Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Pittsburgh Job Forecast 2012, 1-30-12



PositivelyPittsburghLive! 
Pittsburgh Job Forecast 2012

From city officials to entrepreneurs, there is cautiously optimistic good news about the city of Pittsburgh. You have heard the Business Forecast and the Cultural Forecast for 2012, now let's talk about the Pittsburgh Jobs Forecast.

Guests:
Bill Peduto, Pittsburgh City Councilman
Danielle Cuomo, President of Virtual Assist USA and nominee for the Small Business Administration Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

This show was sponsored by Hair Peace Charity's Recipe of Hope happening on February 11th. 

Bill Peduto
William Peduto is serving his third term as a Member of Pittsburgh City Council. On City Council he chairs the Committee on Finance and Law. As the representative of Council District 8, he has the opportunity to help guide Pittsburgh’s new economy while preserving the tightly-knit neighborhoods which make up the district. 


In addition to his Council duties, Councilman Peduto serves on several boards which promote economic development and culture throughout the region, including the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, and Pittsburgh’s chapter of CEOs for Cities. He has spoken at conferences around the country on Pittsburgh’s green renewal and the use of technology to advance government efficiency and transparency.  He also serves as the Pennsylvania state chair of the Democratic Municipal Officials, a constituency organization of the Democratic National Committee.


He has sponsored several worthwhile programs to encourage a New Pittsburgh. The projects he has sponsored include the Sprout Fund Mural Project, Civics 101 for Artists, Guyasuta Young Professional Government Fellowship Program, Pittsburgh Pride Festival, Silkscreen Asian-American Film Festival, Opportunities for Hillside Protection, Information and Communication Technologies Working Group, Government Space Utilization Study, Pittsburgh’s Green Government Action Plan, and Pittsburgh’s Preserve America designation.


William Peduto earned his BA from Penn State University. He operated a political consulting business throughout 25 counties of western Pennsylvania. He served as general consultant, campaign manager, finance director and other roles for over one dozen Democrat candidates and elected officials. At 28, he served as western PA political director for then acting Governor Mark Singel. He has worked on Capitol Hill through a deputy press secretary internship and inside the beltway as a campaign analyst with a political research firm. In addition, Peduto worked throughout high school and college as a busboy, road crew laborer, disc-jockey, Deputy Coroner, ski store clerk, and sidewalk painter.  While growing up, he spent 10 years delivering the Pittsburgh Press.



Danielle Julia Cuomo, owner of business services firm Virtual Assist USA, is an award-winning entrepreneur and author. Virtual Assist USA offers a modern altenative to staffing for small and medium sized businesses, allowing companies to have instant access to 100s of different skill sets, instant productivity and cost-savings. 


Danielle’s creative and innovative approach to business garnered her many awards, such as the Top 10 Businesses to Follow on Twitter, Athena Young Professionals Award, Web of Trust Award, Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest and Business Journals Women of Distinction. 


Her ground-breaking company, Virtual Assist USA, was named as one of the largest management consulting companies in Pittsburgh by it’s 2nd year in business. Danielle founded Virtual Assist USA after leaving a successful career with ESPN and a nationwide IT consulting form. With a multi-faceted business model, Virtual Assist USA has served thousands of small businesses. 


In addition to working with Virtual Assist USA, Danielle serves on the board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and is active in the Institute for CEO Focus, US Chamber of Commerce and Allegheny HYP Club. She is an ongoing Advisor for Reese International and was a featured entrepreneur for Chatham’s Center for Women’s Leadership. 


She has authored two business books: Inspired Entrepreneurs (co-author) and How to Wheel and Deal in High Heels.


She has been sought out to speak on topics of business development and media strategies for the CBS Business Network, Woman’s World, Pop City, Small Business Radio and Home Business Magazine. Danielle has led presentations for small business owners titled: “Am I Google-able?” and “Everything You Need to Know About Social Media.” 


Danielle is a graduate of Penn State University, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s in Business Administration. 


Danielle believes in the power of small businesses and the American dream and says “Small businesses are the lifeline of America. I hope to continue to contribute by making my client’s dreams come true, which is the most rewarding of all.”


Danielle lives in Pittsburgh, PA where she spends her free time gourmet cooking, reading political biographies, jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, outdoor activities and trying to visit every place on her Bucket List. 


