Positively Pittsburgh Live

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Positively Pittsburgh Live News 2-11-13

Positively Pittsburgh Live News

2-11-13

Black Grace

Pittsburgh Dance Council presents Black Grace
Pittsburgh Dance Council, a division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, presents New Zealand dance company, Black Grace, under the direction of choreographer and founder Neil Ieremia, on Saturday, March 2, 2013, at 8:00 p.m., at the Byham Theater. Black Grace will present several works on this tour including Pati Pati, Objects and Amata. The program also includes a piece from Ieremia’s new full length work, VVaka*.

Neil Ieremia grew up studying dance, which was not the preferred subject of boys in a society that favored athleticism as masculinity. He pursued his dreams and graduated from Auckland Performing Arts School in New Zealand. There he learned various styles of dance as well as a sense of which genres were more challenging for his Samoan build, like ballet. After working under some of New Zealand’s top choreographers, Ieremia created his own all-male dance company, Black Grace, in 1995. As the name alludes, the company showcases unique works where dancers combine elements of sleek hard presence and remarkable elegance. Read the entire release here.

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BE INSPIRED: Girls Can Change the World , Event From The Girl's Coalition

Julia Bluhm and Izzy Labbe

We hope you will join us as we welcome recent TEDxWomen speakers, Julia Bluhm and Izzy Labbe, to Pittsburgh. Julia and Izzy, both 14, are teenage feminist-activists at Hardy Girls Healthy Women and bloggers for the SPARK Movement - a girl-fueled activist movement to demand an end to the sexualization of women and girls in the media. Together, they wrote a successful petition asking Seventeen Magazine to use more authentic images and to stop retouching photos to make girls and young women look sexier and less flawed.

WHEN: Saturday, February 23 from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon
WHERE: Sheraton Station Square, 300 West Station Square Drive,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
COST: $8 (Group rates are available for eight or more - contact Heather for more information)
REGISTER ONLINE NOW!

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Local teen CEO HONORED AS A ROOT’S 2013 YOUNG FUTURIST

Amber Liggett

On Monday, February 4, sixteen-year-old Amber J. Liggett, CEO of Amber’s Amazing Animal Balloons was recognized in The Root’s 2013 Young Futurists List as one of “25 of the brightest African-American innovators between the ages of 16 and 22… who use their talents to make the world a better place.” TheRoot.com, a division of The Washington Post provides a voice for African Americans, showcasing their accomplishments and their impact on society. Created in 2011, the annual list highlights youth’s achievements in a variety of areas, such as “Enterprise and Corporate Innovation”, where Amber is featured. http://www.theroot.com/views/young-futurists/2013/amber-liggett

Amber Liggett

This 2012 Teenpreneur of the Year for Black Enterprise Magazine and 2011 Ernst & Young’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year has been creating masterful balloon art and providing entertainment since the age of 9. She was a featured artist at the 2012 and 2013 First Night Pittsburgh’s New Year Celebration, and this philanthropic teen organizes, conducts and participates in fundraisers for various organizations. This year she will be organizing a charity concert to benefit the Bender Lead On Anti-Bullying in Beaver County, PA. A high honor student at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School in Midland, PA and member of The National Honor Society, Amber assists other teens with their entrepreneurial endeavors, including teaching workshops at Community College of Beaver County, PA (CCBC). Read the entire release here.

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From Our Friends at Pittsburgh Today

Last month, Kiplinger released their list containing the "10 Great Cities for Starting a Business," of which Pittsburgh was included. Although a variety of factors contribute to this accolade, Pittsburgh's growing entrepreneurial community has played a significant role in this achievement.

To that end, PittsburghTODAY has posted 2012 Annual Venture Capital investment figures showing that Pittsburgh's total investment for 2012 increased by 18.1% from 2011. The Pittsburgh region ranks fourth behind New York, Detroit and Cleveland, and ahead of the Benchmark Average.

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DRUMLine Live
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is proud to present an explosive performance from DRUMLine Live on February 26, 2013 at the Benedum Center. Continuing its fourth US tour, DRUMLine Live’s energetic cast has honed its precision and energy with years of training in marching band programs across the southern United States.

