Small Biz Saturday Showcase 07-05-14

Positively Pittsburgh Live

Small Biz Saturday Showcase 07-05-14

Handyman, Loans, Rock n Roll, Kid's Author

Hosted By Joanne Quinn-Smith

Listen to the show online HERE

Today's Guests:

Lou Lombardi
Rock N' Roll Philanthropist, Musician, Band Leader and Online Business Expert
Brian Fallet
Handyman, He's Pretty Handy
Emily Keebler
Pittsburgh Lead, Kiva City
JoAnn R. Forrester
Empress of Biz, Business, S. I. Business Associates, and Author of The Gift of Holiday Valley

Lou Lombardi
Rock N' Roll Philanthropist, Musician, Band Leader and Online Business Expert

Lou Lombardi is not just in the business of live music entertainment! His business is marketing entertainment, creating fun filling venues.  He creates win-wins for venue, artist, and the ultimate audience experience.  Lou's imaginative approach to creating an audience experience is changing the face of the "live entertainment" business.

Lou's stellar method is:
Creating interactive, audience participation and Good chemistry socially, business and artistically!

Lou works his magic by creating success for other musicians and those in the live entertainment business such as:

• Other musicians
• Indie artists
• Venue owners
• Those looking to promote and profit from live entertainment
• AND Entertainment seekers who are looking for a live music experience that has them "saving the date" for the next one. 

Talking Points:

• Being a musician... working with non-profits
• Using Internet Lifestyle Network, How I am using the Facebook Graph Search to generate leads and
  
  the importance of outsourcing.
• New Radio Show
• Video Marketing

We “zig zag our way to success”

Video marketing is the top skill that I see as most beneficial to this position. I became interested in video about a year ago and decided to learn as much about it as possible. Video requires various skill sets; there is more to it than just making videos that look and sound good.

Effective video marketing requires a good screen presence and solid video persona. It has taken me some time to develop these. While I learned a lot from watching masters like Andy Jenkins, there was also a lot of trial and error. I would do a video; watch it, usually get disgusted for a bit, and the get back to it, working on it again and again. I had some amateur flaws to overcome. I would look away from the camera at inappropriate times. I would talk too fast. I also had a bad habit of repeatedly blinking. With some work and persistence, I was able to smooth these things out and develop quality on-screen presence. My videos are now shorter and much more to the point. I come across cool and confident, yet fun and "down to earth". Developing my video presence has been key to creating a growing internet presence. As of this writing my YouTube channel has 71,689 views and that is primarily organic traffic.

I work hard to combine solid content with casual product mentions. The best videos are subtle - they do not sound like a sales pitch. This is more of an art than a science. Admittedly, I do some pure sales videos as well, but those are usually to get people to take advantage of a free offer, followed up by emails and Facebook interaction.

The other side of video marketing is how you market the actual videos themselves. This includes everything from deciding what to name the video, to the text that appears below the video on Youtube, to deciding what keywords to use and how to embed the video on a capture page and how to drive traffic to that capture page. These are only a small portion of the things that a video marketer must consider when doing video marketing. Learning all I can about video marketing and putting it into action has become a driving part of my life and online success strategy.

Lou's Band,  "Strangelove"

“Lou has a unique way of combining personal development content with marketing.  His on screen presence is one of the best I've seen” ~ Matt Tomsho, The Effective Detective

Entrepreneur Tip:

There will always be ups and downs. I have learned that we “zig zag our way to success”. The most important thing is to never give up.

What stands in the way becomes the way.
There are many challenges facing the online entrepreneur and I am no exception. Some of these challenges are simply inherent to the business but the biggest challenges are inherently human.

As a personal development coach, I often have to tap in to my own advice and coach myself - to stop and
refocus on the idea of “vision.” For me, vision means being able to see the possibilities within challenges or problems. One of my favorite quotes is by Marcus Aurelius “What stands in the way becomes the way.” I am always looking for the opportunity. I ask myself, “How can I make something out of this?” I look for the path through. I look for the path that will utilize not only my gifts, skills and talents but external resources as well. Who or what is in my life at this moment to get me to where I want to go?

Vision also means being able to look at myself honestly. This can be tough sometimes. I have to admit where I am. That is the only place for me to start. Then I look at where I want to go and ask “What do I need to get from where I am to where I want to go? What is the fastest path?” And most importantly, “Who can help get me there?” I have learned to consider everything and everyone as a possible resource.

Finally, vision is inextricably linked to leadership. Pushing forward with a goal in mind means constantly improving my leadership skills. This was something that I had a mental block about for many years. Carrying the vision, like it or not makes you the leader. I had to get over myself and take charge if I was ever going to create the life that I wanted. Learning to rally people, to give clear and concise direction without being overbearing or overly critical has become invaluable.

As a leader, I have had to learn to keep a close eye on what is and what IS NOT working. I have had to learn when to cut losses and change direction in order to stay the course toward the vision.

Contact:
Lou Lombardi
YouTube: Your Guitarist
Blog: Your Guitarist
LL Strangelove.com
LL Strangelove Videos
LinkedIn: Lou Lombardi
7 Days To Profit With Lou Lombardi
Awaken the Rock Star Within

Brian Fallet

Handyman, He's Pretty Handy

I was born in Johnstown, Pa, and raised in the small town of Cassandra, Pa. I graduated from Portage High in '78 and then joined the Navy. I was stationed on board the USS Donald B Beary out of Norfolk, Va, for 4 years. After that, I married a shipmate's sister as she was joining the Air force. We were stationed in San Antonio Texas, and then Dover Delaware. We had 2 Beautiful boys, but it ended in divorce in 1990. After the divorce, I moved to Pittsburgh where I have been ever since.

I have 32 years of Mechanical and electrical background. I am retired from the military after serving 28 years, 4 active and 22 reserves in the Navy and then 6 years reserves in the Air force. I have an Associates degree in Business and another in HVAC from CCAC and a Bachelors degree in Marketing from Robert Morris University. I worked as an HVAC tech in Texas, Delaware and did Maintenance in Apt complexes and colleges and Base housing.

