Friday, March 29, 2013

Positively Pittsburgh Live News 3-25-13


Positively Pittsburgh Live News
3-25-13


Cultural News

 The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Celebrates National Jazz Appreciation Month
Lou Donaldson
In collaboration with BNY Mellon, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust will commemorate National Jazz Appreciation Month with Grammy Award winners, renowned musicians and iconic jazz masters this April 2013. Janis Burley-Wilson, Vice President of Education and Community Engagement/Jazz Programs is extremely excited about bringing these acts to Pittsburgh. “All of the artists that are featured this year dig down deep into their musical souls to create their own inimitable sound.” She added, “We are proud to have these artists take the Cabaret Theater stage this April.”

Lou Donaldson was named as a National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Master for 2013. He is a Bebop Alto-Saxophone titan and has played professionally for over six decades. “Sweet Papa Lou,” has recorded and performed with Art Blakey, Miles Davis and Theolonious Monk just to name a few. Read the entire release here


ANYTHING GOES National Tour To Make Its Pittsburgh Premiere At Heinz Hall
The national tour of Roundabout Theatre Company’s ANYTHING GOES, the new Broadway revival of Cole Porter’s timeless classic musical theatre masterpiece, will make its Pittsburgh premiere April 16-21, 2013 at Heinz Hall as part of the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series. The PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series is presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Broadway Across America.

Winner of the 2011 Tony Award® for Best Revival of a Musical, Roundabout Theatre Company’s ANYTHING GOES sails direct from Broadway under the direction of Kathleen Marshall, who won the 2011 Tony Award® for Best Choreography. The New York Times calls it “a zesty new revival with knockout numbers and white-hot dancing” while the AP exclaims that it’s, “so delightful, so delicious, so de-lovely!” Read the entire release here


Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks

Is music truly the food of love? Find out at Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks BYOB (Bring Your Own Bard) “Shakespeare’s Music” on March 25 at 7:30 PM at Te Cafe in Squirrel Hill. This BYOB will feature Shakespeare’s reflections on song, lovers and schemers who use music to advance their causes, and ditties of mirth. We’ll feature Shakespeare the songwriter, and maybe even end with a sing-along (bring your pitch-pipes). Storyteller Alan Irvine will emcee.

Bring Your Own Bard is an informal scene night in which professional actors and non-actors alike take a crack at their favorite Shakespeare pieces. Participants are encouraged to bring along a piece ready to read, jump into a scene already prepared, or just listen and drink tea. Extra readings will be on hand in case last-minute inspiration strikes. Kids are welcome. Beverages and light fare will be available for purchase. Doors open at 7:15 PM and readings begin at 7:30 PM. Suggested $10 donation at the door. Anyone interested in reading should contact BYOB@pittsburghshakespeare.com or 
412.521.6406, or visit us on Facebook at Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks.

Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks celebrates 9 seasons of bringing FREE Shakespeare plays to the Steel City, and will offer ROMEO AND JULIET weekends in September 2013! 
www.pittsburghshakespeare.com


ANNOUCING OUR NEW SUMMER CAMP
Interested in stage combat? Join PSIP and En Garde Fencing Club for a brand new summer camp, Steel on Stage, for students ages 8-16 years. Campers will learn basic fencing techniques and how to use them to stage sword fights in a theatrical scene. The camp will be held June 24-28 (M-F) 9AM-4 PM at the En Garde Fencing Club in Etna. The cost is $300 per student. For registration and more information visit http://steelonstage.blogspot.com/


Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Presents Cinderella with Live Orchestra 
Brimming with enchantment, romance and comedy, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre presents the classic story of Cinderella onstage with the PBT Orchestra April 19-21 at the Benedum Center, in PBT’s 2012-2013 Season finale.


Set to Prokofiev’s grand score and the choreography of Washington Ballet’s Septime Webre, Cinderella stages a spellbinding spectacle with elaborate costumes, classical choreography and distinctive set design. Reimagined across cultures, ages and art forms, Webre’s adaptation of Cinderella roots the timeless fairy tale in honest human emotions of love and longing to match the depth of Prokofiev’s score. Read the entire release here


PITTSBURGH PLAYHOUSE: THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER OF POINT PARK UNIVERSITY 

The REP, Point Park University’s professional theatre company, presents the world premiere of emerging playwright Andrea Stolowitz’s Antarktikos, a mind-bending drama about heroism, fear and what it means to say goodbye. 