***
Bill: Pittsburgh has gone from an industrial focused region to a medical, education, research, and financial backed region. As Andrew Carnegie said - Diversify or Die. And we have done that quite well. 


In my district alone I have four major universities in Carlow, Pitt, CMU, and Chatham and huge medical organizations such as UPMC in Oakland, Hillman Cancer Center, Shadyside Hospital, and West Penn Hospital.


There are opportunities at these places from PHD to GED level people to create a career. City government helps by expanding these institutions and improving the quality of life in the neighborhoods in which they exist. 


We work in zoning, planning, and create community based development, to let the growth happen, but with a plan. We want to be flexible and adaptive, understand the critical need for quality neighborhoods and regional economic opportunities.  


A current goal is to work with officials at UPMC to hold job fairs, job information programs, and seminars helping people that have a high school diploma learn about work options. We want the people who live right in these neighborhoods, that may not be the most highly educated, to understand that there are jobs available for them.


The transformation of East Liberty from 1998 to today has been an ongoing project for us. The community plan started in 1998, everyone was in charge, putting down things they wanted to see. A written plan came together and went though the governments and the first change was when Whole Foods moved in to the area. These types of plans are what we do; helping areas in the City bring in new businesses, create jobs, and improve the quality of its residents. 


Just a note on the reassessments: some of the areas hardest hit weren't the most affluent (Morningside, Bloomfield). Many of these have a senior population without access to Internet tools. We announced today we are creating a program to do government house calls and hold community meetings to help these individuals understand their assessments. We are offering free legal assistance and hope that this one stop shop will give people the chance to challenge their assessment if they so choose. 


You can contact Bill at www.billpeduto.com   


Danielle: Businesses are turning to Virtual Assistants in the recession because they are more cost-effective than employees or even staffing, often reducing costs by up to 35% and increasing efficiency. Virtual Assist USA offers over 100 skill sets at the tip of your fingertips. The largest VA team in the US, Virtual Assist USA, is able to step right in and get to work-- as opposed to employees who often need a ramp-up period of as much as 6 months. Virtual Assist USA even sends weekly Score Cards to clients to keep them up to date on the metrics and growth of their companies. This is something no other firm does. 


The job outlook has brightened in December and January as higher consumer spending, improved business confidence and a stock market rally have somewhat eased concerns. Small firms, particularly start-ups, typically account for two-thirds of the new jobs created in a recovery.


The majority of our employees are in Pittsburgh (29). Our staff can offer pure productivity, unlike a standard employee, because you only pay our staff for actual time worked. There aren't those gray areas of bathroom or coffee breaks or personal calls.


We also have employees (6) across the country, mainly in the West Coast, to help with clients in different time zones. I love the great Pittsburgh worth ethic. My parents are my biggest inspiration, both blue collar workers who told me to go for it. We do have plans to expand, with hopes to have 50 employees by the end of this year. We aspire to hire all new staffers from the Pittsburgh area. 


This is a great place to start a business. I just read in Entrepreneur Magazine that it is actually the 9th best place in the country. 2012 is going to be a great year to get out there and find a job or start a business. Remain positive. 


You can contact Danielle at www.VirtualAssistUSA.com or djc@virtualassistusa.com

***
Bonnie Diver:  Executive Director and Founder of Hair Peace (show sponsor)
I've been in radio for 25 years, started in Ohio, came to 3WS in 1993 and now I love Pittsburgh and want to stay here. I was diagnosed with breast cancer eight years ago at age 46 and realized people need to be reminded to do mammograms and self exams and that was my original mission. I wanted to talk to women about changing their attitude from a walk of fear to a walk of faithfulness, towards life. 

My surgeon encouraged me  to raise money through my mission and that's when I created Hair Peace. When you go through chemotherapy, you usually lose your hair within 14 days and most insurance companies don't cover the cost of a wig. 

Hair Peace provides $150 for any local woman going through chemo, to help with the purchase of a wig. I also speak to these women, survivor to survivor, and support them in faith and conversation. We hold support groups once a month and bring in speakers to really teach people how to fight cancer. 

We are holding Recipe for Hope on February 11th where we will showcase 18 celebrities (Radio, TV, PG) that will bring in their own food and cook for us. We will be able to sample all sorts of dishes and meet the celebs, while we drink Pink Martini's. There are auction items, music, fun, and it's a great fundraiser. It is $75 per ticket. Visit www.hairpeace.org for all the details and to order tickets



Next week:
Pittsburgh Entrepreneurial Couples
Also watch for guest and sponsor opportunities,  2012 Editorial Calendar coming soon!



