Pittsburgh, PA

The Vaudeville Carnivale is this Saturday at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater and looks like a very interesting event!

The Carnivale will have food and drinks, dance performances, gypsy vendors, old time photos and more!

Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. $10 will get you a ticket if you’re a senior or a student and $5 if you’re a child under 10.
To buy tickets in advance, visit the Pro Arts Ticket website or call 412-394-3353.

The Kelly-Strayhorn Theater is located at 5941 Penn Avenue in East Liberty and for further information, visit their website.

In addition to hosting the Vaudeville Carnivale, Zafira Dance Company teaches classes on belly dancing and performs in the Pittsburgh area. According to their website their performances “are opulent vignettes that combine Bellydance with contemporary and ethnic dance forms. The result is an ornate performance that blurs the boundary between old and new; performer and audience, earthy and elegant.”

Also according to their website, “Zafira Dance Company members work together as a collective. Christine Andrews, Maria Hamer, Jennifer Imashev, Tamara Nelson and Olivia Kissel have been teaching and performing together since 1996. Their friendship and love of dance shines through in each performance. Each member is a contributing artist and brings something unique to the company. This collective approach allows Zafira to offer a unique and powerful dance experience like no other.

Zafira teaches and performs regularly in venues that range from intimate café settings to full-scale theater productions in Pittsburgh and at dance festivals around the country.”

For more information about Zafira Dance Company and the Vaudeville Carnivale visit their website.

If you can’t make it out to the Carnivale, check out Mosley’s post on exhibits going on at the Science Center instead.

Pittsburgh, Vaudeville Carnivale, gypsy, Zafira Dance Company, belly dancing, Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, East Liberty

Just like Frankenstein the Pittsburgh blog has gotten a jolt of electricity. This means you’re going to start seeing a lot more posting going on. I know this week I have been slacking, but I have been really busy with my day job.

To kick off this new jolt of life I am going to head out to the Creative Treehouse at 517 Lincoln Ave., 2nd floor in Bellevue, for one last reason to wear my Halloween Costume. Here is a quick rundown of the Hounted Treehouse event. It starts at 7:30pm Saturday, Nov. 3rd. It will include a pumpkin carving competition, with giveaways for the most creative pumpkin, in addition to a Halloween-themed art gallery. Costumes are encouraged, with a cover charge of $3 with costume, or $5 without. Treats and nonalcoholic beverages will be provided. BYOB is welcomed by anyone 21 and over. There will also be live music. Just check out this post or creativetreehousepgh.com for more information.

Next week I am going to have Election coverage and hopefully some photos from the Haunted Treehouse event.

Pittsburgh, Haunted TreeHouse, Bellevue, Creative TreeHouse

All this weekend, La Roche College is sponsoring a conference on global problems and solutions, awareness, poetry, music and more. The first part takes place at La Roche College and will feature speakers concerned with global problems and solutions, including Erin Brockovich, as well as sponsoring workshops that the community can take part in as a whole.

For more information on La Roche’s Global Conference, visit their site here. The events take place today and Saturday; check out the schedule on their website.

The second part of this event is being held at the Creative TreeHouse in Bellevue, which should be a lot of fun!

An Artistic Evening starts at 7pm and will feature poetry and art from La Roche students, as well as live music from Sean Atkins, Monkey Face with Steve Jarrett, and the Jim Dandies.

There is a $3 donation at the door, with proceeds benefiting the Brother’s Brother Foundation. For more information on this organization, go here.

And for directions and info, visit the Creative Treehouse’s website.

Don’t forget about the Haunted TreeHouse event next Saturday either!

Speaking of awareness, this Saturday is USA Weekend’s Make a Difference Day!

October 27th, is America’s largest day for volunteering, where millions of people will be doing their part to make a difference in our chaotic world, where charity is sometimes overlooked.

I urge everyone to participate in this holiday, even if it’s just smiling at a stranger or holding the door open for one; every little bit counts.

For more information and see what is taking place around the country, visit USA Weekend’s website.