This versatile group of musicians and dancers combines dramatic lighting, intricate choreography and vibrant effects to the stage in an explosive and energetic performance. Experienced in a wide range of music and dance, DRUMLine Live takes on contemporary hip hop, R&B, classic Motown tunes, and the traditional marching band brass sounds in its musically diverse shows. Read the entire release here.

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3rd Annual African American Heritage Celebration at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall Oakland, Saturday, February 16, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Cost: FREE

This special one-day exhibit by Soldiers & Sailors Historian, John L. Ford, Sr. will examine the Black families that emerged out of slavery’s grip in 1865 and will include primary source documents and captivating pictures of Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, and W.E.B. DuBois. The exhibit also includes a lecture series by John Ford, along with Dr. Marcia M. Sturdivant, Deputy Director of Allegheny County Department of Human Services, and Marlene Bransom, President of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, focusing on Black families that emerged as American citizens in 1867, and exploring family conditions of today, discussing statistics that will ask whether the essence of family structure is better today than yesterday.Event also includes performances by the 6th Regiment USCT Drum Corps and Sheila Beasley. Click here to view the flyer larger.

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"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.

February 14, 2012: "Entrepreneurial Couples"

Featuring interviews with:

Co-host Bruce Conley, The Computer Coach

Shondalynn & Andre Weisbrod, Shonda's Etouffee Catering Greg & Ricki Paul, owners Harmony Ridge Events and Catering

Bill Honeywill, Buyer Agent, Linda Honeywill, Associate Broker, The Honeywill Team

Charlotte & Don Kaultenbaugh, Affinity by Design Crystal Jewelry

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MUSIC DIRECTOR HONECK LEADS PSO IN NEW CASTLE CONCERTMusic Director Manfred Honeck will lead the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) next week in a concert at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in New Castle, showcasing Russian powerhouse pianist Denis Matsuev performing Rachmaninoff’s masterpiece, Piano Concerto No. 2.

Manfred Honeck

The evening’s program features Mussorgsky's A Night on Bald Mountain, a well-known tone poem that tells the story of a witches' Sabbath near Kiev; the theme made more famous by being featured in Disney’s 1940 classic film, Fantasia. In addition to Matsuev playing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, the concert also includes Tchaikovsky's exciting Symphony No. 5. Read the entire release here.

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Comedian Daniel Tosh brings ‘The June Gloom Tour’ to Heinz Hall

Live Nation and Comedy Central welcome “The June Gloom Tour” with Daniel Tosh and special guest, Jarrod Carmichael to Heinz Hall for two performances at 7 & 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 12. The national tour kicks off May 30 in Salt Lake City and travels to more than 25 cities in the U.S.

Daniel Tosh

Tosh.0 currently airs on Tuesday nights at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Comedy Central and consists of 30 episodes throughout 2013. The series premiered on June 4, 2009 and features the razor-sharp humor and biting commentary from comedian Daniel Tosh and delves into all aspects of the Internet from the absolutely absurd to the incredibly ingenious in this weekly, topical series. Read the entire release here.

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WOODVILLE PLANTATION HOSTS MILITARY MINIATURES DAY

Woodville Plantation

Step back in time at Woodville Plantation, as this living history museum presents a special day featuring military miniatures. On Sunday, February 17, 2013, history enthusiasts are invited to see a display of military miniatures, hand-painted toy soldiers and war-gaming dioramas featuring the late 18th and early 19th century armies of North America and Europe.

Visitors can also talk with 18th century military re-enactors throughout the day as they drill, weather permitting. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children age 6-12 and free for children under age 6. Admission includes exhibit and house tour. Hours are from noon until 5 pm. Read the entire release here.