This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2012 All rights reserved.


Listen to the show here. Tara Darazio is a Positively Pittsburgh Live reporter, an independent copywriter, blogger, article writer, and social media strategist. If you are in need of writing assistance, or need help with your social media efforts connect with Tara on LinkedIn here.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Positively Pitttsburgh Live News 1-23-12



Vocalist Jessica Lee & Friends
Little E's Jazz & Blues Club
949 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
2nd Floor above Mahoney's Restaurant
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
412.392.2217



Jessica Lee
LIVE RHYTHM, JAZZ & BLUES: "Jessica Lee's Entrepreneurial Thursdays"
Musical Networking Happy Hour

EVERY THURSDAY!!! Cover Charge: Only $5.00!
Pre-show networking session at 5:30 pm:
Informal matchmaking for job seekers, employers & new entrepreneurs! Live music starts at 6:00 pm.

January 26, 2012: "Collaboration Among Community Development Groups"

Featuring interviews with:
Co-host Thomas J. Donoghue, AIA, LEED AP - DONOGHUE  Project Consulting,  LLC
Becky Rodgers, Executive Director - Neighbors in the Strip
Marimba Milliones,  The Hill CDC  (www.hilldistrict.org)
Mark T. Fatla,  Executive Director Northside Leadership Conference
Emily Anderson, Project Manager – Neighborhood Policy, Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group
Chris Beichner,  Executive Director - Mount Washington Community Development Corporation
Josette Fitzgibbons, Mainstreets/Elm Street Coordinator for the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA)

***
YWCA seeks nominations for 2012 Tribute to Women Leadership Awards


Do you know an exceptional woman who has made a difference for other women in our community?  It’s time to nominate her for a 2012 Tribute to Women Leadership Award.  The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is currently accepting nominations through Wednesday, February 8. Read the entire release here.

***
Managing Marcellus: Energy & The Economy
Thursday, January 26 at 8 p.m. on WQED-TV

WQED Multimedia continues its partnership with Pop City, Pittsburgh’s Unseam’d Shakespeare Company, Carnegie Mellon’s Program for Deliberative Democracy, and the Coro Center for Civic Leadership on the year-long initiative called Managing Marcellus. Hosted by WQED’s Michael Bartley and Tonia Caruso, the forum will utilize a diverse panel to discuss Marcellus Shale development in Pennsylvania.

Confirmed panelists include:
Dennis Yablonsky, Allegheny Conference CEO
Michael Krancer, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary
Tom Murphy, Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research Co-Director
Matt Pitzarella, Range Resources Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs

The public and viewers are invited to join the conversation via e-mail at managingmarcellus@wqed.org; Facebook® and Twitter® @MarcellusWQED.
For more information on how to participate or the Managing Marcellus initiative go to www.wqed.org/managingmarcellus   

***
National Geographic Live: “Ocean Soul”
with Underwater Photographer Brian Skerry
Sunday, February 12, 2012, at 4:00 p.m
Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street

Ocean Soul
Voyage across the earth’s oceans with Brian Skerry, one of National Geographic’s most seasoned underwater photographers, and discover a vast, hidden world beneath the waves. Brian Skerry will present his photographic journey and lecture, Ocean Soul, followed by a Q & A session and book signing.  This lecture is a part of the National Geographic Live! speakers series*, a part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series, and is presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Tickets ($20-$40). Read the entire release here.


 
***
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust launches The Distinctively Dutch Festival
The Cultural District, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
February 18-May 20, 2012


The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, a nonprofit arts and economic development organization at the center of Downtown Pittsburgh’s revival, will host an array of U.S. and world premieres as part of an interdisciplinary arts festival: The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Distinctively Dutch Festival. Celebrating the culture and contemporary performing and visual arts from the Netherlands, the three-month festival will feature dance, theater, music, visual art, film, literature and architecture. Read the entire release here.


