Pittsburgh ranks second for highest energy burden on African-American households
According to a new report, Pittsburgh ranks poorly for utility costs on low-income and minority households.
‘Last Dragon’ star Taimak answers seven important questions before April 22 visit
Martial-arts movie star Taimak comes to Pittsburgh April 22 to present cult-fave film The Last Dragon.
Final week for 12 Peers’ Compelling “White Rabbit Red Rabbit” in Pittsburgh
Four performances remain of unique one-person show.
Pennsylvania finally has a medical marijuana law
After seven years of struggles, the Pa. state legislator passed a medical marijuana bill and Gov. Tom Wolf signed it in to law last weekend.
Listen Up! April 20
Listen to our Spotify playlist featuring artists mentioned in this week’s issue
Review: The 2016 Pittsburgh Fringe
Average attendance at the Pittsburgh Fringe was up slightly this year, and the quality continues to improve.
This week in City Paper History
After a fast start, the 2016 Pirates have cooled off a little. But remember, everything’s going to be fine. Or at least, it won’t be as horrible as the bad ol’ days between 1992 and 2013. To remind you of that, we go back to April 17, 1997, and a story written by John Enrietto,…
Video: Former President Bill Clinton speaks to educators in Pittsburgh
Former President Bill Clinton stumped for his wife and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in Pittsburgh, speaking on health care and education.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich makes presidential campaign stop at Pittsburgh’s Original Oyster House
Presidential candidate Ohio Gov. John Kasich visits The Original Oyster House in Pittsburgh’s Market Square today.
MP3 Monday: Delicious Pastries
Stream or download a new track from Delicious Pastries
Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Arts Festival announces lineup, new features
From art and music to more food trucks, the Three Rivers Arts Fest has some new wrinkles.
Holi: Pittsburgh celebrates Hindu spring festival
Pittsburgh celebrated Holi, the Hindu spring festival, in Schenley Park this weekend.
Besieged Pittsburgh ICA executive director to be ousted May 31
UPDATE: 4:36 p.m.: In a meeting that took three minutes, the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority voted to dump its embattled executive director Henry Sciortino, CP’s Ryan Deto reports from today’s meeting. Later Board Chair B.J. Leber was unanimously selected as the board’s new director. However, Deto reports Leber’s tenure got off to a strange start: "I…
A conversation with Evan Weiss of Into It. Over It.
Evan Weiss is one of the busiest, hardest-working people in the indie scene. We caught up with him on the phone when he had an off day in Richmond, Va., before coming to Pittsburgh to play Broken World Fest 2. Enjoy! With Standards was there anything different in the writing process for you? Anything different…
What you need to know about Pittsburgh news this week
This week, Equal Pay Day is recognized; Donald Trump visits Pittsburgh; and Pitt researchers suggest that racial bias be addressed in early childhood.
Dance classes and storytelling at Pittsburgh’s Market Square this weekend
Special programming — including free dance classes and readings — complements a temporary public artwork
Lynn Cullen Live 04/15/16
Video Archive You can listen to the audio archive here. Dem. debate last night. Kasich on Passover misconceptions. OSU student protests. Audio Only Archive Listen to the Audio Archives on with our new Apple and Android Apps or the computer audio player.
City Paper Weekend Calendar – April 14-17
Here are the top five things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend.
University of Pittsburgh report looks at racial bias in early childhood education
A University of Pittsburgh study concludes that a colorblind approach doesn’t address racial bias.
Misdemeanor charges dismissed against two teens arrested following December Wood Street incident in Downtown Pittsburgh
Two teens who claimed they were wrongly arrested during the Wood Street T station ruckus had their charges dismissed.
Photo slideshows: Donald Trump stumps in Pittsburgh, protesters and supporters clash
Photographers Renee Rosensteel and Aaron Warnick capture the events leading up to and after Donald Trump’s stump speech in Pittsburgh.
Fact Checking Donald Trump’s Pittsburgh Speech: Joe Paterno is Alive
Joe Paterno is dead. Donald Trump is probably an idiot.
Video: Donald Trump’s visit to Pittsburgh draws large crowds of supporters and protesters
Inside the rally, Trump talked about reviving the steel industry in Western Pennsylvania. Outside, protesters and supporters clashed.
City Paper Podcast – Episode 013
This week on the City Paper Podcast, we interview Iraqi journalist and poet Sabreen Kadhim; our panel talks Pennsylvania primary; and we visit Penn Avenue Fish Company.
Lynn Cullen Live 04/14/16
Video Archive You can listen to the audio archive here. Trump in Pitt. Octopus makes an escape. RIP Ann Jackson. Medical marijuana. Graduates students in poetry may not see funding. Audio Only Archive Listen to the Audio Archives on with our new Apple and Android Apps or the computer audio player.
Pittsburgh City Paper live coverage of Donald Trump rallies and protests
Presidential candidate Donald Trump visits Pittsburgh today. We’re reporting live from the rallies and protests happening around the city.