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WQED and SLB RADIO PRODUCTIONS, INC. LAUNCH COMMERCIAL-FREE KIDS RADIO
Something’s in the air… iQ Kids Radio can now be heard every Saturday at www.iqkidsradio.org with engaging programming for children and families. Launched in January and developed as a collaboration between WQED and SLB Radio Productions, Inc. (SLB), iQ Kids Radio is designed to meet the need for an all-education, trusted radio service for children and families, iQ Kids Radio is a family-friendly commercial-free streaming radio service that provides a safe, entertaining, and fun way to learn, listen, laugh and much more. The service is free during the pilot phase of the project. It can be heard from Midnight Friday to Midnight EST every Saturday. Read the full release here.

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Dress for Success Pittsburgh invites you…

JCPenney Round Up: February 1-28, 2013

As part of its charitable giving program, jcp cares, jcpenney is inviting its customers to round up their purchases in February to the nearest dollar with proceeds benefiting Dress for Success. Shop online or in the store and make a contribution to a great cause. For more information, visit www.jcp.com/jcpcares.

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Indigo Girls

Indigo Girls at the Byham Theater Grammy winning folk icons the Indigo Girls will be performing at the Byham Theater on Sunday, March 3 at 8:00 p.m. with supporting act The Shadowboxers, a young 5-piece band originally from Atlanta. This will be the first time ever the group will have a full band tour and a chance for fans to hear their music performed in an all-new way. The group will be performing songs from their new record Beauty Queen Sister as well as their classics for one night only.

Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, who make up the Indigo Girls, continue to amaze decades into their careers with their ability to grow and thrive no matter what state the music industry is in. The duo began performing in high school, taking their honest, urgent performing styles to countless clubs and found success in 1989 with the release of their self-titled breakthrough album. The album included their first hit, “Closer to Fine,” which ended up winning them a Grammy in 1990 for Best Contemporary Folk Recording. Throughout the years, the group has earned a devout following in result of their constant touring and dedication to a number of social and environmental causes. Many artists who were popular in the late 1980s have come and gone, but the Indigo Girls have remained strong. Perhaps this is because of their crafty two-women-with-guitars formula, combining their two distinct personalities and songwriting styles to provide tension and an interesting balance. Read the entire release here.

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The Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics invites you…

Campaign Clinic with Jann Chirdon
Date: February 26, 2013
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: Chatham University, Shadyside Campus
Mellon Board Room (same location as the Ready to Run training)

We will be hosting a campaign clinic with political strategist Jann Chirdon in order to answer your individual questions on running for public office. RSVP

Conquering the Campaign Trail: Women of Color in Pennsylvania Politics Date: March 26, 2013
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: Chatham University, Shadyside Campus
Mellon Living Room

We are also offering a special session, "Tales from Campaign Trails" aimed at increasing the participation of women in color in politics. Learn from women who have turned their community engagement into a political campaign and find out how you can do the same.RSVP

If you have any questions or would like any additional information please contact us at 412.365.1878 f.412.365.1515 pcwp@chatham.edu.

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Roving Pittsburgher Report

Body Beautiful GreenTree Office

They offer an infrared Body Wrap. I was coming down with the flu and achy and as a result of this wonderful Body Wrap, it only lasted a day. Listen to more on the Techno Granny show here.

"Sister Act" is a Class Comedy Act
I went to see Sister Act, the Movie in 1992 armed with twelve years of Catholic Education with the Penguins as we called them but more reverently, the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary or IHM. I went with the same armor but a little more jaded and the laughter came more easily as the sting of the stringent years and the smile of the loving care of the sisters of the IHM wore off. I wanted to write this review much sooner but unlike the holy water in the Catholic Church, the bottled water that I took to the musical on opening night did not ward off the flu. Read the entire review here.

Sal’s City Deli, 245 7th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
This deli is right next to the Benedum, and is extremely affordable. It’s a great stop before a show if you don’t want to spend a fortune. This time we had the Gumbo, which was amazing and filled with Chrizo and Chicken and with a low cost of $7.95. My guest had the Chicken Salad and could not eat it all and of course they don’t let you take your leftovers into the theatre.

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Listen to the show online 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, February 13, 2013

Positively Pittsburgh Live! Pittsburgh Non-Profits Spreading a Little Love 2-11-13

Positively Pittsburgh Live!

Pittsburgh Non-Profits Spreading a Little Love

2-11-13

Listen to the show online here.