***
The I Made It Market
Southside Works
510 S. 27th Street and Sidney Street

The I Made It! Market will pop into the SouthSide Works on Saturday, February 4th from 12 - 5 pm for a special marketplace just in time for Valentine’s Day. Shop from more than 50 local artisans who have created truly unique and often one of a kind gifts that will be sure to warm the hearts of those you love. Find us inside the corner space formerly housing Joseph Beth Booksellers at 510 S. 27th Street (across from Sur La Table). For more information, or to learn about our artists, visit www.imadeitmarket.com.

***
UNCOMMON
February 3-12, 2012
August Wilson Center


Uncommon presents a new, world premiere work by Dwight Rhoden, Chromatic, as well as Brahm’s Quintet by Dennis Nahat and Maelstrom by Mark Morris. Audiences will be treated to an experience that will challenge any predetermined ideas regarding the relationship between classical composition and ballet. Read the entire release here.


***
Bakery's Best Party
January 28, 2012 From Free and Almost Free in Pittsburgh Meet UP
6425 Penn Avenue, 1:00 pm-4:00pm
1st floor entrance to the Google Building, Bakery Square

Enjoy a FREE family-friendly afternoon featuring samples from the city's best bakeries, live local music, cold brews, and more! Learn the winners of Pittsburgh Magazine's Best Bakeries Readers' Poll before the February issue hits the stands, and cast your vote on-site for the People's Choice Award after sampling sweet treats from local bakeries. Open to the public, all ages event, free parking in the Bakery Square garage.

***
Small, Minority & Women Business Expo

March 28, 2012
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA

Calling all minority business enterprises (MBE), women business enterprises (WBE), disadvantaged businesses (DB), veteran owned businesses (VOB), and service disabled veteran owned (SDVO) businesses in the state of Pennsylvania.

The Department of General Services, Bureau of Minority and Women Business Opportunities invites you to attend the “Small, Minority & Women Business Enterprise Expo” to obtain information on contracting processes, best practices, and programs that support your business. The Expo is being held in an effort to provide information to contractors and subcontractors on contracting opportunities with federal, state, and city agencies.

The Expo will be hosted by Mayor Linda D. Thompson, City of Harrisburg, and co-sponsored by the Naval Supply Systems Command, the PA Departments of General Services and Public Welfare.

More information and registration details will be available soon. Visit the Bureau of Minority & Women Business Opportunities at www.dgs.state.pa.us/bcabd
 
***
Food Network Seeks Food Entrepreneurs

Are you bravely ditching your day job to pursue your passion of launching your own food business with no culinary training?

Casting Call: A new Food Network series is looking for food entrepreneurs for a new show with Bobby Flay! Specifically, the network is seeking people who have left their previous career to start a new restaurant (or similar business). Details here.

***
7th Annual Women of Achievement Awards Dinner
We hope the new year finds you in good health and in good spirits. Celebrate & Share would like to remind you to mark your calendars for the 7th Annual Women of Achievement Awards Dinner "A Celebration of Women’s History Month," on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Omni William Penn Grand Ballroom in downtown Pittsburgh. This gathering of a veritable ‘who’s who’ in Pittsburgh will honor 23 prominent Women of Achievement from our region and will benefit a worthy cause, Cribs for Kids® National Infant Safe Sleep Initiative.  If you or your company is interested in joining Title Sponsor and event Chairman, DA Stephen A. Zappala, Jr. as a sponsor of the awards dinner; purchasing tickets or a table; or placing an acknowledgement ad in the event program book, please call Heather Glaser at 412-322-5680 ext. 5 or view information on the Cribs for Kids National Infant Safe Sleep website: http://cribsforkids.org/event-calendar.  If you have any questions, please contact Heather Glaser at hglaser@cribsforkids.org. 
 
***
 
Roving Pittsburgher Report
TGI Friday's

We went to TGI Friday's in Robinson and for $10.00 per person (fixed price wars are on) you got an entree and either a dessert or an appetizer. We opted for Florentine, tomato flat bread, mozzarella sticks and potstickers, best potstickers ever! For entrees we had the Chicken Bruschetta Pasta, Fire Dragon Chicken and Jack Daniels Pulled Pork Sandwich. Couldn't believe we got this all for $30!

And there was so much food that my three year old granddaughter just ate off of everyone’s plates and we were all of symphony of the Alka Seltzer commercial, “I Can’t Believe I ate the Whole Thing!” But it was that good. Visit Friday's website here.