I started my handyman business as a side business in 1995. Then in 2011 after being laid off from a sales position with a window/door company I decided that rather diving back into corporate America I would prefer to work for myself so I made my handyman business my primary job.

Talking Points:

I serve primarily residential customers and some small commercial. The services I provide are many, mechanical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning it would be hard to list them all.  Mainly, "If it's broke, I'll fix it." This can include: 

• Installing a new faucet 
• Replacing a light switch
• Replacing a ceiling fan 
• Hanging a wall mount for a tv 
• Clean & Check furnace/air conditioner 
• Installing smoke detectors 
• Patching drywall 
• Pressure washing decks 
• Hanging shelves 
• Replacing a garbage disposal 
• and much, much more!

Entrepreneur Tip:

Avoid debt like the plague. Start small, take your time growing, do not undercharge. Follow a 5 year business plan. Do everything as if it were your mother's house.  Take a business course, hire a bookkeeper, accountant and put a lawyer on retainer.

Consumer Tip:
As a consumer you should always try to get 3 estimates for a job.  Make sure that your handyman is insured / licensed.

And Remember to call me first if you have any handyman questions or need advice on a repair. My advice is always free 24/7.

Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
Call and and mention that you heard Brian on this show and receive 10% off labor for 6 months from date of this show (07/05/14).

Contact:

He's Pretty Handy
www.BrianFallet.com
I am located in the South Side of Pittsburgh, which makes it easy for me to travel anywhere in and around the Pittsburgh area.
(412) 431-1498 (h)  |  (412) 886-4348 (c)
brian@brianfallet.com
Facebook: HesPrettyHandy

Emily Keebler
Pittsburgh Lead, Kiva City Pittsburgh Lead

Emily Keebler works to inform entrepreneurs and their supporters in the Pittsburgh area about Kiva Zip’s 0% interest, crowdfunded micro-loans as the Kiva City Pittsburgh Lead.  Kiva, the world’s first microlending website, empowers small businesses in Pittsburgh and around the world by connecting them to lenders who collectively fund loans and provide a network of support for each business.

Talking Points:

• Over the course of her career, Emily has served the communities and residents of Pittsburgh via her work for several non-profit organizations and the City of Pittsburgh.  In each position, she has particularly enjoyed opportunities to help individuals navigate resources and systems within the world of personal finance.   
• In February 2014, Emily began helping entrepreneurs in the Pittsburgh area to utilize Kiva Zip to obtain 0% interest microloans to develop their small businesses.  
• In March 2014, Kiva City Pittsburgh was launched.  A Kiva City is a focused initiative led by Kiva.org to build awareness of the opportunity that Kiva Zip provides to a particular metropolitan area. It requires the support of a network of partners including local politicians, funders, small business technical assistance providers, as well as Kiva Zip trustees, borrowers, and lenders.  
• As the Kiva City Pittsburgh Lead, Emily works to inform three broad groups about Kiva Zip: current and potential borrowers, trustees, and lenders

• Borrowers: Current and soon-to-be business owners can benefit from Kiva Zip by using the online platform to crowdfund loans of up to $5,000 at 0% interest.  By using Kiva Zip, small businesses can access capital to help them develop or grow their business, and do so at 0% interest, allowing them to use their hard-earned dollars for direct business expenses rather than finance charges.  

• Trustees: The Kiva Zip model relies on individuals and organizations who aim to assist entrepreneurs and have existing relationships with small business owners.  Trustees benefit from being involved with Kiva Zip by promoting the good work that they already do for area businesses and helping entrepreneurs to access capital.  

• Lenders: The Kiva Zip crowdfunding model would not work if it weren’t for the generous lenders that contribute to collectively fund loans for Kiva Zip borrowers.  As Kiva Zip spreads to new cities, such as Pittsburgh, it is essential that the number of lenders keeps up with the growing demand for this alternative capital.  

• Small business owners in the U.S. cite ‘access to capital’ as one of their top three business constraints.  Kiva Zip’s alternative funding provides a platform for entrepreneurs that face this constraint to crowdfund a small loan to help them start or expand their business.    
• Because Kiva Zip loans are crowd-funded by individuals who believe in a small business owner’s character and reliability as endorsed by a Kiva Zip trustee, lenders do not ask for a borrower’s credit score, cash flow, or collateral.  By removing those criteria, Kiva Zip is able to help new and innovative businesses that might not otherwise qualify for a traditional loan, as well as borrowers with a short or damaged credit history.  
• A benefit to crowdfunding loans is the connection that is made between lenders and borrowers.  Kiva Zip lenders become cheerleaders, potential customers, and brand ambassadors for the businesses they’ve also supported financially.  
• Kiva Zip loans are all offered at 0% interest and without any fees, giving an advantage to small businesses that could use a hand.   
• First-time borrowers on the Kiva Zip website may borrow up to $5,000 and may choose a repayment term of up to 24 months.  Once this amount is repaid, there is an opportunity to borrow progressively larger amounts.

Entrepreneur Tip:

Most people genuinely want to see others do well, so don’t be afraid to ask people in your network, even those you don’t know well, for help.

Consumer Tip:
Remember that finding a rock bottom price is not always the most important thing when shopping.  Supporting local businesses, by lending on Kiva Zip or as a customer, has many positive impacts on the community, some of which may even have direct or indirect financial benefits for you.

Contact:

Kiva Zip
KivaZip.org
contactzip@kiva.org
Twitter: @KivaZip
social media addresses  |  social media addresses
Kiva City Pittsburgh
Kiva.org  |  Kiva.org/Pittsburgh
(412) 204-7410  |  emily.keebler@fellows.kiva.org
Twitter: @EmilyPGH  |  Facebook: KivaCityPittsburgh
social media addresses  |  social media addresses

JoAnn R. Forrester

Empress of Biz, S. I. Business Associates
Author of The Gift of Holiday Valley

Once upon a time there was business consultant by the name of JoAnn R. Forrester who worked very hard for her small business clients, raised them lots of money ($40 million), taught hundreds of classes, seminars and workshops to thousands of clients and students, won many awards for her accomplishments and helped her clients gain national recognition for their accomplishments  and even had her own podcast show, The Empress of Biz, Listen, Learn, Prosper and had helped many organizations that served women and children…something was missing…and she was beginning to become  bored and sad…very sad.  She was tired of doing cost analysis, business plans and having to joust with bankers to help her clients….she wanted some fun, she wanted to play and just be happy.

