trucks and their schedules. (For the most up-to-date schedule, visit each truck’s website.) AFRICAN Kilimanjaro Flavour @kilimanjaro_flavour Friday: Cobblehaus Brewing. 1021 Fifth…
Joe Kwaczala said what?!: The Pittsburgh-born comedian talks Clickhole, the Rock & Roll HOF, and accents
When comedian Joe Kwaczala turned 31 in 2018, he celebrated by releasing 31 videos on his Twitter, YouTube, and website. Dropped in 15 minute intervals, the videos included well-produced skits with ensemble casts (a parody of The Slap with vampires instead of children), minimalist one-offs (a talking jar of expired salsa voiced by Tim Robinson…
Santana, Tove Lo, The Weeknd, and more are performing in Pittsburgh this summer
Stay up-to-date with your favorite artists and musicians coming to Pittsburgh. Each week, Pittsburgh City Paper will bring you the most recent concert announcements so you never miss a show. Alternative/Indie Origami Angel, Mover Shaker. Sun., June 7. The Mr. Roboto Project, Bloomfield. Rock The Commonheart. Sat., Aug. 8. Stage AE, North Side. Santana, Earth,…
For Sale With Baggage: I’ve got the ‘my son doesn’t appreciate me’ blues
Stuff can be complicated, especially when trying to get rid of it. The process can remind us that our things can have worth that’s hard to put a dollar amount on; they can call to mind other people from our lives; they can bring up memories of what they were (or weren’t) used for. For…
Shrink me down and let me live in the Carnegie Science Center’s Miniature Railroad and Village
You probably know me as “the funniest guy in my office.” What you may not know is I am also Pittsburgh City Paper’s preeminent model railroad enthusiast. If I had a beat, it would be the Carnegie Science Center’s Miniature Railroad and Village,® having covered the past two yearly additions to the 100-year-old model: Donora’s…
Mayor Peduto on the city’s climate change goals as related to public transit
Last week, Pittsburgh City Paper published a story highlighting Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s thoughts on the Green New Deal, a sweeping proposal that plans to move the U.S. off fossil-fuel dependency by spending federal dollars to incentivize and create more renewable energy projects and infrastructure upgrades. Peduto has joined many environmentalists in opposing new petrochemical…
SYFY announces upcoming TV series inspired by Day of the Dead
Zombie television series are nothing new to the cable landscape, with The Walking Dead being on for what seems like forever. Fans of the undead also have plenty to binge with the Walking Dead spin-off, Fear the Walking Dead, as well as iZombie, Z Nation, and many more. But apparently SYFY didn’t think this was…
Space Jesus closes out his Moon.Landing tour in Pittsburgh
How did you spend your Leap Day this year? Space Jesus and his team of wonky electronic musicians spent their extra day slaying fans at the Roxian Theatre for the final date of their Moon.Landing tour. Space Jesus, aka Jasha Tull, filled the McKees Rocks venue from the top balcony down to the pit in…
Bassburgh Promotions co-owner Chris “Maze” Stankay releases debut EP
After deeply immersing himself as a DJ in the Pittsburgh electronic scene over the years — regularly playing at places like The Goldmark, Tilden, and Scenario — Chris “Maze” Stankay, one of Bassburgh Promotions’ owners, is moving into the production side. On Fri., Feb. 27, Stankay dropped his first EP, Unorthodox, on OFDM Records. Under the moniker Chris Maze,…
I have no idea what to expect from Disney World, so I will go find out
In a couple of weeks, I will be going with my family to The Happiest Place on Earth. Florida. Orlando, Fla. Disney World! I have never been there because I was born an old man who thought himself too sophisticated for that kind of tomfoolery. And, probably, from my parents’ point of view, because it…
8 burning questions for John Cusack ahead of his Pittsburgh appearance on April 23
If you have any burning questions for John Cusack, you might get the opportunity to ask him in person next month. The veteran actor is appearing at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall on April 23 for a screening of the 1989 Cameron Crowe classic Say Anything … There will be a moderated live discussion after the…
Meet the chef: James Beard semifinalist Christian Frangiadis of Spork
Spork Pittsburgh’s executive chef and owner Christian Frangiadis was recently named a James Beard semifinalist for “Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic,” one of the world’s most prestigious awards in the food and beverage industry, and the first nomination for the popular Pittsburgh restaurant. “At Spork, we pride ourselves on crafting an experience that is both modern and…
