Quarantunes with Grant Charney
We’re stuck at home. Musicians are stuck at home. We’re looking for entertainment. Musicians are looking to entertain. So Pittsburgh City Paper is working with Pittsburgh artists and bands to bring you Quarantunes, a series of at-home performances to bring a little enjoyment to your day. Grant Charney became a solo act almost a year ago…
A guide to watching movies and TV shows for free
Everyone with access to streaming services has been watching them nonstop. Watching TV is one of the few recreational activities we safely have left, besides cooking and reading and napping. I have siphoned nearly a dozen streaming passwords off of family and friends, but I know not everyone is so lucky. If you don’t have…
Libraries may be closed, but here are four ways to read books for free
With libraries closed until further notice, how can bookworms who rely on the public establishments continue to get their reading fix? Here are four ways to keep on reading. Find a Little Free LibraryFound in over 90 countries, Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that dubs itself as “the world’s largest book-sharing movement.” It’s a…
Pittsburgh-shot Seth Rogen movie An American Pickle will stream on HBO Max
Last year, Pittsburgh welcomed another big Hollywood production when it served as a Brooklyn stand-in for the Seth Rogen vehicle An American Pickle. Now homebound movie fans will get to see it thanks to a recently signed deal with HBO Max. On Mon., April 27, HBO Max, a new streaming platform set the launch on…
Gov. Wolf calls on all Pennsylvania health-care facilities to collect COVID-19 race data
Throughout the U.S., Black communities have been hit particularly hard by coronavirus. In cities with large Black populations, like New Orleans, Detroit, and St. Louis, Black residents are dying and being hospitalized due to COVID-19 at higher rates than other races. In Pennsylvania, there are some signs that Black populations have also faced hardships caused by…
All Together Now: Breweries from around the world (and Pittsburgh) debut collaborative IPA to raise money for hospitality industry
To support members of the hospitality industry in need, breweries across the globe — including many in the Pittsburgh area — are doing what they do best: brewing beer. More than 700 breweries worldwide will produce All Together, a 6.5% ABV IPA, to provide relief and support for hospitality professionals. Other Half Brewing Co., the New York based-brewery at…
Very serious breaking news: Felicity Huffman’s daughter got into CMU on her own
Varsity blues? More like varsity plaid! Actress Felicity Huffman’s daughter recently announced via Instagram that she will be attending Carnegie Mellon University in the fall. Huffman served 11 days in prison last year for paying $15,000 to inflate one of her daughters’ SAT scores, along with dozens of other rich people who wanted their kid…
At Home With: David Bernabo
“I’ve become an amateur birdwatcher, in that I look at birds outside of my window and wonder which birds they are.”
Quarantunes with Daisy Chain
The song that encapsulates our current state? “Nowhere Man” by The Beatles.
Lynn Cullen Live – 4/28/20
Video Archive Lynn and Susan are talking about the difficulties facing children learning from home at this time. They are also discussing a court ruling from a case in Detroit where students sued the state of Michigan for being negligent towards their literacy education. This is the first time that it has been ruled that…
Lawrenceville graphic designer Daniel Gurwin donates hand-painted signs to support neighborhood businesses
Pittsburgh graphic artist Daniel Gurwin misses his morning routine of waking up and walking his dog through Arsenal Park before heading over to Espresso A Mano for a cappuccino. Gurwin — who’s lived in Lawrenceville for nearly 10 years, since moving back to Pittsburgh after graduating from Ohio State — says he doesn’t want to…
#CPQuestionOfTheWeek: What is something that has recently brought you joy?