Positively Pittsburgh Live is taking a different approach to Valentine's Day this year and interviewing organizations that spread a little love around Pittsburgh. We invited many non-profits who were delighted at the invitation but had no one available to interview this evening. But tonight these four amazing organizations will represent non profits that improve self esteem, give a hand up to those in need and fight for individual rights and freedom. They all have their own perspective on spreading a little love around the Pittsburgh Area.

Guests:

Hosanna Industries, Inc., Reverend Dr. Donn D. Ed

Celebrate & Share, JoAnn Forrester

Hair Peace Charities, Bonny Diver Hall
New Voices Pittsburgh, La’Tasha D. Mayes

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Hosanna Industries, Inc. is a faith-rooted, 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization in southwestern Pennsylvania. The mission includes new construction and repair/rehabilitation services for low income homeowners; leading volunteers in disaster recovery; and training young people in the trade skills to give them a hope for the future. The Executive Director is Reverend Dr. Donn D. Ed, who founded the mission in 1990.

Their typical single client household in 2012 made less than $13,000 a year. Many were elderly. They provide home repairs such as roofing, window replacement, siding, flooring, handicap accessible ramps, retaining walls, plumbing, electrical, etc. at no cost to the client.

Since their founding, Hosanna Industries has provided nearly fifty million dollars worth of charitable work to the community for less than fourteen million dollars. Hosanna Industries depends on the generosity of others to complete their work.

Hosanna’s missions include providing vocational training for unskilled workers particularly in construction trades, providing assistance in the development and start-up of small businesses by persons who lack the economic ability and expertise, promoting the creation of job opportunities for unemployed person, and providing mobilization of relief workers to areas of disaster and poverty.

Terrell Trade Skill Learning Center is very relevant to what Hosanna has always done in that they constantly train unskilled volunteers to do meaningful work. It is becoming increasingly well-known in our region and throughout the nation, that there is a

mounting and severe lack of skilled labor in the American workforce. Hosanna sees an impending crisis developing in which work will need to be done and few people will be available with the proper skills needed to accomplish that work.

Nine students, eight of whom are from Homewood in Pittsburgh, are enrolled in classes which started last month. Classes meet three times a week for ten weeks per semester. The whole program is designed to be three years in length. This first semester they are learning nomenclature, what a builder is, basic building principles, tools, and framing. Each semester from then on has a different focus including but not limited to drywall,

electrical, roofing, masonry, flooring, plumbing, and running your own contracting business. The facility will also house industrial and visual art classes for homeschooled students, Saturday seminars to teach basic home maintenance, and training opportunities for church mission trips.

Their new construction is called a Blitz Build, where they prepare the foundation and frame the walls first, and then in a less than five day period, build the whole house complete with appliances. Friday the fully built and landscaped home is dedicated to the Glory of God, and ready for the needy family to move in. Volunteers help with the rehab/repair efforts and are provided with the tools, leadership, and instruction to finish the job.

Hosanna has aided in disaster relief efforts such as the Joplin tornado relief where they led 1,225 volunteers to build two homes and repair 15 others; Hurricane Ivan flood rehabilitation and repair work in Pittsburgh for over 500 homeowners, and they are currently researching Sandy relief, as well as West Liberty, Kentucky tornado relief.

Statistics summary:

Houses built: nearly 150

Projects done: 160 last year / over 2,700 total

Volunteers led: 5,000 last year / nearly 150,000 total

Charitable work provided to the community: over two million dollars last year /nearly 50 million dollars total

Every dollar donated is equivalent to approximately four dollars of market valued construction work.

Current needs and upcoming events:

Hosanna depends on the generosity of others, and do not receive any government funding. Donations are always needed and appreciated.

March 16, 2013: Love Your Home Seminar: will train on basic home maintenance and remodeling

March 23, 2013: Palm Sunday 23rd Anniversary

May 19, 2013: Trap Shoot Benefit at Northside Sportsmen's Association

For more information on Hosanna Industries, located at 109 Rinard Lane, Rochester, PA 15074, visit their website at http://www.hosannaindustries.org.