A finalist for the 2013 Oregon Book Award’s Prize in Drama, Antarktikos previews Thursday, March 21, and runs Friday, March 22-April 7, in the Studio Theatre at The Pittsburgh Playhouse. Performances are 8 p.m., Thursday – Saturday, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Because there will be no performance on Easter, March 31, there will be a performance of Antarktikos added on Wednesday, March 27. Read the entire release here.






The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is hard at work 
Pittsburgh International Children's Festival, the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival and JazzLive International Festival are just around the corner! The Trust is thrilled to be a catalyst for this kind of free and very low cost activity promoting the arts in Pittsburgh. We couldn't do it without the support of the community. 

The Trust has embarked on a campaign to reach 10,000 members by 2015. Membership supports everything that we do, so your donation to the Trust solidifies your place as a supporter of so many arts programs in the city. In addition, it brings you into a wonderful family of like-minded Pittsburghers.

Your new or increased gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, thanks to support from The Richard King Mellon Foundation. With a new membership gift of $25 or more, you will become a Partner Member and receive great benefits! Current members also have the opportunity to take their membership to the next level with any increased gift of at least $25.

To make a gift: Visit TrustArts.org Contact Jennifer Schooley at 412-471-6086 or schooley@trustarts.org. 




Kids Korner



15 finalists for Classical WQED-FM 89.3’s Musical Kids Competition 
Finalists will be recorded performing with his/her instrument or singing in the WQED Fred Rogers Studio and will be available for photos and interviews. 

WQED Multimedia, Fred Rogers Studio, 4802 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Friday, March 22, 2013, 3 – 7:30 p.m. 

Recordings of finalists will be put online at www.wqed.org/musicalkids April 4 - 26 for the public to vote for their favorite Musical Kid. Public votes will decide one of six winners. The remaining five winners will be chosen by a judging panel.



Bright red Victoria No. 173 engine of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad
Photo Courtesy of Beaver Area Heritage Museum Website


Beaver Area Heritage Museum to Open "Trains, Trains, Trains!" Exhibit on Saturday

Starting this Saturday, when the Beaver Area Heritage Museum opens for the season, visitors will be treated to a visual feast of model railroads in a variety of platform layouts in two rooms. The display will change periodically throughout the year and include a special Pittsburgh Steelers exhibit in late summer. This is a must see for kids and kids at heart! Hours: Saturdays 10 am - 4 pm and Sundays 1 pm - 4 pm. Read more here


Business Buzz


From Pittsburgh Today:

The number of jobs in the Pittsburgh region last year totaled 1,158,600, an increase of 13,700
jobs compared to 2011. This figure not only exceeded pre-recession numbers but was a new, all-time record number of jobs in the Pittsburgh region.
All of our comparison regions also saw increases year-over-year. 


Susan Solovic


Building Bridges for Business April Tweetchat
Award-winning business builder, Susan Solovic,  FREE. Just log on to www.tweetchat.com 

Benefit-focused Program Description:Award winning entrepreneur and NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING author, Susan Solovic will answer questions via Twitter on APRIL 9, 2013 between 7 pm and 8 pm in Pittsburgh's first small business Twitterchat presented by Building Bridges for Business (bridges4biz) Sponsored by Pittsburgh Business Times. Solovic is an award winning entrepreneur, MEDIA PERSONALITY, KEYNOTE SPEAKER, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Amazon.com and USA Today bestselling author, and attorney

A woman of many talents, Susan Wilson Solovic is an award-winning entrepreneur, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Amazon.com and USA Today bestselling author, multi-media personality, and attorney. But behind every achievement, Solovic embodies ideas that make her universally—and intimately—relatable to all entrepreneurs: hard work, fortitude, and persistence. In a world of quick and questionable viral fame, Solovic is a rare commodity: she is what she preaches.




"Jessica Lee's Entrepreneurial Thursdays"

Musical Networking Happy Hour, EVERY THURSDAY!!! Cover Charge: Only $5.00
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


Jessica Lee

Pre-show networking session at 5:30 pm. Informal matchmaking for job seekers, employers & new entrepreneurs! Live music starts at 6:00 pm.



March 28, 2013: "An Entrepreneurial Surprise!"

Please join Jessica Lee, Gary Rosensteel & Paul Burke as they discuss BuiltInPittsburgh, the RustBuilt Initiative and the synergy with Help Startups.