Last week, Pittsburgh City Paper brought you 20 Reasons to Keep Smiling, our list of Pittsburgh people, events, and businesses that are bringing us joy despite the pandemic. This week, we wanted to continue to lift readers’ spirits by giving them a chance to spread some happiness. We reached out to our readers on social…
UPDATE: Anthrocon 2020 is officially canceled
Update: Tue., April 28 In addition to canceling this year’s convention, Anthrocon is also postponing its student art competition until 2021. Update: On Mon., April 27, the official Anthrocon Twitter account announced that the 2020 convention is canceled. “Due to a recent turn of events, the Anthrocon Board of Directors has decided to cancel this…
New releases from Just Fern, Choo Jackson, and more
wwoman – “Eating Ass 2020” In wwoman’s first release of the year, “Eating Ass 2020,” the alternative/indie artist takes listeners on a euphonious technicolor synth ride with their R&B stylings and smooth, whisper-like vocals. Sound familiar? It’s a shorter and more polished version of “Eating Ass” released in 2017. Just Fern – “DMT” Slightly disjointed yet relaxing.…
Send a little love during quarantine with these creative Pittsburgh care packages
Pittsburgh quarantine fundraisers offer perks like custom t-shirts, candles, and other products. If you want to support local small businesses, artists, and makers, but can’t decide on what to buy next, try a care package featuring a variety of fun and functional goods. Right now, people are teaming up and collaborating on care packages that…
Student profile: Gateway High School boxer Steve Cunningham Jr.
Lucid lights and cheering crowds surround Steve Cunningham Jr. as he raises his hands in the air. The echoes of the shouting referee just declared the 17-year-old boxer as the champion. He takes these words with gratitude, but he knows he has to “keep working hard” if he wants the lifestyle he’s driving toward. Currently, Cunningham is…
Lynn Cullen Live – 4/27/20
Video Archive Lynn is discussing her latest challenges with social distancing. After all these weeks of constant vigilance she feels that she is slipping, and becoming more lax. it’s difficult to maintain the hyper awareness constantly. She wants to know how you are doing during this time. Call during the show 412-200-5686 or email her…
At Home With: Merecedes Williams
“At the Movie Scene Queen Academy of the Hard Knocks, I am principal, teacher, lunch lady, custodian, tech support, social worker, and referee. It is exhausting.”
Wendy Bell compares those against Gov. Wolf’s coronavirus orders to people killed in Benghazi attacks
A large majority of Pennsylvanians approve of both the social distancing guidelines currently under order in the commonwealth due to coronavirus and of Gov. Tom Wolf’s job at handling the pandemic. But these facts don’t seem to care about Wendy Bell’s feelings. Despite a recent poll showing only 17% percent of Pennsylvanians think the social…
Howlers announces the immediate closure of its Bloomfield location
Months after Bloomfield music venue Howlers told Pittsburgh City Paper it would be staying open until August before moving to a new spot later this year in East Liberty, owner Susan Coe announced that COVID-19 has caused the Bloomfield music venue’s immediate closure. “With the current challenges we are facing as a result of Covid19…
PWSA extends moratorium on shut-offs until July 1
The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) has announced it will be extending the moratorium on water shut-offs until July 1. In March, at the beginning of the local pandemic spread, PWSA first put a moratorium on shut-offs through May 31. “Given the critical importance of personal hygiene to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and…
Kelly Strayhorn Theater and August Wilson House keep spotlight on arts community with virtual programming
Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) knows that, even in these challenging times, the show must go on. So the theater launched KST Global Stream, a series of regular online programming to keep the arts community connected during COVID-19. The Global Stream includes translations of KST’s Spring 2020 program, along with artist talks, conversations with arts leaders,…
Photos: Pittsburgh Steelers team up with 412 Food Rescue and Sysco to distribute 9,000 pounds of food
On Friday, 412 Food Rescue and the Pittsburgh Steelers teamed up with food-service company Sysco to distribute 9,000 pounds of fresh produce and dairy products near Heinz Field to North Side residents. Donated by Alco Parking, GOLD Lot 1A, which normally holds hundreds of vehicles during football season, was turned into a well-orchestrated line of…
How to get help during the coronavirus pandemic in Pittsburgh
It’s hard to overstate the impacts of the novel coronavirus on American life. Lots of people are hurting. Lots of people need help. But it’s often hard to know just where to find that help — or even what’s available. So, after listing ways you can help others during the pandemic, we decided to compile this…
Quarantunes with Fortune Teller
“The craziest dream I’ve had is honestly playing a show at Mr. Smalls Theater to a packed room. Shouldn’t seem crazy, but I guess it is right now.”