New study tries to figure out how many Pittsburgh commuters cross rivers
The age-old saying goes: In Pittsburgh, you don’t cross rivers. The saying mostly applies to people visiting friends or completing some kind of leisure activity. If you live in the North Hills, you probably don’t travel to the South Hills for barbecues. If you live in Monroeville, you probably aren’t going to Sewickley to shop…
Eric Crosby named new director of the Carnegie Museum of Art
The Carnegie Museum of Art (CMOA) has named Eric Crosby as its new director, more than two years after Lynn Zelevansky stepped down from the role. The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh made the announcement on Thursday, adding that Crosby will officially assume his role as director starting March 1. Crosby was the Richard Armstrong Senior…
The 412 with of Montreal’s Kevin Barnes
Of Montreal’s UR FUN tour kicked off yesterday in Athens, Ga., and makes its way to Pittsburgh on Sat., March 7 at Mr. Smalls Theatre. The psychedelic pop band, helmed by Kevin Barnes, is traveling across the U.S. following the release of its latest album. UR FUN, of Montreal’s 17th LP, takes listeners back to…
VIDEO: Pittsburgh Black Media Panel at August Wilson African American Cultural Center
The Pittsburgh Black Media Panel, held at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center earlier this month, addressed what local media is getting right — and wrong — when covering the city’s Black communities. The panel, hosted by Pittsburgh City Paper and PublicSource, was open to all members of Pittsburgh media organizations and originated from…
Now playing: Portrait of a Lady on Fire, CatVideoFest, and more
Every Friday, Pittsburgh City Paper compiles a round-up of new releases and second-run films playing around the city. This only covers films that are new to theaters this week; check out what movies opened previously here. Portrait of a Lady on Fire In 18th century France, Héloïse, a young woman set to marry an Italian man,…
City Paper Live – 2/28/20
Video Archive Senior Arts and Entertainment Writer Amanda Waltz and Digital Media Manager Josh Oswald discuss Peduto’s take on the Green New Deal, LinkedIn, Taste Magazine, and what’s inside this week’s issue. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5 shows on the MP3 downloads page.
Pop-Up library to fill needs of Downtown bookworms during renovation
Attention Downtown bookworms: You only have until Saturday to visit Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s popular Downtown branch on Smithfield Street before the location closes for the remainder of the year to begin a major expansion and renovation project. But if you love checking out books in person, don’t fret. A 300 square-foot Pop-Up library is…
Pittsburgh Latino service group hoping to ensure everyone is counted for 2020 Census
Historically, minority groups in the U.S. are undercounted in the decennial U.S. Census. This is the only time the federal government officially attempts to count every resident in the nation, and undercounted populations are subsequently underserved and receive less federal aid. Local Latino service group Casa San Jose is concerned about these discrepancies because most of…
For Sale With Baggage: Not for the stubborn
Stuff can be complicated, especially when trying to get rid of it. The process can remind us that our things can have worth that’s hard to put a dollar amount on; they can call to mind other people from our lives; they can bring up memories of what they were (or weren’t) used for. For…
Say hello to Pittsburgh’s newest record label, Delicate Cashmere
When you think of music, what are the top three moments that come to mind? Luke Starcher, aka DJ/producer Good Dude Lojack, is looking to work with people who can not only answer that question in an enticing way, but also show that they deeply care about music for his new record label, Delicate Cashmere.…
Velvet Hearts! pays tribute to historic Black performers with variety show
As Black History Month comes to a close this weekend, Velvet Hearts!, the multi-city troupe of queer burlesque, drag, and sideshow acts, will present Pay Tribute, a night of performances dedicated to groundbreaking Black artists who have paved the way for future generations. Now in its third year, the show — taking place on Sat., Feb. 29…
Lynn Cullen Live – 2/27/20
Video Archive Mike Pence has been put in charge of the Coronavirus response for the US. What we can expect, and how fears of the virus spreading have caused the stock market to plummet is what Lynn is discussing today. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5 shows on the MP3 downloads page.