Then one day she woke up and felt inspired to set down at her desk and figure out what else she could do to besides  “serious business stuff”.  Well she sat  and   wrote,  and sat and wrote some more….and “Oh My” she discovered that  she loved to write and had lots  of stories in her head…many of them children’s stories that had been waiting to be told  for a long time.  And the more she wrote the stories ….the happier she was.
JoAnn’s  first children’s book,  “The Gift of Holiday Valley” is one that she has carried in her heart for a long time and now being shared with you.  Come and read  about  Holiday Valley.  A special  place where we would all like to be…where no matter who you are, what you look like, or where you came from…you belong  and everyone wants to be your friend and help you.  Although…even in a perfect place like Holiday Valley there are some new things to learn and different  ways to be helpful and share the joy and happiness of everyone there.

Award winning Small Business Growth Management Specialist for over 30 years.  Story teller since I was a child.  Have written hundreds of business plans, profiles for clients, marketing and strategic plans   two business workbooks and business advice columns, raised millions of dollars ……but in my heart I wanted to be an author and write stories and NOW I AM.

Talking Points:

• Started in 1975, I was the junior partner, had an opportunity and grabbed it with two other men, Jim Martin and Bob Masse.   Immediately had a major corporate client Allegheny Ludlum Industries and Allegheny Ludlum Steel
• Wrote book, The Gift of Holiday Valley, to give us a gift to family and friends when I had very little money and did not know what to do for gifts. That Christmas everyone got a handwritten copy of the story and homemade gifts of cookies and candies.  It was one of the nicest Christmases I had…
• My Mother saved the story and everything I gave to her  over the years and when she passed I found it again  and read it and I could hear her saying to me…maybe I could illustrate this for you.  She never did because she devoted her time to taking care of my Dad, who was an invalid for years.  She always wanted me to write and I am doing this for many reasons…for personal joy, share the message of Holiday Valley and open a new avenue for work for me.
• My day to day business Concentrate on business and strategic and professional development for large and small to mid size companies.  Much prefer to work with the small businesses…You can deal with the owners and management and they are quicker to respond and act to solve a problem…rather than deal with all the layers in between and not have a problem solved or be able to help people quickly  was not for me.
• We serve small to medium businesses who do not have a CFO and help to eliminate waste and create a strategic plan for profit.
• When needed we raise fund for the businesses…have raised over $40 million dollars and work with them to manage the direction of the company once they obtained their financing.  
• We serve small to medium businesses who do not have a CFO and help to eliminate waste and create a strategic plan for profit.

Entrepreneur Tip:

Money is  a tool… use it wisely…it allows you to pursue your dreams…such as my dream of being an author and writing books

Consumer Tip:
Buy my book…The Gift of Holiday Valley.

Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
The Gift of Holiday Valley: 1 book and a unique Holiday Valley Gift in a delightful gift box just in time for Christmas for $39.95 personally signed and mailed to you.  Price includes tax and shipping.  Being offered on You Miight Be a Pittsburgher….

Contact:
Empress of Biz, S. I. Business Associates
Author of The Gift of Holiday Valley
Empressofbiz.com
P. O. Box  472
Oakmont, PA
Office: (412) 440-6969  |  Cell: (412) 670-4322
selfimagebz@aol.com  |  empressofbiz@gmail.com

Facebook: JoAnnRForrester

Hosted By:

Joanne Quinn-Smith

Joanne Quinn-Smith is the Creative Energy Officer of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a full service marketing company specializing in Web 2.0 Gorilla Branding™. Known as the Techno Granny she offers her clients unique, creative and energetic marketing and management plans. Joanne’s expertise is in creating online platforms that create perpetual buzz. 

Joanne is an author, prolific blogger and talkcaster with over 800 shows. She has interviewed over 2000 prominent business owners, non-profit executives and celebrities. Her flagship website, PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com garners 220,000 hits per month, 62,000 unique page views per week and in 1 year had 2.25 million visitors. 

Joanne Quinn-Smith has been designated nationally, 2009 Small Business Journalist of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration for her advocacy and reporting on small business using New Media. Her good news reporting at PositivelyPittsburghLive was a finalist for best website or blog in Media for the American Business Stevie Award in 2010.  

Listen to the show HERE

Thank you for your viewing and listening support. If you would like your business featured on the Small Biz Saturday Showcase please contact us HERE.

Posted By: Stephanie Curtice
This was reported as a reproduction of PositivelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith.
(c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2014 All rights reserved.

Positively Pittsburgh Live! News 02-24-14

Positively Pittsburgh Live! News 02-24-14

From Camp Broadway to Pittsburgh Olympic Ties

Listen to the show online HERE

PPL News Co-Host
Lou Lombardi
Musician...
Multimedia Event Specialist and Promoter
Loudini's Rock n' Roll Circus featuring
Lou Lombardi's Stranglove

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS TECHNOGRANNY?