Pittsburgh Historical Stuff

Middleton Warehousing Solutions
 From a blog called Chasing Smokestacks by Sean Kinney, a life-long resident of Columbus, Ohio, found posted on LinkedIn Greater Pittsburgh Group  Read the full article here

Middleton Warehousing Solutions (Aliquippa, PA)
Hands down the best part of my job are the places I get to visit. I especially enjoy visiting the historical significant industrial sites along the Ohio River that are striving towards a renaissance – or at least a renewal. Which brings me to my tour last Friday of Middleton Warehousing Solutions in Aliquippa, PA. The company is managing 250K square feet of bulk handing and storage inside two of Jones and Laughlin Steel Company‘s old manufacturing buildings.

Non-Profit Events Sponsored by BlackTie Pittsburgh


Hosanna industries to celebrate nearly $50 million of charitable work

On Palm Sunday 23 years ago, Hosanna Industries was founded. Three mission workers, a used donated pickup truck, and a budget of $30 thousand allowed for 13 projects completed that first year. Now, starting its 24th year, Hosanna Industries has done nearly $50 million of charitable construction work for a cost of less than $14 million. 

"We are profoundly grateful for the many ways in which the Lord has used the gifts, skills, and generosity of so many people in our world to allow us privilege of helping those in need during the past 23 years," says Reverend Dr. Donn D. Ed, executive director of the mission. Read the entire release here

A Triple Crown Tea
Benefiting Adagio Health's Dietetic Internship Scholarship Fund 

Slow down on a Sunday afternoon while enjoying  delicious refreshments, live music and good conversation. Sunday, April 7, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m, Macy's Downtown, 11th Floor Events Center. The afternoon will include a Ticket Auction and Silent Auction with elegant items for adults and children. Guests will also enjoy a fashion show featuring makeovers by Premier Salon and Spa and fashions by Macy's. Put some spring into your style with Macy's and all of the HOT NEW TRENDS! Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children. Please RSVP by clicking here or calling 412-253-8165.


Neighborhood Hi-Lights


EASTER, PASSOVER & HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE PROGRAMS ON CLASSICAL WQED-FM 89.3 THIS MARCH & APRI
Classical WQED-FM 89.3 will broadcast several Easter, Passover and Holocaust Remembrance specials this March and April. Read the entire release here





Positive Pittsburghers Segment

For months now, CBS Nightly News with Scott Pelley has said they would run a Human Interest story featuring my (
Kristen Holloway) charity, Operation Troop Appreciation. 

It’s been scheduled, cancelled, scheduled, cancelled, scheduled and cancelled so many times it’s beginning to be reminiscent of Ross Perot’s presidential bid.

Barring the deaths or abdications of any more world leaders, the First Lady getting another haircut, or anything but sunny 70 degree weather across the nation, we are supposed to air tomorrow night – TUESDAY, MARCH 19.



Roving Pittsburgher Report


Flash Mob March 20thth, Celebrated Volunteers and Mr. Roger's Birthday
Lunchtime concert and Flash Mob in Market Square (12 noon) or for the awards ceremony at the Children’s Museum (5:30pm). Wednesday March 20th is Fred Rogers Good Neighbor Day with United Way of Allegheny County – a celebration of volunteerism. Thank you!

6th Annual NAWBO Day: · Think Ginormous, Big Branding for Small Business
Over 100 Attendees Thining Ginormously about Branding
Tamar Cerafici says: Last week was big for our unbeatable chapter of the National Association
of Women Business Owners. March 22 was declared NAWBO Day by the City Council. I got to talk about the tremendous impact women have on the Post-Crash economy. And no review of a THINK GINORMOUS event should be printed without a quick review of these statistics. 


If you’re a woman business owner, and you don’t think you’re making a contribution, print these numbers. Frame them. Put them on the mirrors right next to the “employees must wash their hands” signs. Write these in lipstick on your mirror. Don’t use lipstick? Use a crayon or something (watch for a super cool infographic as soon as I figure one out). 
10.1 Million: The number of business in business during 2012 that were at least 50% women owned.  Read the full review here


Golden Corral, Robinson 
Jim & Virginia Whalen , 900 Park Manor Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15205 
412-728-1776 

Special: All you can eat Prime Rib, fried and peel n eat shrimp. 
Veggies are fresh, and the prime rib melts in your mouth. The turnaround on food is great, so it is all fresh tasting and there are always brand new menu items such as quesadillas and lasagna. You can’t go wrong for a family dinner in a family friendly environment with friendly wait staff.