Action Camp hosts an ‘action camp’ for musicians and bands of all levels
In college, Maura Jacob and her friends would hold what she called “action camp skill shares.” Students would get together and talk about topics ranging from protests, to how to be safe on campus, or how to fix a bike. Jacob, who is now in Pittsburgh doom-pop band, Action Camp, which she co-founded with Bengt…
Lynn Cullen Live – 2/26/20
Video Archive There was another Democratic debate last night. Lynn watched most of it, and is giving her thoughts. She is talking about the reactive force that seems prevalent in American politics right now. In frightening news the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that spread of the corona virus…
Heinz Memorial Chapel celebrates Women’s History Month with Women in the Windows stained glass tour
Visitors and students might not know that the Heinz Memorial Chapel at the University of Pittsburgh is non-denominational. The chapel’s associate director, Wendy Lau, says that the Heinz family “never thought that you should hold one religion over another. “They wanted everyone to feel welcome and inspired,” she says. If visitors take a moment to…
Fear of drug users is how we justify harming them
Every morning, I walk to my son’s daycare to drop him off. He’s a little guy right now, just a few months old, and I feel both protective and adventurous when we’re out in the world together. I want him to see it all, to smell it, to hear it. And at the same time,…
Pittsburgh Black Film Network provides a platform for local Black filmmakers with first short film program
Jay “Ruff Bone” White has been making films in Pittsburgh for years. Now the Beltzhoover native and self-taught filmmaker will showcase the work of his peers with Pittsburgh Black Film Network: A Day Dedicated to Black Short Films. The event on Thu., Feb. 27 at the Homewood-Brushton YMCA will include a screening as well as…
vanessa german and Deesha Philyaw assemble Black women of all ages and experiences to release TENDER a literary anthology & book of spells: evidence
As vanessa german and Deesha Philyaw were sending TENDER a literary anthology & book of spells: evidence to the press last year, a Gender Equity Commission report cited Pittsburgh as more difficult to live in for Black women. This was something german and Philyaw, as well as the 17 other writers and visual artists in…
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto explains why he isn’t backing the Green New Deal, but why he is also opposed to fracking
Last week, Pittsburgh-area Democrats were sent into a state of disarray. On Sunday, the Allegheny County Democratic Committee endorsed candidate Heather Kass, who had past social media posts praising Donald Trump, and also endorsed challenger Chris Roland, a white man, over state Rep. Summer Lee (D-Swissvale), western Pennsylvania’s first Black woman state legislator and the…
Skippy the cat watches CatVideoFest 2020 to his own dismay
I should have known something was up when she placed her laptop on the couch and patted the cushion. That’s a move normally indicating a surprise grooming session or a desperate plea for company while she watches yet another Law & Order: SVU marathon. Then I heard it. “Mew! Mew! Mew!” Hi, I’m Skippy. A…
Julie Murphy’s young adult books have universal appeal that transcends age groups
As a plus-size woman, Julie Murphy has often been called fat. But in recent interviews and conversations, as well as in her books, the Texas-based young adult writer uses the word as a common adjective. According to Murphy, who appears Feb. 27 as a guest of the Pittsburgh Contemporary Writers Series, using “fat” takes away…
Go back to hell from whence you came, LinkedIn!
Hey, let me check out what’s going on on LinkedIn. Nothing’s going on! Because nothing worthwhile is ever happening on LinkedIn. People use LinkedIn, because LinkedIn told them to. LinkedIn has been used by sinners for centuries, dating back to when co-founders Reid Hoffman and Jean-Luc Vaillant discovered they had 1,576 mutual connections in the…
Fantastic coffee cocktails that thankfully don’t include whipped cream vodka
The first time I drank a coffee cocktail, it was made from instant coffee and whipped cream vodka. It was also the worst cocktail I had ever had. Since then, I have been introduced to the better side of coffee cocktails, a side that includes drinks like the classic Irish coffee, espresso martinis, “cold”…
The delicate art of calculating tax deductions in the sex work industry
Last week I found myself combing through an entire year’s worth of bank and credit card statements in order to make a list of business expenses. It’s that time of year again: tax time. Perhaps others are more organized than I am and keep spreadsheets throughout the year to save themselves from doing this mind-numbingly…
Free Will Astrology (2/26 – 3/1)
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): If you’re like most of us, you harbor desires for experiences that might be gratifying in some ways but draining in others. If you’re like most of us, you may on occasion get attached to situations that are mildly interesting, but divert you from situations that could be amazingly interesting and…
Trump’s ‘Making Federal Buildings Beautiful Again’ undermines exactly what makes architecture beautiful in the first place — its diversity
I have no single favorite architectural style. Mid-century modern? Queen Anne? Prairie? Parametric? I love nearly all, except the crappy and thoughtless. But I have done academic research in classical architecture — the many revivals of Greece and Rome. So when the style elicited national debate earlier this month, I hoped for a happier discussion…
The Local 913: INEZ
“I’m not a perfectionist,” Danielle Walker clarifies. “I’m particular.” Walker is the producer, singer, songwriter, and beatmaker behind INEZ and that attention to detail has paid off. INEZ released her debut album Voicemails & Conversations late last year, using her Berklee College of Music-honed skills as a producer to mix years of saved voicemail recordings…
Even memes should be accessible, and researchers at CMU are trying to figure out how
Each day, the chaos of the internet is filled with wretched news stories and terrible opinions. It would be an unrewarding slog if it weren’t for the beacon of hope that brings us all together: memes. There is no political event or pop culture moment that can’t be turned into a meme, and no meme…
Owners of now-shuttered Bangkok Balcony deliver dishes from Laos and Thailand with KIIN Lao & Thai Eatery
In early September, Norraset (Nor) and Rujira Nareedokmai closed their beloved Thai restaurant, Bangkok Balcony, after a 15-year run. But fans of the Squirrel Hill restaurant can rest easy: The Nareedokmais aren’t going anywhere, just shifting their focus a little to the northeast. KIIN Lao & Thai Eatery is now open in Bangcok Balcony’s former…
Game of Tones: The 30th iteration of the Beyond 2020 Microtonal Music Festival
Despite its modernist ring, microtonal music is not a recent phenomenon. The term was first coined over a century ago, and the concept — music using altered pitches and tuning systems to play notes not found in the standard Western twelve-tone system — has been utilized as far back as history books go. But thanks…