Old Country Buffet, Saw Mill Run Blvd

POSITIVELY PITTSBURGHER SPONSORED EVENTS:  Loudini’s Rock n’ Roll Circus

CULTURAL CLUES
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson  |  All That Jazz with the PSO  |  Dream Body  |  Karan Casey Band  |  The Kruger Brothers

KIDZ KORNER
Carnival of the Animals  |  Talent Competition  |  Camp Broadway for Children Ages 10-13

WOMEN AND GIRLS ADVANCEMENT
Madame Presidenta: Why Not U.S?  |  Three Agencies Join Together to Serve Women in Sudden Economic Distress

BUSINESS BUZZ
Bank On Pittsburgh  |  Economic Impact of the Arts  |  Jazz Networking

HIGH SCHOOL and UNIVERSITY NEWS:  Young Pittsburgh Composers

NON-PROFIT EVENTS SPONSORED BY BLACKTIE PITTSBURGH
Revel with a Cause  |  Networking for a Cause  |  500 Women in Purple

ROVING PITTSBURGHER REPORT
Swan Lake  |  South Indian Classical Dance  |  PSO’s Casella, Prokofiev & Schumann  |  Paul’s Case

PITTSBURGH LOCAL SPORTS
Pittsburgh Represents at the 2014 Winter Olympics  |  Rock Baseball Team Picked Third in PSAC West Preseason Poll

PITTSBURGH GOOD NEWS FORUM
Building Business Relationships  |  Disability Resource Breakfast

STEEL TOWN HERO:  John Thompson

POSITIVELY PITTSBURGHER

SPONSORED EVENTS

Loudini’s Rock n’ Roll Circus

Feb 28  |  9 PM  |  Moondog's in Blawnox
Listen to a round table interview to hear all about Loudini's Rock N Roll Circus featuring Lou Lombardi's Strangelove and The Jeff Fetterman Band and their fundraiser for Pittsburgh Passion Women's Football Team playoff fund.  Guests: Tammy Spencer-Bey, Pittsburgh Passion Community Initiatives Director; Ron Esser, owner of Moondog's; and the stars of the show - Jeff Fetterman and Lou Lombardi, Loudini himself.  Hear all the grand details of this Rock N Roll Extravaganza, and how you can win season tickets to the Pittsburgh Passion Home Games and Meet some of the Pittsburgh Passion Players.
To listen to the PPL interview click HERE

The Loudini's Rock N Roll Circus featuring Lou Lombardi's Strangelove and The Jeff Fetterman Band a fundraiser for Pittsburgh Passion Women's Football Team playoff fund will be held on February 28, 2014 at Moondog's in Blawnox.  This is not just a band playing, but a Multi Media Rock N Roll Experience.

For more information click HERE

CULTURAL CLUES

Pittsburgh Playhouse: Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
Friday, Feb. 21st  – Sunday, March 2nd  |  Rockwell Theatre

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
(photo courtesy: Pittsburgh Playhouse)

Sex. Rock-n-Roll. And one big party. The Democratic Party, that is.  Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson is a raucous, rowdy rock musical that reinvents Andrew Jackson as a rock star and is a "bloody entertaining" snapshot of his relationships with not only his wife, Rachel, but also Martin Van Buren, Henry Clay, and John C. Calhoun.  Who ever thought becoming America's 7th president would be such a rockin' good time?

Winner of an Outer Critics Circle Award and a Drama Desk Award, Director Michael McKelvey made his Pittsburgh Playhouse directing debut in May with the Playhouse Jr. production of Honk Jr.  He was music director on the Conservatory Theatre Company’s productions of Oklahoma! (October 2013) and A Chorus Line (October 2011).  His regional directing credits include A Minister's Wife, Legally Blonde, Chess, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Carousel, Pajama Game, City of Angels, Evil Dead, Company, Footloose, Annie, The Last Five Years, I Love You Because, John and Jen, Urinetown, Assassins and Sweeney Todd. He also has music directed more than 70 productions. While in Austin, Texas, he was the recipient of several B. Iden Payne and Austin Critics' Table Awards as a director, music director and producer. At Point Park, he is the head of private voice and an associate professor of musical theatre. In March, he is slated to direct the musical, Ordinary Days.


Celebrate Kander and Ebb and “All That Jazz” with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Thursday, Mar 6th  |  7:30 PM  |  Heinz Hall
Friday, Mar 7th and Saturday, Mar 8th  |  8 PM  |  Heinz Hall
Sunday, Mar 9th  |  2:30 PM  |  Heinz Hall

Jack Everly
(photo courtesy: PSO)

Celebrated Broadway stars join conductor Jack Everly in a tribute to one of Broadway's most successful songwriting teams, composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb.  This concert will dazzle you with music from their hit musicals and films such as “Chicago,” “Cabaret” and their final collaboration,“The Scottsboro Boys.”  Hear favorite songs including: "Ring Them Bells,” “City Lights,” “Cabaret” and more.

Kander and Ebb have introduced music that became Broadway standards and contemporary classics. Their first produced musical, Flora, The Red Menace, introduced the world to a young Liza Minnelli, winning her first Tony Award, followed by “Cabaret”; “The Happy Time”; “Zorba”; “70, Girls, 70”; “Chicago” (the current revival is the fourth longest running show on Broadway and the longest running American musical on Broadway); “The Act”; “Woman of the Year” (Tony Award); “The Rink”; “Kiss of the Spider Woman” (Tony Award); “Steel Pier”; “Curtains” and “The Scottsboro Boys.” Their collaboration also transferred itself to movies and television as they wrote original material for the Academy Awards; “Liza With a Z” (Emmy Award) and HBO’s “Liza Minnelli’s Stepping Out” (Emmy Award); “Funny Lady,” including the Oscar-nominated song “How Lucky Can You Get”; “Lucky Lady”; “New York, New York” and “Chicago,” the movie, with the Oscar-nominated song, “Move On.” Mayor Ed Koch made a declaration, making the song “New York, New York” to become the official anthem of New York City.


Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Presents Dream Body a Narrative Video Installation
March 7th  – April 13th  2014  |  709 Penn Gallery
Exhibition Opening & Reception  |  March 7th  |  5:30 – 8 PM

Dream Body
(photo courtesy: Blaine Siegel)

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces the opening of Dream Body, a video installation by local artist Blaine Siegel.  The exhibition consists of two video projections with sculptural components. The first video is influenced by the infamous “The Hanged Man” tarot card. Hanging upside down from a tree, the man on the card has been abused and left alone. It is at this point of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that the hanged man gains a fresh perspective and is able to see the world and his place in it. The first video—depicting a man’s face slowly transitioning from sadness to awe—hangs from an apparatus referencing the hanging crook from the hangman children’s game and is projected upside-down upon the wall.