Costco

Got to tell you about the taste of Costco thing, they have got the “stuff.” You walk around and try all these amazing things prepared for you and then of course you have to buy them. I went for vitamins, toilet paper and laundry detergent and came home with chicken and cilantro mini wantons, dim sum, turkey chili and black bean salsa, all outstanding. Visit Costco's website here.

NAWBO Meeting

Attended the NAWBO meeting at Piatt Place on "Becoming A Certified Woman Business Owner." About a third of woman business owners attended as Ruth Byrd Smith explained the process and benefits to becoming a Certified WBO. Great information and great networking.
Visit the NAWBO Pittsburgh site here.

***

This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2012 All rights reserved.
Listen to the show
here.




Tara Darazio is a Positively Pittsburgh Live reporter, an independent copywriter, blogger, article writer, and social media strategist. If you are in need of writing assistance, or need help with your social media efforts connect with Tara on LinkedIn here.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Pittsburgh Cultural Event Forecast 2012, 1-23-12


Positively Pittsburgh Live News 1-23-12

Pittsburgh Cultural Event Forecast 2012”

Guests:
André Kimo Stone Guess, President and CEO, August Wilson Center for African American Culture
Anne Madarasz, Museum Division Director and Director of the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, Senator John Heinz History Center
Kristin Garbarino, Marketing Technology Manager, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

***

André Kimo Stone Guess has been the President and CEO of the August Wilson Center for African American Culture since February of 2010.

André has held positions as vice president and producer, and director of finance and administration at Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) from 2000 - 2006. He produced the first three seasons at JALC's new home, Frederick P. Rose Hall.

In 2006, André founded GuessWorks, a management and consulting firm for non-profit institutions and performing artists, based in Montclair, New Jersey. As a consultant, he has worked with many notable arts and cultural institutions and foundations including the Pew Charitable Trusts and New York City Opera.

André is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammys) and was the Producer and/or Executive Producer of nine albums, one of which received a nomination for a Grammy.  He also served as Executive Producer of two JALC concerts whose "Live from Lincoln Center" broadcasts were nominated for EMMY awards.

The August Wilson Center for African American Culture engages regional and national audiences in its mission of preserving, presenting, interpreting, celebrating and shaping the art, culture and history of African Americans utilizing the rich history, legacy and culture of African Americans from Western Pennsylvania as a foundation.  The Center presents a year-round program of dance, music and theatre along with special visual arts exhibitions and cultivation activities for all ages and backgrounds in its state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District and throughout the region.

Suite Bill
André spoke about the AWC Dance Ensemble which was named among DANCE magazine’s “Top 25 to Watch” in 2012, a pretty amazing feat for a dance ensemble that is only two years old. The ensemble recently collaborated with the Pittsburgh Symphony, bringing a very old, and a very new tradition together. There was a positive reception of the company at the Association of Performing Arts Presenters, and they just did a sold-out performance called Suite Bill, dancing to all Bill Withers music.

Suite Bill
André also spoke about this year’s Continuum. Affrilachia (af-ruh-LAY-shuh) is a term describing African Americans living in Appalachia, and is the theme for the Center’s 2011-12 Continuum, a year-long series of programs tied to a specific theme. “Common Ground:  Affrilachia! Where I’m From,” is presented as part of the Continuum.  The exhibition runs through March17, 2012 and it celebrates artists from the area of Appalachia, Pittsburgh being right in the heart of that.

This year there are nationally acclaimed playwrights and actors working with AWC Theatre Ensemble: e.g., Anthony Chisolm, Montae Russell, Tony Award-nominated playwright and actor Samm-Art Williams’ “Last of the Line” premiere here.

There will be outstanding performances by Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra. A popular Pittsburgh ticket with guest stars from all over the country slated to play.

“Come and check us out,” says André. “So many things are going on all the time. We even have a subsidy program where non-profits can rent our space. We want to be part of a rising tide, a cultural tidal wave, to get people downtown to be a part of the arts. I came from NYC (lived in New Jersey) and now I live in downtown Pittsburgh. I see the energy, the hustle and bustle of this unique place. There is a genuine work ethic here; you can even see that with our sports teams, as well. It is a testament to the level of greatness that emanates from this place. Living here has made me a different and better person, appreciating things more and wanting to work harder. There is no other cultural district like Pittsburgh. I meet with the six other CEOs in the arts world on a monthly basis, nothing like that happens anywhere else. The level of collaboration is unlike any other place, and I’ve been all over the world.”