Pittsburgh Police on alert after armed Donald Trump supporters say they will confront protesters
Armed supporters for Donald Trump plan to patrol today’s campaign events
Five realities Donald Trump has shown us about America
If you’re not a Donald Trump supporter, which I assume includes most of you reading, I can pretty much guess how you feel about him. He’s arrogant, clueless, entitled, racist, sexist, anti-gay, anti-immigrant, pro-wall, anti-facts and, because he has a whole lot of support, extremely dangerous. As it happens, this also pretty much sums up…
2016 Primary Election Guide
Follow the links below to see head-to-head comparisons of the Democrats running for key offices in the April 26 primary. View the full-size Attorney General Chart PDF View the full-size U.S. Senate Chart PDF View the full-size 14th U.S. Congress District Chart PDF View the full-size 19th Legislative District Chart PDF
Stuff We Like
Fig Prosciutto Grilled-Cheese Sandwich at The Umbrella Café. There’s nothing quite like that first bite of richly sweet fig mingling with tangy cheese. On toasted multigrain bread, it might keep you happy all afternoon. 951 Liberty Ave., Downtown Broad City. Ilana and Abbi are back in season three, and it’s hilarious. Ilana in a dog…
White Rabbit, Red Rabbit at 12 Peers Theater
WHITE RABBIT, RED RABBIT continues through April 24. 12 Peers Theater at Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, 937 Liberty Ave., Downtown. Admission is pay-what-you-can. 412-626-6784 or 12peerstheater.org The setup is simple: one actor, a barebones stage, and an unseen script that isn’t removed from its envelope until the intrepid performer walks under the lights. But while White…
The Flick at The REP
THE FLICK continues through April 24. The REP at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Ave., Oakland. $10-29. 412-621-4445 or pittsburghplayhouse.com Alfred Hitchcock famously derided a certain style of movies as “pictures of people talking.” The master director/auteur would probably appreciate the cinematic sensibilities of Annie Baker’s The Flick, now receiving its local premiere courtesy of…
Nine at University of Pittsburgh Stages
NINE continues through Sun., April 17. Stephen Foster Memorial Theatre, 4301 Forbes Ave., Oakland. $12-25. 412-624-7529 or pitt.edu/~play There’s no way of knowing, but at some point during rehearsals for the Maury Yeston/Arthur Kopit musical Nine, I wonder whether the University of Pittsburgh Stages cast and crew looked at each other and said: “What the…
Singer-songwriter Lissie on leaving L.A., buying a farm and doing things that scare her
LISSIE with SKRIZZLY ADAMS 8 p.m. Thu., April 21. Mr. Smalls Theatre, 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. $18-20. 412-821-4447 or mrsmalls.com There are times when retreat is not defeat. It’s strength. It’s joy. It’s self-care at its most enlightened and brave. After two major-label albums and more than a decade in California, folk-pop artist Lissie bid…
A look at Pittsburgh’s comedy-podcast scene
In the past year, comedy podcasts have grown significantly in popularity, both nationally and worldwide. WTF With Marc Maron and Chris Hardwick’s The Nerdist are two that many recognize. Pittsburgh is no exception. For instance, on top of full-time jobs, standup comics Ed Bailey, Day Bracey and Aaron Kleiber host, respectively, the podcasts Drinking Partners…
In his new book, Pittsburgh-based writer and music historian Rich Kienzle tells the story of George Jones
My all-time favorite George Jones story is about the time he was playing a show with several artists. Jones, always the closer on nights like these, was moved up a spot to make room for up-and-coming star Buck Owens. Jones was pissed, but he didn’t fuss about it. He just went out and played Owens’…
A Conservatory Dance Company program offers four works by hot contemporary choreographers
CONSERVATORY DANCE COMPANY PRESENTS AT THE BYHAM 8 p.m. Thu., April 14; 8 p.m. Fri., April 15; and 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., April 16. Byham Theater, 101 Sixth St., Downtown. $10-24. 412-392-8000 or pittsburghplayhouse.com A solid bet the past several dance seasons, Point Park University’s Conservatory Dance Company’s annual At the Byham program once again offers up another bold collection…
Three Democratic candidates are jockeying for Kane’s spot in the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office
During her tenure, Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane has made drug-trafficking and child-abuse prosecutions her priorities. The first investigation by her Mobile Street Crimes Unit resulted in the arrest of more than 100, and the seizure of approximately 35,000 packets of heroin. In her first year, her office’s Child Predator Section arrested 114 child predators,…
This Week in City Paper History
Breakout: On Tue., April 10, 2012, one hour before City Paper was scheduled to print our primary election guide, Pennsylvania’s favorite conservative, Rick Santorum, announced he was suspending his presidential campaign. For a liberal alt-weekly that spent years wishing he’d just go away, one might think this was great news. But, sitting at the printer, ready…
Nancy’s East End Diner
Nancy’s East End Diner 616 South Ave., Wilkinsburg. 412-242-3447 Hours: Tue.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Prices: $3-9 Liquor: None Imagine an old-school diner. Not of the chrome-and-juke-box vintage, but the kind of storefront coffee shop that serves breakfast, lunch and a homemade soup of the day in surroundings…