Pittsburgh-area GOP candidates respond to criticism of presence at anti-quarantine protest
On April 20, about 120 protesters took to Grant Street in Downtown Pittsburgh to protest the stay-at-home orders and business closures that have come in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. But for at least two local political candidates, it offered an opportunity to campaign, and that isn’t resting well with some people in the…
Liberty Magic brings the art of magic and illusion online with weekly live streaming performances
Tech-savvy Magician Anna DeGuzman is a pro at charming audiences online with her awe-inspiring card tricks and illusions. With over 93,000 Instagram followers, and 27,000 YouTube subscribers, the 21-year-old — just on the cusp of Gen Z and Millennials — seems ready-made for adjusting to the new world of entertaining online during a global pandemic.…
Documentary Pahokee, set in a town near the Florida Everglades, gives you something to root for
It’s easy for documentaries to fall into the same one-note format. But Pahokee, a documentary about a small Florida town of the same name, does away with many conventions of the form. There are no interviews, no talking heads, little backstory that deviates from the present of the story, which is not a story as…
At Home With: Rick Sebak
Everybody is dealing with COVID-19 quarantines and restrictions in different ways. While there’s no single right way to cope — social distancing and staying TF home aside — connecting with friends, family, and neighbors is a good place to start. You can contact your loved ones on your own, but you might also be curious…
Get fresh produce while supporting local farmers with the Pennsylvania Farm Product Directory
In order to help consumers and local farmers connect during the coronavirus outbreak in Pennsylvania, Chatham University’s Center for Regional Agriculture, Food and Transformation (CRAFT) has created the Pennsylvania Farm Product Directory. The directory, hosted through a public Google Sheet and virtual map, is designed to inform consumers how to purchase products from local purveyors.…
POISE Foundation to provide up to $25,000 in grants to small Black-led organizations in Pittsburgh
A local Pittsburgh foundation has announced the creation of a new fund to help Black-led businesses and organizations receive necessary funding during the coronavirus pandemic. The POISE Foundation has started the Critical Community Needs Fund (CCNF), which will provide grants between $5,000 and $25,000 to small and mid-sized Black-led Organizations that “serve the most vulnerable…
We tried out five no-sew DIY mask tutorials
As of Sun., April 19, masks or some sort of facial covering is required for anyone over the age of two when residing in an essential business. This applies to both employees and customers. However, not everyone can afford to buy a mask or has access to a sewing machine, so I decided to try…
Tereneh Idia does collaborative design from a distance with OAM: A Pittsburgh Community Fashion Project
Pittsburgh City Paper columnist Tereneh Idia has been hard at work on her own projects while in isolation. The writer and fashion designer, who works with indigenous women in Kenya and throughout the world via her collaborative eco-style company Idia’Dega, is creating a dress inspired by her hometown of Pittsburgh. And she’s taking donations for…
(Away From) Home With: Ben Barson
Everybody is dealing with COVID-19 quarantines and restrictions in different ways. While there’s no single right way to cope — social distancing and staying TF home aside — connecting with friends, family, and neighbors is a good place to start. You can contact your loved ones on your own, but you might also be curious…
For Sale With Baggage: Buy to smell, not to inject
*Steri-Fab is a disinfectant and insecticide and, according to its website, “We’ve been receiving lots of emails and phone calls asking if Sterifab kills coronavirus. Here’s what we know: Sterifab is proven to be extremely effective at killing pests, bacteria and many viruses. But we are waiting for the official EPA approval regarding Covid-19, and until…
Lynn Cullen Live – 4/23/20
Video Archive Angela Merkel’s warning to German states that we are still at the beginning of the pandemic and to not move too quickly to reopen is where Lynn is starting today. It’s an important message that everyone should listen to, not just those in Germany. In addition Lynn is talking about the unemployment rate,…
60-Second Documentary: How to trim your hair in quarantine
The following video is part of a series of 60-Second Documentaries, produced by Point Park University students in collaboration with the student-run Point Park News Service. Meet the filmmaker: Name: Zoey Angelucci Year: Freshman Major: Journalism Resides: New Castle Career Aspiration: Broadcast Journalist
At Home With: Mildred The Lunch Lady