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Celebrate & Share is an organization founded by Bonnie DiCarlo and JoAnn R. Forrester in 2002, featuring the achievement of women, and raising funds for organizations which focus on the needs of women and children in the community.

The Women of Achievement Awards was established in March 2006 during women’s History Month to honor the women of Greater Pittsburgh who contribute to the community and to establish the foundation of a Women’s Hall of Achievement.

Their charity of choice is Cribs for Kids®, a not for profit organization led by Executive Director, Judy Bannon, who with her staff and volunteers, continues tirelessly to spread the word about reducing infant sleep-related deaths, such as asphyxia, accidental suffocation and SIDS, by providing free cribs for infants and educating parents about safe- sleep practices for their babies. For more information please go to www.cribsforkids.org. Judy is also a 2006 Women of Achievement honoree.

This is the 8^th year celebrating the Women of Achievement Awards and the first of many shows highlighting the women of Pittsburgh and their accomplishments. The event will be held on March 6, 2013 at the Omni William Penn Hotel.

Please join Honorary Chairs, District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala, Jr.and Mary Zappala, as they CELEBRATE Women of Achievement and SHARE proceeds with Cribs for Kids® Infant Safe Sleep Initiative. View a list of this year’s honorees here.

$95 - Individual Ticket

$150 – Honorary Sponsor (One Ticket and Listing in Program Book)

$950 Table Sponsorship (Ten Tickets, Table Sponsor Sign, and Listing in Program Book)

$1,250 – Baby’s Breath Table Sponsor (Ten Tickets, Baby’s Breath Centerpiece and Half-page Ad in Program Book)

$5,000 – Presenting Sponsor (Ten Tickets, Premiere Seating, and Full-Page Ad in Program Book)

Please RSVP by Wed., Feb. 27, 2013 by calling Cribs for Kids® at 412.322.5680 ext. 5.

Program Book Ad Sponsorships: Full-page (5”x 8”) /$500 - Half-page (5”x 3.875”) /$250 - Quarter-page (2.375”x 3.875”) /$150

Ad Deadline: Feb. 27, 2013

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Bonny Diver Hall, local radio personality, founded Hair Peace Charities in 2005 after finding out that she had cancer after falling from her horse. She began to plan her funeral, but was told by a dear friend to “walk toward life in faith not fear” – and it changed her perspective on how to deal with cancer. She found out from her surgeon that very few insurance companies pay for wigs for patients losing their hair to chemotherapy and she also found out that very few organizations had good practical information for dealing with the side effects of cancer treatment. For example: Eat ginger when nauseated from chemotherapy and you will feel better.

Via support from her church, Ingomar Methodist, she began Hair Peace with a mission

to help women in need locally with financial, spiritual, emotional and practical support for dealing with cancer.

She explains that their mission today is to help local women in need to purchase a wig

when they lose their hair to chemotherapy during their cancer battle, and to provide a

monthly support group for women affected by cancer sharing healthy options for dealing with all the side effects and issues when going through cancer treatment.

Women are typically referred to Hair Peace from different cancer centers in town, referrals from other women served, and the website www.hairpeace.org. The women call and Hair Peace counsels them on what to expect during treatment, wig salon referrals, provide prayer cards, quilts and general support. They also provide a $150.00 voucher to the salon to put toward the purchase of a wig, which fills a need that the insurance companies do not. Hair Peace has served over 500 women to date, and they rely on volunteers, including Bonnie herself, to share their time, talent or treasure to support the charity.

The demand for services has escalated and they expect next year alone to serve at least 300 women in the 11 counties in and around Pittsburgh. They have planned expansion to the South Hills with a monthly support group and will expand the staff and board of Hair Peace to continue to enhance offerings and preserve a great experience for the women they serve.

Hair Peace needs your help to support the demand. Join them for Recipe For Hope, their annual fundraiser, on February 23, 2013 at 7:30 pm at Mayernik Center in the North Hills off Camp Horne Road. This unique event features 18 local celebrities from TV, Radio and Print coming together and giving their time to cook and serve their favorite culinary treats for all that attend. There is an Open Bar, Live Music, Silent Auction, and Mystery Wine Bags.