“I am a story teller, an artist working within a narrative. The narrative for DREAM BODY is man’s search for meaning through the experiences of the physical body,” says artist Blaine Siegel. “I liken the videos in this exhibition to poetry. Like poetry, the interaction between the video and the sculptures evoke an emotional response, offering a glimpse into an upside-down quest for clarity.”

Read the full press release at Dreamweaver Marketing Associates on PPLmag.com

Calliope Presents Karan Casey Band
March 8th 2014  |  7:30 PM  |  Carnegie Lecture Hall (Oakland)

Karan Casey Band
(photo courtesy: Calliope)

“Casey’s voice is among the loveliest in folk music and she’s a wonderful interpreter of both contemporary and traditional material.” -BOSTON GLOBE
“Setting her clear voice in arrangements that mix traditional and modern instruments, she maintains the taut, quivering ornamentation of old ballad style, singing tales of love, war and
murder with a gentle gravity.”-NEW YORK TIMES
Karan Casey has long been one of the most innovative, provocative and imitated voices in Irish traditional and folk music. Her career has spanned twenty years from the early days as a jazz performer in George’s Bistro in Dublin to her heady days in New York with the band Solas to her now established solo career and she has sold over half a million albums. Karan released her first album with the group Solas, which quickly became the most celebrated Irish band in the U.S., and her four years with the group were pivotal. Following their groundbreaking early releases Casey struck out on her own.

Since embarking on her solo career Karan has released 5 solo albums, a duo album (with John Doyle), an album for children and numerous contributions to other artists’ projects – appearing on more than 50 albums in total. She has toured constantly throughout North America, Europe and Japan, performing solo, with her own band and with many other diverse artists. Recent years have seen Karan appearing with Folk legends James Taylor, Liam Clancy, Peggy Seeger, Mick Moloney and the Dubliners and Imelda May as well as performances with Solas, Lunasa, Tim O’Brien and Capercaillie’s Karen Matheson, and collaborations with pianist/composer Micheal O Suilleabhain, Jazz great Ornette Coleman, and Breton guitarist Gilles le Bigot.

Read the full press release at Dreamweaver Marketing Associates on PPLmag.com

Calliope Presents the Kruger Brothers
Thursday, March 27th 2014  |  7:30 PM  |  Roots Cellar, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts (Shadyside)

Kruger Brothers
(photo courtesy: Calliope)

“The Kruger Brothers are just about as fine a band as I’ve ever played with.  I love to play music with them.” –Doc Watson

In an ever-expanding body of work, Jens Kruger (banjo, vocals), Uwe Kruger (guitar, lead vocals), and Joel Landsberg (bass, vocals) personify the spirit of exploration and innovation that forms the core of the American musical tradition.  Although initially staying fairly close to a traditional repertoire, the Kruger Brothers later turned to song writing and composition in order to draw more closely from their personal experiences. The result is a catalog of songs and music distinguished by its rich detail and an insight into the delicacy and complexity of everyday life.

The honesty of their writing has become a hallmark of the trio’s work. Another is the banjo playing and composition of Jens Kruger. Happy Traum has described Kruger as “one of the world’s most musically sophisticated and technically accomplished five-string banjo players.” Kruger plays in a melodic style that, while it may stem from the three-finger bluegrass style popularized by Snuffy Jenkins and Earl Scruggs, is also differentiated by long melodic passages and a more complex compositional foundation, often building on jazz or classical themes and techniques.

KIDZ KORNER

Fiddlesticks Family Series Goes Wild With “Carnival of the Animals”
Saturday, March 1st 2014  |  Discovery Time Adventures 10 AM and Concert 11:15 AM  |  Heinz Hall

Go wild with Fiddlesticks, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s feline musical ambassador, during the “Carnival of the Animals” on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Heinz Hall for the season’s second concert of the Fiddlesticks Family Series Presented by Macys.

“The Carnival of the Animals” is one of the most famous pieces by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Each of the movements in this spectacular orchestral work depicts a different animal, from the royal lion to the graceful swan. Joining conductor Lawrence Loh, vocalist Katy Williams and Fiddlesticks onstage is cartoon artist Joe Wos from the Toonseum, who will illustrate the animals as the symphony performs. Dancers from the Point Park University Ballet and the Pittsburgh Symphony’s assistant conductor, Fawzi Haimor, will also join in the fun. Let your imagination run wild in this musical journey through the animal kingdom.

Attendees are invited to participate in Discovery Time Adventures prior to every Fiddlesticks concerts.  These educational activities allow young audiences and their parents to meet symphony musicians, learn songs and take part in various musical activities. Discovery Time Adventures for the “Carnival of the Animals” program will include many activities, such as sing-along time with Larry and Katy, animal-themed arts and crafts, music and movement dancing, a symphony quartet, and even a special visit from a few Pittsburgh Zoo animals!

Discovery Time Adventures will begin at 10 a.m. and the concert will begin at 11:15 a.m. Tickets, ranging in price from $12 to $22.25.


W.Va's Finest Talent Competition is Back!
The statewide talent competition for vocalists is back for 2014...
This year's W.Va's Finest Talent Competition is produced by the Simply Jazz and Blues Festival.  Focusing entirely on youth this year, the winners will be in 10-13 and 14-17 year old age categories. Young people from around the state regardless of music genre are encouraged to compete for this cash and prizes event.

The W.Va's Finest Talent Competition started in 2006 as a vocal competition open to adults 18 and over. The next year we added the youth division and crowned a winner in 7 categories: Adult Pop,R&B, Gospel, Country, Hip Hop and ages 10-13 and 14-17. The competition is open to vocalists from W.Va. and is run as more of a social and networking event rather than a competition. Winners receive cash, prizes and performance bookings, but other performers who have done well on the show are also booked for future performances.

W.Va's Finest 2014 will feature only the Youth categories of ages 10-13 and 14-17. There will be one (1) winner in each who will receive a grand prize of $500, prizes and booking opportunities, one of which is to be the opening act for the Simply Jazz and Blues Festival on Saturday, August 2nd.

This year's competition will have new components like the mentoring programs that will require each contestant to have one on one time with a mentor who is a working vocalist. The score they receive from their mentors will determine who will move on to the semi-final round of competition.