Doubletree by Hilton Greentree 
500 Mansfield Ave.,  Pittsburgh, PA 15205
412-922-8400
Took over the bar on NAWBO Day and would suggest if you are stuck in traffic on Greentree Hill around 5 PM. Stop by and check out their happy hour. At 5 PM, their drinks are half price and so are their appetizers and flat breads. Especially check out their Grilled Thai wings and Margherita Pizza Excellent half price fair and until the word gets out while there is construction, the bar is not crowded. It will just be our secret.

Primanti Brothers in the Strip with Runa Magnusdottir from Iceland 
46 18th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-263-2142

We took this vivacious blonde to the Original Primanti Brothers tucked away in the stip and had cheese steak and capicolla sandwiches. We also took great pictures of the Pittsburgh murals on the wall and the hottie behind the counter got a hug from Runa. Also with us was a NAWBO member from Buffalo, NY who had come in for NAWBO Day. We told them the history of Primanti’s and how they originally fed the produce workers who unloaded the trains in the strip district and how the sandwiches with cole slaw and French fries on Mancini’s bread served on waxed paper originated out of the need to feed a lot of hungry guys quickly in a small space. And now it has become a Pittsburgh food’s trademark


No Need for Interpreters--They Danced, Slask!
by Martin Thomas and Helene Vidovich
Comments by Mary Thomas Gladys Bailin, Martin’s dance instructor, used to tell him, "Stand up straight and look like a man.” Someone must have passed that bit of advice on to the Polish men.



Slask
In the first stop on their US tour, the performance of Slask, by the Song & Dance Ensemble of Poland, was quite amazing. 60 years ago, Stanislaw Hadyna started a company that would research and preserve Polish folk music, dance and costuming. One can only imagine the additional effect if we had been able to understand the lyrics. Based on our reactions to the other performance elements, one is tempted to learn Polish. There were over 1500 costumes for a troupe of 80. That is more than an average of 18 changes each. Some of the members were in the orchestra and/or performed on stage and some were mainly singers. Others sang while they danced and many were quite versatile in song and dance and appeared in a variety of the 29 selections. The show was sculpted from the musical overture, to the entrance of the dancers, and on, as the skirts flashed layers of colors when the women would spin, turn or twirl.
Read the entire review here


Afro Cuban Fever Hits Pittsburgh, Juan De Marcos & The Afro-Cuban All Stars
by Martin Thomas and Helene Vidovich

Juan De Marcos
 & The Afro-Cuban All Stars
Is it possible to be cool and hot at the same time? Usually there is a fever involved. Last Thursday night was no exception at the August Wilson Afro-American Cultural Center. We were all taken by a fever of music from the Afro-Cuban All Stars. Band leader, arranger and producer Juan de Marcos started the evening declaring, "this is the first Afro-American Cultural Center we've ever played." The crowd cheered with Pittsburgh pride.

The group stemmed from the Buena Vista Social Club recordings that Ry Cooder and de Marcos put together in the early nineties. The cultural stir that the album created caused a resurgence of interest around the world for Cuban folk music and world bookings for de Marcos and the All Stars. Read the entire review here.

Pittsburgh Local Sports

(Normally for sports other than Penguins, Steelers and Pirates but wanted you to get this special offer)

Here is your April Business Perks special offer. Your special coupon code is KELLEM (ALL CAPITALS).This month’s offer includes: 
Pittsburgh Baseball Club tickets for just $43 (Savings of $9 per ticket)
Outfield Box tickets for just $22 (Savings of $6 per ticket)
Grandstand tickets for just $16 (Savings of $2 per ticket) 

Please forward this to your staff, family and friends so they can begin taking advantage of these special discounts today! 
Go to http://pirates.com/businessperks Buy tickets, enter promo code.


Pittsburgh Good News Forum

Last week for question Are you a Pittsburgh Spunky Old Broad? 
Click here.

Also we would like to go back to our Steeltown Hero Segment so please send us your stories of ordinary Greater Pittsburgh Area residents doing good things that are GOOD NEWS.  

We are looking for news in these topics.  Please send in press release format to: info@pplmag.com

Hope you like our new format for the news and looking forward to some area businesses sponsoring segments.

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This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2013 All rights reserved.


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.

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