Great auction items including an autographed Malkin Penguin Jersey will be up for grabs.

Tickets are $100.00 each and are limited. Every 2 tickets purchased supports 1 Cancer Survivor. The event sells out every year so don’t delay! Help Hair Peace today!

Purchase tickets at their website www.hairpeace.org. If you need assistance, have just been diagnosed with cancer and facing chemotherapy, want to volunteer your time and talent, or make a donation, visit the site or call 412-327-5177. Help women walk towards faith and become more than just a cancer survivor but a warrior in the battle against cancer.

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La’Tasha D. Mayes is the Founder and Executive Director of New Voices Pittsburgh: Women of Color for Reproductive Justice, the only Human Rights organization in Pittsburgh for women of color, led by women of color and about women of color. Founded in 2004, New Voices Pittsburgh serves women of color primarily ages 12-35 through social change activism, civic engagement and leadership development. Visit their website here.

Through La'Tasha's leadership, New Voices Pittsburgh has developed: SistahSpeak! Youth ProjectTM a sexual & reproductive health, community organizing and mentoring program for young women of color ages 12-18, Environmental Justice Project that hosts the annual “Kinks, Locks & Twists: Environmental and Reproductive Justice ConferenceTM,” FOCUS on Women Campaign to address Human Rights and Reproductive Justice violations in the Allegheny County Jail, LGBTQ Women of Color Reproductive Justice SeriesTM that creates space for queer and trans women/people of color to be visible and empowered and Women of Color HERStory Month® a city-wide celebration hosted between February 15 – March 15.

La'Tasha earned a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management in Reproductive Health and Justice Policy at Heinz School of Carnegie Mellon and is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh College of Business Administration. La’Tasha is an alumna of the Coro Center for Civic Leadership Fellows Program in Public Affairs and Center for Progressive Leadership Pennsylvania Leaders Program; and currently participates in the Women’s Health Leadership Network at the Center for American Progress in Washington, DC.

La’Tasha serves as national Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of Sister Song Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective based in Atlanta, the largest Human Rights advocacy organization for Indigenous and Women of Color in the United States.

She forges institutional change in the Greater Pittsburgh Region as a Commissioner on the Allegheny County Human Relations Commission and Social Action Chair of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter. La'Tasha serves on the Leadership Committee of Women for a Healthy Environment, is a member of the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh and is past President of the Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Pittsburgh. La’Tasha is also First Voice Consultant for the “In Sisterhood: The Women’s Movement in Pittsburgh” project.

She is not only a community organizer and activist, but also a political strategist who has led, coordinated or influenced electoral campaigns such as Vote or Die!, America Votes and Young Professionals of Pittsburgh for Obama, local races for City Council, School Board, State Representative, Lt. Governor and Governor and coalitions such as the Human Rights Alliance of Pittsburgh (HRAP).

La’Tasha has been honored as a 2009 Choice USA Excellence in Leadership Award recipient, 2010 honoree for the City of Pittsburgh’s History in the Making: Honoring Our Young African American Leaders of Today exhibit, 2010 New Pittsburgh Courier’s 50 Women of Excellence awardee, 2011 Public Allies Pittsburgh RISE Changemaker Award recipient, 2011 Grinnell College Social Justice Prize nominee and 2011 Athena Pittsburgh Young Professional Award nominee. She is a passionate Reproductive Justice activist and believes in the indefatigable spirit of women.

New Voices Pittsburgh: Women of Color for Reproductive Justice and friends are excited to join 182 countries around the world in participating in a global day of action to end violence against women, transwomen, genderqueer and gender non-conforming people.Will you join us for an energetic, colorful, dancing demonstration to celebrate women’s right for peace, dignity and lives free from violence?

One Billion Rising Pittsburgh Event

Thursday, February 14 | 12noon – 2pm | Market Square

On V-Day’s 15th Anniversary, 2.14.13, we are inviting ONE BILLION women and those who love them to WALK OUT, DANCE, RISE UP, and DEMAND an end to this violence.