For more information, please visit www.augustwilsoncenter.org. The Center is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11-6 and admission is free.It is located at 980 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, 412-258-2700

***
Anne Madarasz is museum division director and director of the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum at the Senator John Heinz History Center, where she's worked since 1992. She received her undergraduate degree from Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., and did coursework for a Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania. Madarasz served as project director and curator for "Glass: Shattering Notions," and authored the accompanying catalog. She was awarded a Richards Fellowship for research from the Corning Museum of Glass, and lectures and writes frequently on the subject of Pittsburgh glass, regional industry, and the history of Pittsburgh sports. Madarasz oversaw the research and design of the exhibit "Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation," which opened at the History Center in November 2008.

From the pre-revolutionary drama of the French & Indian War to the legendary match-ups of the Super Steelers, discover 250 years of Pittsburgh history at the Senator John Heinz History Center. An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the History Center is the largest history museum in Pennsylvania. The 275,000 sq. ft. museum features six floors of long-term and changing exhibition space, including the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, a dynamic museum-within-a-museum, and the Library & Archives, an extensive scholarly resource documenting 250 years of life in Western Pennsylvania. The History Center presents the most compelling stories from American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection, all in an interactive environment perfect for visitors of every age!

The Senator John Heinz History Center, located in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, is the largest history museum in Pennsylvania and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

The Heinz History Center presents the most compelling stories from American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection. The History Center traces its roots back to 1879, making it the oldest cultural institution in Western Pennsylvania.

The History Center museum system includes the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, Fort Pitt Museum in Point State Park, and Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village in Avella, Pa.

The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum is a state-of-the-art 20,000-square-foot museum within the History Center that captures the unforgettable and almost forgotten tales of Pittsburgh sports through hundreds of artifacts, more than 70 hands-on interactive exhibits, and 20 audio-visual programs.

Now Showing:
Now through June 17, 2012, the History Center’s feature exhibit is Stars & Stripes: An American Story, which details the stories of the people behind the more than 200 year history of our nation’s most enduring symbol.The 7,000 square foot Stars & Stripes exhibit, which was developed by History Center museum staff in conjunction with Dr. Peter Keim and historians including Marc Leepson, includes objects, images, and archival materials from the History Center’s collections, as well as items on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, The Warhol Museum, The National Gallery of Art, and private collectors.

February is Black History Month, and visitors to the History Center can learn more about African American history in Western Pa. as part of the America’s Best Weekly: A Century of The Pittsburgh Courier exhibition. Through a number of photographs, artifacts, and audio-visual displays, the exhibit profiles the major contributors who propelled the Courier from a 1907 start-up publication to the most influential African American newspaper in the country. In the 40s and 50s this paper had the largest circulation of any black weekly in the country.

2012 Events:
         February 17 - History Uncorked: A Red, White, and Blue Affair (young professionals networking event) This is for the 20 to 30 something crowd and we expect 1,500 -2,000 young pros enjoying a night of music, food, drink, karaoke, meeting new people, making friends, and enjoying the exhibits. This is the10th year of this event, so come in your business casual and cocktail dresses and network away.
         April 13 - 20th Annual History Makers Award Dinner:
Five distinguished Pittsburghers will be recognized for their exceptional contributions to the history of Western Pennsylvania, the nation, and the world as the History Center presents its 20th Annual History Makers Award Dinner on Fri., April 13, 2012 at the Westin Convention Center Hotel. This year’s honorees include Jackie Evancho (Arts & Letters); Stephen Tritch (Business & Industry); Ronald Davenport (Community Service); Hon. Michael Fisher (Government); Chip Ganassi (Sports).
     August 2012 – Third Annual Bocce Tournament & Festival and Pittsburgh’s Hidden Treasures appraisal show

2012 Exhibits:
Stars & Stripes: An American Story
O
pen now through June 17, 2012; 1st floor

Angels of Mercy: Sisters in Healthcare in Western Pennsylvania
Open now through May 2012; 4th floor

America’s Best Weekly: A Century of the Pittsburgh Courier
Open now through June 2, 2012; 4th floor

Post-Gazette: The Stories That Touch Our Lives 2011
Opens Feb. 2012; 4th floor

The Story of Negro League Baseball: We Are the Ship
Opens June 29, 2012 through Aug. 26, 2012
Celebrating the 100-year birthday of Josh Gibson

1968
Opens Oct. 6, 2012 through April 2013

From Slavery to Freedom: Pittsburgh and the Underground Railroad
Opens Nov. 30, 2012 – long-term exhibition

“The sports museum is near and dear to my heart,” says Anne.“It brings people in that aren’t museum dwellers because it’s a story they are comfortable with. It’s a thrill to come and see the Super Bowl Trophies or the Stanley Cup. This is a space that we didn’t just build and then let it go, it changes all the time."