Audition sites will be set up around the state starting in March 2014.
For more information please contact Doris Fields
304.222.2536 or 304.590.1042 or wvfinest@yahoo.com


Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Announces Nationally Acclaimed Camp Broadway Exp Musical Theater Camp for Children Ages 10-13
Saturday, Apr. 26th 2014  |  8:30 AM - 5:00 PM  |  Trust Arts Education Center, Pittsburgh Cultural District

Janis Burley Wilson, Vice President of Education and Community Engagement-Pittsburgh Cultural Trust comments, “We are very pleased to host Camp Broadway® for the second year in a row.  With their varied career experience and leadership, this group of professional Broadway actors will present a range of theatrical related topics to provide camp participants- ages 10-13- a day of opportunities to explore, learn, and participate in activities within a positive and fun learning environment.  Our goal through this camp is to provide children with a learning experience that will develop their confidence, as well as expand and grow their interest in the performing arts throughout their life.”

The one-day camp is open to children ages 10 to 13 years, of all skill levels and no previous experience is necessary to enroll.  Advance registration is required and registration closes on April 11, 2014.  The cost to participant in the camp is $125 per participant, $100 per additional student in a household (siblings).  The camp will conclude with a featured performance at 4:30 p.m. for family and friends, presented by student participants.

Camp Broadway EXP is a one day musical theater camp that provides professional instruction to help theatre-loving kids ages 10 to 13, develop their confidence, character and presentation skills through ensemble performance. The instructors are New York Broadway professionals who provide helpful insight regarding dance and voice techniques, and guide campers through staging a performance from beginning to end. Camp Broadway is designed to develop the camper’s performance abilities, increase self-esteem, encourage creativity, enhance appreciation for the arts, and develop useful life skills.  The day long camp includes vocal technique, acting workshop, chorus calls, choreography, blocking, technical rehearsals, healthy lunch, snack and water, and concludes with a performance at the Peirce Studio located in the Trust Arts Education Center.

WOMEN AND GIRLS ADVANCEMENT

Madame Presidenta: Why Not U.S?
New Film Considering Women’s Role in Shaping New Democracies to Premiere in Pittsburgh
Saturday, Mar 8th 2014  |  8:00 PM  |  Carnegie Museum of Art Theater

‘Madame Presidenta: Why Not U.S.?’ is a one-hour documentary produced by Women and Girl’s Foundation exploring the increased role women are having in shaping new democracies and leading governments across the globe.

Heather Arnet , CEO of the Women and Girls Foundation, partnered with award-winning Cinematographer, Nathan Golan; Veronica Marques, Executive Director, of ELAS; and production teams in the U.S. and Brazil to create the documentary. The film is a collaboration of Women and Girls Foundation (WGF) in the U.S. (based in Pittsburgh) and ELAS, the Women’s Social Investment Fund of Brazil (based in Rio de Janeiro).

Heather traveled to Brazil to ask women from different regions and socio-economic backgrounds to share their perspective on the dynamic shifts that have occurred in Brazilian politics over the course of just one generation.

Through the production of this film, Heather uncovered powerful new findings connecting female economic security, political participation, and new democracies in fostering the advancement of women.

Activists, advocates, policy makers, educators, artists, and community leaders will gather to experience the film and support women’s leadership in Pittsburgh and beyond.

Desert reception and Q/A with director Heather Arnet to follow  |  Tickets are $50
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: www.madamepresidenta.com


Three Agencies Join Together to Serve Women in Sudden Economic Distress

Women experiencing sudden economic distress can now knock on the door of one agency and automatically open the door to services at two other agencies.  The key is the Women’s Empowerment Initiative – created by the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, Neighborhood Legal Services Association and Pennsylvania Women Work – that offers career, legal and emergency services for women who unexpectedly find themselves in financial instability due to a life-changing event or situation.

Falling into poverty can happen abruptly for women.  The sudden loss of a job or loved one can steer a woman into a dire economic situation – one she has never encountered before.  Funded by the Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way of Allegheny County, the Women’s Empowerment Initiative will help women in crisis situations take the necessary steps to connect to services and maintain self-sufficiency.  These steps include free legal advice and/or representation, job readiness and training programs, and access to housing, childcare, healthcare and public benefits.

Read the full press release at Dreamweaver Marketing Associates on PPLmag.com

BUSINESS BUZZ

‘Bank On Pittsburgh’ Invites Community to Learn About Banking Advantages
From our friends at Urban Media Today.com

Written By: Nancy Hart
“Some of the grocery stores are opening up larger locations, and if you haven’t shopped there before, you could be an extra half-an-hour trying to find what you would normally find quicker in the local market you usually shop in. There are more aisles, and it’s just bigger, and you have to ask somebody.”

The same scenario applies to the “unbanked” and under-banked population, says Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, Jr., who is leading an effort through a partnership between the Urban League of Pittsburgh and the United Way of Allegheny County to help those without regular banking relationships form new ones through the help of Bank On Greater Pittsburgh.

The initiative has formed financial partnerships with Citizens, Dollar, Fifth Third, First Commonwealth, First Niagara, Huntington and PNC Banks, as well as Century Heritage Federal Credit Union and Hill District Federal Credit Union, to educate consumers about the benefits of holding traditional checking and savings accounts as well as the use of other banking “products.”

Additional educational services will be provided through Community Partners like ACTION Housing, Advantage Credit Counseling, the Allegheny County Housing Authority, Holy Family Institute/Duquesne Light CAP, Just Harvest, South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) and the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Child Development, supported by Public Partners Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.

“This was number 80 on the list of 100 things the Mayor planned to get done in his first 100 days in office,” Slaughter says. “The County Executive has also offered his support.”

Mayor Bill Peduto has said that “more than 10 percent of Pittsburgh residents have no bank account, and another 19 percent rely heavily on risky alternative financial tools such as payday loans, check-cashing shops, and rent-to-own arrangements.”

Peduto says this represents more than 130,000 local households “living without financial security.”