ONE BILLION RISING will move the earth, activating women and men across every country. V-Day wants the world to see our collective strength, our numbers, and our solidarity across borders. For more details visit their website here.

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Listen to the show online here.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Positively Pittsburgh Live News 2-4-13

Positively Pittsburgh Live News

2-4-13

Listen to the show online here.

Super WHY Live: You’ve Got the Power!
Super WHY Live: You’ve Got the Power! is coming to Pittsburgh’s Byham Theater for the first time ever on Saturday, April 28, 2013, at 2:30pm. Based on the top-rated, Emmy-nominated preschool TV series that airs on PBS KIDS everyday across the U.S., Super WHY Live brings entertainment and education together in a live show unlike any your family has seen before. It is sure to be unforgettable. This performance is presented by Opus One, s2bn, and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series.

Super WHY Live was written by Super WHY creator Angela Santomero, with music by Jack Antonoff, of the Grammy-nominated band “fun.” The show is produced by S2BN Entertainment (Yo Gabba Gabba! Live, Spider-Man on Broadway, and Rock of Ages: The Musical) in association with Out of the Blue Enterprises. Read the entire release here.

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Women and Girls Foundations

As a loyal supporter of WGF, I want to share with you some of our successes from 2012 and make sure you’re among the first to hear about some exciting new initiatives.

For the first time in its history, our annual event honored MEN who are helping to advance women’s rights and opportunities in our community. We were delighted to recognize amazing men who are doing important work on behalf of women and girls in the Pittsburgh region. Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored and supported the event.

WGF awarded a $25,000 grant to increase female voter turnout and education on issues related to women in Pennsylvania. This non-partisan coalition of non-profit agencies worked together to engage nearly 10,000 infrequent single female voters in the November 2012 election.

Pittsburgh women and girls turned out in full force to share their energy during the first ever International Day of the Girl on October 11th. This day was created to highlight, celebrate, discuss, and advance girls lives and opportunities across the globe.

Our biggest and best GirlGov program was held last June. 100 high school girls, 50 Pennsylvania legislators, the First Lady of Pennsylvania and several cabinet members were involved. I can’t say enough about these girls, they are truly the leaders of tomorrow.

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YWCA Announces NEW Cornell University Diversity and Inclusion Training in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh professionals will now be able to take Cornell University Diversity and Inclusion classes in their own back yard. The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Center for Race and Gender Equity and Cornell University’s ILR School are collaborating to offer Cornell’s Diversity and Inclusion Certificate and its Advanced Practitioner Certification (CCDP/AP) in Pittsburgh, beginning in February 2013.

“We are delighted to join forces with Cornell University to offer their prestigious certification program here in Pittsburgh,” said Magdeline E. Jensen, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh. “The YWCA encourages local professionals to enroll in the certification program, or consider taking individual classes to update their knowledge.” Read the entire release here.

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Drumline Live at the Benedum Center

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is proud to present an explosive performance from DRUMLine Live on February 15, 2012 at the Benedum Center. Continuing its fourth US tour, DRUMLine Live’s energetic cast has honed its precision and energy with years of training in marching band programs across the southern United States.

This versatile group of musicians and dancers combines dramatic lighting, intricate choreography and vibrant effects to the stage in an explosive and energetic performance. Experienced in a wide range of music and dance, DRUMLine Live takes on contemporary hip hop, R&B, classic Motown tunes, and the traditional marching band brass sounds in its musically diverse shows. Read the entire release here.

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Italian American Living in Pittsburgh

This is a group of people trying to salvage some of the ways of Italian life here in America so we can pass customs, language, arts, etc. down to our children and their children. OK, so maybe some of us have never been to Italy but growing up in Bloomfield (Pittsburgh, PA) I came close to it! We can sit around and tell stories of our nanas (nonnas) papanons e mammanons, zias, mamas e papas, comas n compare and goombas! Let's get together to talk about recipes and when we ate certain foods, growing foods and gardening. How do you take care of a fig tree!? Let's get a Bocce league together so we can join the annual Heinz History Center tournament.