The Boss
Melissa McCarthy is funny as hell — a tremendous physical comedian who on screen combines the warmth of a relatable buddy with devastating skill of the perfectly delivered putdown. And once again, I’m left wondering: Why can’t she pick better vehicles? The Boss, directed by her husband, Ben Falcone, is a shaggy mess that can’t…
Geppetto Café brings European flavor to Pittsburgh’s Butler Street
Those who complain that Butler Street is slowly becoming East Carson Street should take heart that the now-closed Double D Saloon has been replaced, not by another bar, but by a European-style breakfast nook. Evren Karabacak opened Geppetto Café in mid-March because, he explains, “I think the city needs more European places.” Crepes, both savory…
Three decades into her career, Suzanne Vega pushes the limits of her songwriting and crosses over into theater
SUZANNE VEGA with HONEY DEWDROPS 7:30 p.m. Sat., April 16. Carnegie Lecture Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. $49 ($23 with student ID). 412-622-3131 or calliopehouse.org It was clear from her debut album that Suzanne Vega was not going to be a typical singer-songwriter. Her voice never goes for upper-register dramatics, sticking instead to a subdued…
Apteka brings Old World flavors to a modern bar
Apteka isn’t afraid to go against the grain. In a town that loves meat and exalts the pierogi, co-owners Kate Lasky and Tomasz Skowronski opened a vegan eatery in Bloomfield that redefines Polish and Eastern European cuisine. After honing a food menu rich with smoked mushrooms and fermented veggies, Lasky and Skowronski are turning their…
Here Come the Videofreex
Jon Nealon and Jenny Raskin’s new documentary profiles the Videofreex, a New York-based art-and-news collective operating in the late 1960s and early 1970s; the crew were early adopters of the then-new video format. The cameras were portable, the playback was near-instant and suddenly, anybody could be a journalist. The Videofreex worked the crowd at Woodstock…
Like Baseball? A road trip to Altoona is in order to check out the Pittsburgh Pirates’ AA team
It’s road-trip season and I’ve got a great, inexpensive, in-state idea — Altoona, Pa. Only a two-hour drive from Pittsburgh, Altoona has a railroad museum, a candy factory, the world’s oldest roller coaster, a Super Sheetz and the Altoona Curve baseball team. The Super Sheetz allows you to dine in so you can watch people…
Brooklyn-based Parquet Courts carries on a rich tradition of great fraternal pairings
PARQUET COURTS with SODA 9 p.m. Sat., April 17. Spirit, 242 51st St., Lawrenceville. $15.50-17. 412-586-4441 or spiritpgh.com Transplants from Denton, Texas, to Brooklyn, Parquet Courts’ first full-length LP, 2012’s Light Up Gold, established the band as an heir to the legacy of shaggy, guitar-driven indie rock, in the vein of The Feelies, Sonic Youth…
JFilm
JFilm Various venues Through Sun., April 17 412-992-5203 or JfilmPgh.org The 23rd annual JFilm, formerly known as the Pittsburgh Jewish-Israeli Film Festival, continues through Sun., April 17. The festival offers recent films from Israel and around the world representing Jewish experiences from the comic to the dramatic, as presented through narrative features and documentaries. (For…
Critics’ Picks, April 14-20
[BRASS] + THU., APRIL 14 Chicago’s Lowdown Brass Band clearly likes to have a good time. The band’s fusion of big band, swing and R&B has an indie-pop sensibility in its winking antiquity, and its tunes are fun and unpretentious. Though the band has been described as a hip-hop group or even a metal band…
Midnight Special
Jeff Nichols’ new film, Midnight Special, is a slow-burner sci-fi film about an alien on Earth, but the film focuses more on ordinary humans than on spaceships or epic battles. It opens in mid-story, in a motel room, where three people prepare to take flight. There’s Roy (Michael Shannon), another man (Joel Edgerton) and Roy’s…
My Golden Days
MY GOLDEN DAYS. If you haven’t had your fill of films about middle-aged intellectual Frenchmen mooning over lost teen-age loves they treated rather badly, there is Arnaud Desplechin’s new dramedy. It uses a clumsy flashback device during a passport inspection to show three passages from Paul’s 1980s youth: a tumultuous family life in which he…
Savage Love
I’m a 52-year-old straight guy from Australia, 29 years married. About eight years ago, I met a lady through work and we became friends, with our friendship continuing after she moved on to a different job. We meet up for coffee occasionally, and we share a love of cycling and kayaking, which we also do…
Short List: April 14 – 19
SPOTLIGHT: Fri., April 15 — Comedy You might well recognize the headliner at Burning Bridges Festival: The very funny Geoff Tate (pictured) has credits including The Late Show With Craig Ferguson. But most performers at Pittsburgh’s newest comedy fest will probably be new to you. That’s by design. Organizer John Dick Winters’ Race to the…
Lynn Cullen Live 04/13/16
Video Archive You can listen to the audio archive here. Trump rally today. Fox Chapel signs about Trump. Paul Ryan he doesn’t want nomination. RIP David Gest and “few”. Audio Only Archive Listen to the Audio Archives on with our new Apple and Android Apps or the computer audio player.