Learn more at Bank On Pittsburgh
Read the entire article HERE


Economic Impact of the Arts
From our friends at PittsburghToday.org

Allegheny County is one of 182 study regions that participated in the Americans for the Arts' Arts and Economic Prosperity IV project. The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council took regional findings and compared them with those in nine other benchmark areas (including several used by Pittsburgh TODAY). So, how do we stack up? Pittsburgh/Allegheny County ranks at or near the top when it comes to arts and culture expenditures by organizations and their audiences, and the impacts of those expenditures on job creation, household income, and tax revenues, even among regions with much larger populations.

More news of note: 4 out of 5 jobs generated by arts and culture are in other industries. For additional findings, the full GPAC report, and a tool to calculate your own organization's own economic impact, visit: Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council

The nonprofit arts and culture industry, more so than most industries, leverages a significant amount of event-related spending. Individuals who attend events at theaters, museums, historical sites, and performance venues in Allegheny County ("audiences") spend an average of $21.44 per person above and beyond the cost of a ticket. Audience spending includes the following: meals before/after event, local transportation, refreshments/snacks during event, overnight lodging, clothing and accessories, souvenirs and gifts, event-related childcare, and other.

The following measures show total spending expenditures by arts and culture organizations and their audiences in comparable regions.

Jazz Networking by Jessica Lee – Pittsburgh Sportsline
Thursday, Feb. 27th 2014  |  Little E's Jazz and Blues Club (2nd Floor above Mahoney's Restaurant)
Pre-show networking session at 5:30 PM  |  Live music starts at 6:00 PM.

Informal matchmaking for job seekers, employers and new entrepreneurs!
This weeks show join us as Pittsburgh Sportsline combines with Jessica Lee's Jazz Networking Show for a great night at Little E's.
Featuring:
Al Levine "The Talking Machine", Smokin' Jim Frazier, and Zach Brenner "Little Z"

Join us every Thursday evening for Pittsburgh’s premier Jazz and Blues Happy Hour show for the entrepreneurial / innovation community.  Featuring live open-mike interview sessions with hot entrepreneurs, financing sources, economic development thought leaders and other business stars, we’re uncovering “WHAT’S INNOVATIVE AND POSITIVE IN THE PITTSBURGH REGION.”

HIGH SCHOOL and UNIVERSITY NEWS

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Presents 10th Annual Reading Session of Young Composers’ Work
Saturday, Mar 15  |  11 AM  |  Heinz Hall
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra continues its commitment to nurture new work and young composers with its 10th Annual Reading Session on Saturday, March 15 at 11 a.m. in Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts.  This year’s chosen composers — Jeffrey Campbell Binner of Gettysburg College, Kai-Young Chan of the University of Pennsylvania, Erberk Eryilmaz of Carnegie Mellon University, and Marina López of Duquesne University — bring a wide range of vision, experience and culture to the program.

The four pieces to be performed during the reading session are “Grief” by Binner, “Tepki 2” by Eryilmaz, “Vers le Jardin Japonais” by Chan and “SunStroke” by Lopez. All submissions were evaluated by adviser David Stock, professor emeritus at Duquesne University and one of the Pittsburgh Symphony’s Composers of the Year.

The reading session provides the composers with invaluable critiques and feedback at a professional level. In addition to hearing their pieces performed by a world-class orchestra in front of an audience, they gain insights into orchestration, compositional techniques and providing parts for an ensemble. The reading session will be led by guest conductor Leonard Slatkin.

Since the 2004-2005 season, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has offered an annual reading of new works by young composers from area universities as part of its Composer of the Year program. In recent years, the annual reading program expanded its call for submissions from specific Pittsburgh-area universities to all residents of Pennsylvania.

A reception and panel discussion with Maestro Slatkin, Stock and the four composers will follow the reading session in the Regency Rooms of Heinz Hall. Admission to the annual reading session and the post-session reception are free and open to the public. Tickets can be reserved by calling the Heinz Hall box office at 412-392-4900.

NON-PROFIT EVENTS SPONSORED BY

Revel with a Cause
Tuesday, March 4nd 2014  |  6 PM  |  Little E's Jazz and Blues Club (2nd Floor above Mahoney's Restaurant)

As a gifted singer-songwriter that plays both guitar and piano, Emily Forst is rising star having released her first album "Here We Go" which was recorded at the world famous Avatar Studios. Emily's music is a mix of rock/pop as most songs deal with relationships, overcoming adversity, growing up and finding one's place in the world, etc. This show is free or pay-what-you-can if you'd like to support the wonderful Homeless Children's Education Fund (HCEF) which partners with 25 local shelters.

At 'Revel for a Cause' there will also be Mardi Gras inspired cuisine and; cocktails -- as well as beer/wine and other specials along with complimentary cheese/crackers, veggies/fruit, lite bites. The doors open at 6 PM prior to the 7 PM show.

This show is free or pay-what-you-can for anyone that would also like to support the Homeless Children's Education Fund (HCEF) which partners with 25 local shelters and homeless housing agencies providing everything from school gear, literacy programs, afterschool activities, summer camps, science and arts workshops, and other educational enrichment programs to help bridge the gaps for homeless children and their families. Did you know there are nearly 1,700 homeless children in Allegheny County alone? To learn more about the remarkable work being done by HCEF, please visit http://homelessfund.org/


Networking for a Cause
March 6th 2014  |  4:30 - 6 PM

Networking for a Cause is sponsored by Providence Connections, an amazing non-profit that focuses on strengthening families and enriching lives.  This is a great opportunity for you to develop meaningful relationships, gain valuable education opportunities AND support a great cause. Victoria Rotante of Impera Executive Recruiters will be presenting on Sheryl Sandberg's bestselling book Lean In.  The suggested donation of $15 for each event will help support the programs at Providence Family Support Center and bring comprehensive education and developmental opportunities to hundreds of children in our community.