You must join 'Meetup' to be a member of the group. You do not have to attend all meetings, but you must sign up online to get updates, event listings etc. It is FREE to join but there is a nominal fee when you attend a meeting only because Meetup charges me each month. Think of it as organization dues. More details here.

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BROADWAY POWERHOUSE IDINA MENZEL TO PERFORM SPECIAL CONCERT

Idina Menzel
Photo Credit: Robin Wong

Tony Award-winning Broadway superstar Idina Menzel returns to Heinz Hall to perform with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) for one unforgettable night of music, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, July 21.

Menzel was on the Heinz Hall stage earlier this week when she performed in the PSO's sold-out tribute concert to the late Marvin Hamlisch. With a diverse career on stage, and in film, TV and music, Menzel recently culminated a highly successful international orchestra tour. Accompanied by world-renowned symphonies, Menzel played to sold-out audiences and demonstrated why she is one of the great performers of her time. Read the entire release here.

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Highlights of PSO’s 2013-2014 PNC Pops Season Tunes

Songs made famous by Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra, the music of Oscar-winning composer John Williams, Broadway tunes, Bugs Bunny and friends, along with singing sensations Ann Hampton Callaway, Smash star Megan Hilty, and Brian Stokes Mitchell highlight the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s (PSO) 2013-2014 PNC Pops season at Heinz Hall.

The season opens with Tony Award-winning actor and singer Brian Stokes Mitchell joining the PSO on stage for Broadway and Beyond (Oct. 17-20), featuring songs from classic Broadway musicals, including Porgy and Bess, South Pacific and Funny Girl. Dubbed “the Broadway baritone extraordinaire,” he has enjoyed a rich and critically acclaimed career on Broadway, film and television, as well as in some of America’s finest concert halls. Ted Sperling, music director and conductor of the first Broadway revival of South Pacific, which won seven 2008 Tony Awards, will conduct. In 2005, Sperling won the Tony and Drama Desk awards (with Adam Guettel and Bruce Coughlin) for his orchestrations of The Light in the Piazza. Stephen Holden of The New York Times called a March 2011 concert conducted by Sperling, “the ultimate embodiment of the romantic myth that sustained the Broadway musical during its golden years.” Read the entire release here.

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"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.

February 7, 2013: "Wine and Chocolate Tasting!"

This week Jessica Lee's Entrepreneurial Thursdays Jazz & Blues Networking at Little E's offers a wine tasting event. Also on hand will be Trello Chocolates to offer samples of their fine chocolates (www.trellochocolate.com).

Please join us to enjoy some great music, networking, wine & chocolates.

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6^th Annual NAWBO Day: Think Ginormous – Let’s Get It Started!”

Join Us March 22nd!

You are the Brand and in Your Business It's All About Branding! As we move into a new era of Bolder, More Prosperous Businesses Thinking Ginormous Means Your Brand Has Got to Be BIG AND BOLD. We have engaged both local and national speakers to teach you about Branding. This is the Sixth Annual NAWBO Day. As a former vendor you know the last NAWBO Day event was sold out! NAWBO Pittsburgh invites you to be a vendor of the Sixth Annual NAWBO Day in Pittsburgh. Support of NAWBO Day is an excellent way to demonstrate that you support women business owners in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Get all the details here.

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PSO MUSICAL AMBASSADOR FIDDLESTICKS RETURNS

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s (PSO) popular feline musical ambassador to children, Fiddlesticks, returns in 2013-2014 for yet another season of entertaining Saturday morning concerts to introduce children to music.

From infancy on, children are exposed to the music of lullabies, sing-a-longs, folk tunes, and pop music, and the Fiddlesticks Family Concerts, presented by Macy’s, continue to explore various genres of music. Each performance is preceded by a pre-concert event called Discovery Time Adventures, which is free to all ticket holders. These educational activities begin at 10 a.m. and allow young audiences and their parents to meet the PSO musicians, learn songs, and take part in various musical activities. The 45-minute concert begins at 11:15 a.m. and is filled with engaging music and interaction with everyone’s favorite friendly feline! Read the entire release here.

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Listen to the show online here.