For more information, visit www.heinzhistorycenter.org, open 7 days a week from 10-5      
1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, 412-454-6459
***

Kristin Garbarino
Kristin Garbarino joined The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s marketing team in November as the  Marketing Technology Manager .Prior to joining the Trust, she spent four years marketing for Pittsburgh Public Theater.  Kristin also produced her first independent film this past summer—Judy’s Dead—and starred opposite Tom Atkins and Helena Ruoti.  This film was about two adult children returning to attend their mother’s funeral, after being estranged from their parents. It’s set in Grindstone, PA. She is also the host of Pittsburgh Theater Talk on PCTV.

Some  upcoming events include the Distinctively Dutch Festival, 24 events in the Cultural District and around Pittsburgh. This is a collaboration between the Cultural Trust and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and many local arts organizations are participating in the festival. “It is exciting to work with their government,” says Kristin. “There is a lot of collaboration and I’m excited for our kick-off event on February 18th. This program will run through the end of May”.

The Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival will have six main productions.  Tickets are only $8 and it begins in May.

Gallery Crawls, there are four scheduled this year. These are FREE events. There are over 25 participating vendors, district-wide, including live music and opportunities to openly visit many galleries. It’s a great evening to walk around downtown, and it’s a family-friendly event perfect for all ages.

GALLERY CRAWL IN THE CULTURAL DISTRICT - Art. Music. Dance. Architecture. Film. Networking. Fun. FREE!

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL - Winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards®, BILLY ELLIOT is a celebration of a young boy’s triumph against the odds with an unforgettable score by Elton John.

CEDRIC WATSON & BIJOU CREOLE - One of the most noted young talents to emerge in Cajun or Creole music in recent years, Cedric Watson is a fiddler, vocalist, accordionist, bandleader and songwriter of seemingly unlimited potential. 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: OCEAN SOUL - Voyage across the earth’s oceans with Brian Skerry, one of National Geographic’s most seasoned underwater photographers and discover a vast, hidden world beneath the waves.

DANCE WORKS ROTTERDAM ANATOMICA - Performing Anatomica, an unyielding exploration of the danger, beauty and consequences of the human body on display.

BRIT FLOYD- This brand new show, celebrating the amazing musical legacy of Pink Floyd, will bring its Pink Floyd Greatest Hits World Tour 2012 to the Benedum.

PLAYING FOR CHANGE - A transformative multimedia event, Playing for Change was created to connect and inspire people to work for peace through benefit concerts that showcase recording artists from all over the world.

THE OFFICIAL BLUES BROTHERS REVUE - The tireless spirit of Jake and Elwood Blues lives on with the only Blues Brothers’ tribute officially sanctioned.

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES - The tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together...stay fabulous... and above all else, stay true to themselves!

JACOBTV "THE NEWS" - His works are based on speech melody and explore the absurdity of television-culture, transmitting ordinary people’s most intimate confessions to an audience of millions. This is a pop opera. 

707 PENN GALLERY - PAPER THIN THEATER - "Paper Thin Theater" is a collection of paper cut art by Kathryn Carr. It focuses on the art of storytelling; children's tales, puppetry, opera and the stage are presented in a narrative silhouette form. 

937 LIBERTY AVENUE - Windows and Mirrors: Afghanistan - Windows and Mirrors exhibits 45 murals from artists across the U.S., shown alongside drawings from Afghan high school students about their daily lives. Also features the War Dialogues Project: Collaborative art from two Pittsburgh artists--a U.S. Iraq veteran and a high-school Iraqi refugee.

For more information, visit www.trustarts.org and check out www.trustarts.org/dutchfestival 
803 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, 412-471-6070

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This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. Listen to the show here. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2012 All rights reserved.



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