Everybody is dealing with the COVID-19 quarantines and restrictions in different ways. While there’s no single right way to cope — social distancing and staying TF home aside — connecting with friends, family, and neighbors is a good place to start. You can contact your loved ones on your own, but you might also be…
Bart Solarczyk’s poetry confronts grief and healing with humor and insight
In mid-February 2020, Bart Solarczyk published his first full-length poetry collection, Tilted World (Low Ghost Press). The release party at the now-defunct Coffee Buddha in the North Hills was a celebration of more than 40 years of writing poems, many of them tributes to his wife, Tami Laroche. Less than two months later, Solarczyk’s world came to a halt. In…
Lynn Cullen Live – 4/22/20
Video Archive Lynn is sharing a parody of the song The Lion Sleeps Tonight that made her laugh. At this time we could all use some levity. She is also talking about the loss of restaurants that we will see when this is complete. The one that is currently hitting hard in Pittsburgh is the…
60-Second Documentary: Wellness consultant gives tips to stay healthy during quarantine
The following video is part of a series of 60-Second Documentaries, produced by Point Park University students in collaboration with the student-run Point Park News Service. Meet the filmmaker: Name: Zoe Vitelli Year: Freshman Major: Broadcast Production Resides: Export, Pa. Career Aspiration: Broadcast Producer
Screen movies virtually from these local theaters
Local movie theaters may be closed, but you can still catch new movies from home. Check out these films available to stream at home with proceeds going to local theaters. Earth So many other issues have fallen by the wayside in the midst of the pandemic, including addressing climate change and environmental destruction. They are…
I’ll take comforting shows for one-thousand, Alex
Sports are canceled, and most TV shows have paused filming, but Jeopardy! continues. The long-running, nightly trivia show tapes episodes roughly three months in advance, and filming was halted in mid-March, so we could keep getting new episodes through mid-June. Most recently, it wrapped up a two-week-long college student tournament, filmed a couple months before…
Free Will Astrology (4/22 – 4/29)
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Renowned Taurus composer Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) completed his first symphony when he was 43 years old — even though he’d started work on it at age 22. Why did it take him so long? One factor was his reverence for Ludwig van Beethoven, the composer who had such a huge impact…
20 Reasons to keep smiling
The first day of spring came and passed without much fanfare on March 19, just as the coronavirus pandemic really began making itself known in our city, bringing with it months of canceled events and general uncertainty. Here at Pittsburgh City Paper, we were left with little choice but to cancel our annual Spring Guide…
Make + Matter launches online shop to support local artists and designers through pandemic
When Make + Matter responded to the COVID-19 outbreak by shutting down its Lawrenceville brick-and-mortar location in early March, part-owner and designer Rebekah Joy wasn’t sure how long the doors would remain closed. “We thought, ‘Is it going to be one week, two weeks, a month?,’” says Joy, who runs Make + Matter with fellow…
Local bartenders recommend quarantine cocktails for at-home use
With city bars closed, I have been forced to become my own bartender. And over the last month, I’ve realized that at-home bartending doesn’t always result in gorgeous — or delicious — cocktails. More often than not, it’s a routine of staring at half-empty liquor bottles to somehow will them into a cocktail, before begrudgingly…
Let’s remember The Speaking Canaries
I am the oldest a millennial can be, which affords me the opportunity to have a decent grip on pop-culture trends, but also the excuse that, if I don’t know of something, I can claim I’m just an adorable old man who over-waters my lawn. It truly is the Goldilocks zone. I decided to put…
Umami’s new bento box is here to save the day
Like all city restaurants, Umami has been forced to shut down its popular dining room for the foreseeable future. In response to this change, and with a shift to takeout, the Lawrenceville izakaya (Japanese-style pub) has pared down its menu, offering a limited – but still large – selection from the list, and to my…
Local vinyl shops were closed for Record Store Day, but are still ‘open for business’
Greg Anderson, one of the owners of Vinyl Remains record store, was looking forward to this year’s Record Store Day. Originally scheduled for Sat., April 20, the annual international event would have been the first one the shop celebrates in its new Mt. Lebanon location. Record Store Day (RSD) is known for exclusive vinyl offerings…