500 Women in Purple
From our friends at Soul Pitt
Sunday, March 9th 2014  |  Sixth Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church (6556 Shetland Ave, Pittsburgh)
Dinner Served 1 – 3 PM  |  Worship Service  3:30 PM
Sixth Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church Jubilant Women for Christ Women Ministry and First Lady Yvonne Lee Presents 500 WOMEN IN PURPLE Sunday, March 9, 2014.  Join the Jubilant Women for Christ Ministry for worship featuring Rev. Robin Pollard to honor the strength, love and commitment of today's Christian woman.  Invite your family, friends and neighbors to this blessed service.  The church with the most women attendees will receive a special gift for each person.  For more information or to pre-register call 412.441.7839

ROVING PITTSBURGHER REPORT

Swan Lake  |  South Indian Classical Dance  |  PSO’s Casella, Prokofiev & Schumann  |  Paul’s Case

PITTSBURGH LOCAL SPORTS

Pittsburgh Represents at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia

Lauryn Williams, USA Women’s Bob Sledding – Silver medal
Graduate of Rochester High School in Rochester, Beaver County PA
She is now the 5th elite Olympic athelete to medal in both the winter and summer Olympics.  Previously she won the Silver medal at Athens 2004 in the women’s 100 meter and the Gold at London 2012 in the women’s 4x100 meter relay.


Our own Pittsburgh Penguins Hockey Players

Paul Martin and Brooks Orpik
USA Men’s Hockey – No medal for 4th place, bummer
Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz
Canada Men’s Hockey – Gold medal
Jussi Jokinen and Olli Maatta
Finland Men’s Hockey – Bronze medal
Evgeni Malkin, Russia Men’s Hockey

Michael Scully
Design engineer of U.S. 2-person bobsleds by BMW
Graduate of Carnegie Mellon University

Next month at the Paralympic Winter Games also in Sochi, Russia

Daniel McCoy, Sled Hockey
Sophomore at University of Pittsburgh majoring in Rehabiliation Science
Dan and other members of the 2014 USA Men's Paralympic Sled Hockey Team will be featured in the PBS Documentary "Ice Warriors."



And Even a Pittsburgh Bar – Yes in Sochi

(photo courtesy: Jared Wickermham)

While in Sochi reporting on this year’s Winter Olympics, a photographer for Getty Images by the name of Jared Wickermham (who happens to also be from Pittsburgh), stumbled upon a Pittsburgh-themed bar sharing more than just its namesake with the Steel City. From the outside, tourists might assume that it’s merely a coincidence and has nothing to do with the city in Southwestern Pennsylvania, 5,523 miles away, but take a step inside and you will feel right at home.  With artistic representations of the famous Pittsburgh skyline, including replicas of the Highmark Building and PPG skyscrapers, West End Bridge, and other identifiable tributes from the ‘Burgh, this bar could fit right in SouthSide.

After asking around as to why there was a Pittsburgh bar in Russia, one bartender reportedly shrugged, saying, “I don’t know. Is Russia, you know. Crazy.” A little more digging and it was understood that the bar owner once visited Pittsburgh and liked it so much, he decided to become an honorary yinzer and dedicate his bar after the City of Champions. (Bar information source: #1 Cochran blog)


Rock Baseball Team Picked Third in PSAC West Preseason Poll
From: Slippery Rock University
Written By: Bob McComas  |  Feb. 4, 2014

Slippery Rock University earned the No. 3 spot in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division preseason baseball rankings released Tuesday by the conference office.  The Rock finished behind conference newcomer Seton Hill and Mercyhurst in voting by the division's head coaches.

Seton Hill received three of the eight first-place votes cast, while The Rock and Mercyhurst each received two No. 1 nods. The other first-place vote was cast for California, which finished fourth in the preseason voting.  Trailing the top four teams in the PSAC West preseason poll were, in order, defending division champion Gannon, Indians (Pa.), Pitt-Johnstown and Clarion.  The Rock, California, Gannon and Mercyhurst earned the four PSAC West berths in last year's state tournament.

Veteran SRU head coach Jeff Messer welcomes back six everyday starters and five of his top pitchers from last year's team, which compiled a 31-21 win-loss record and earned a conference-best eighth consecutive berth in the conference tournament.

PITTSBURGH GOOD NEWS FORUM

Building Business Relationships - Brown Bag Lunch
Wednesday, March 19th 2014  |  12 - 1:00 PM  |  Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania

Join us to learn how your business relationships can strengthen the economic impact of your business on your bottom line.

Speaker:
Debra Mason, Education and Training Manager of Seton Hill University's E-Magnify.

This event is FREE, RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

For more information visit the PPLmag.com Forum


Disability Resource Breakfast
Thursday, March 20th 2014  |  8:30 – 9:30 AM  |  Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania

Join us to learn how assistive technology devices, apps, aids, and other accommodations can increase your access to the world and increase independence in your work and learning opportunities.

Speaker:
Adrienne Tolentino, Assistive Technology Specialist at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania

This event is FREE, RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

For more information visit the PPLmag.com Forum

STEEL TOWN HERO

John Thompson
Mayor of Wilkensburg

Pittsburgh Symphony Inc. is proud to welcome John Thompson, mayor of Wilkinsburg, to its board of trustees.

Thompson has been an active member of the Wilkinsburg community for many years, including as first president of Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation, involvement with the Community Engagement Committee for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Wilkinsburg Boys & Girls Club; and founder of the 1100 South Avenue Block Club, MADDADS and Wilkinsburg Sanctuary Project. His political career began when he was elected Wilkinsburg Councilman for Ward 2 District 3 and served as vice president of Wilkinsburg Borough Council. He became mayor of Wilkinsburg in 2001 and was re-elected in 2004. Professionally, he has been employed at U.S. Steel Corporation for 37 years and is an active member of local union 1219 United Steelworkers of America. He joined the board in January.

If you would like to nominate someone as a Steel Town Hero,

please send us your stories of ordinary greater Pittsburgh area residents

doing good things that are Good News.

Listen to the show HERE

Thank you for your viewing and listening support.  If you have a Good News story you would like us to share on PostitivelyPittsburghLive! or would like your business or event featured please contact us HERE.

This was reported as a reproduction of PositivelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith.
(c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive (TM) 2014 All rights reserved.