Pittsburgh, La Roche College, global solutions, Erin Brokovich, Creative TreeHouse, Bellevue, Brother’s Brother, Make a Difference Day, USA Weekend, Sean Atkins, Monkey Face, Steve Jarrett, Jim Dandies, music, art, poetry

Bellevue, PA, October 24th, 2007 — Creative TreeHouse will hold a Halloween gallery and celebration beginning at 7:30pm Saturday, Nov. 3rd at 517 Lincoln Ave., 2nd floor in Bellevue. The event will include a pumpkin carving competition, with giveaways for the most creative pumpkin, in addition to a Halloween-themed art gallery. Costumes are encouraged, with a cover charge of $3 with costume, or $5 without. Treats and nonalcoholic beverages will be provided. BYOB is welcomed by anyone 21 and over.

Live music is scheduled to kick off at 8pm, with performances by Doughnuts In November, Children of October, and the Shutouts. Doughnuts In November was the crowd favorite in a battle of the bands in Mexico. They were offered two record contracts, but declined both of them so they could play this event. Children of October and the Shutouts are both quoted saying, “We wouldn’t want to miss this event for anything!”

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Creative TreeHouse, a new facility in Bellevue dedicated not only to providing artists with work space, community and support but also to supplying local businesses with a new choice for all of their creative needs, including web design, graphic design, video production and photography.

Artists interested in contributing Halloween-themed work, submitting carved pumpkins for the contest, or who have questions regarding the event are encouraged to contact the Creative TreeHouse via e-mail, info@CreativeTreeHousePgh.com.

Creative TreeHouse LLC was created and is owned by Jesse Hambley, a 24 year-old photographer, designer and video editor. It is operated by a group of volunteers and members including Andy Rubacky, Josh Sager, John Bodnar, Jason Mosley, and many more. They can be contacted at info@CreativeTreeHousePgh.com.

Another party brought to you by 1337 productions and with these acts, promises to be even better than the last party!

Here’s the lineup:

Knifehandchop
Belladonnakillz
The Niceguys
Sunrize
Vapour
Rukkus with MC E.N.D.
Psyklone
Robotpilot
Darren Grant
Dynamic Uno
George WSR
Tika
RyuRy
Konztant
Red Ranger
Otagi

Saturday, Oct. 13th
8pm-4am (doors open at 7:30)
All ages, with 21 + reentry
$20 before 11/$25 after & free for Canadians (no joke, a bunch of the acts are coming from there)

China Town Inn
522 3rd Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

As an added bonus, there’s a bar inside the restaurant and Chinese food will be served all night.
Also, this event is expected to reach full capacity so come early!

For more info, click here or refer to a post I made on a previous party here.

See ya there!

Pittsburgh, China Town Inn, 1337, techno, electronic, drum n bass, music, digital, Knifehandchop, Belladonnakillz, Rukkus

The Creative Treehouse in Bellevue, PA is planning a Halloween event for November 3rd called The Haunted Treehouse. The venue is known to have creative events like the 24 Hour Creative Marathon and this event is no different.

Since it is a Halloween themed event there is going to be a Pumpkin carving contest and a Gothic art sale. The details of the event are still being planned out, so make sure you keep checking the Creative Treehouse’s website for more details as they become available.

I am on the planning team for the event and they put me in charge of finding bands and artists. I am looking for bands that have a horror kind of feel to them. A Misfits cover band would also be a good time. As for artists, I think Gothic or Horror art would be very appropriate. If you feel your band or artwork fits the theme, send me an email at jmosley[at]MrBaconpants[dot-com}.

Also if you’re going to be attending the event, start thinking of costume ideas. There will be a discount in the cover fee for all that wear one. Also there will be prizes for the Pumpkin carving contest. If you would like to donate a prize contact Jesse of the Creative Treehouse.

Just in case your reading this and don’t know what the Treehouse is, it’s a creative co-working studio that offers shared creative space, a meeting/event spot, and creative services to the Pittsburgh, PA area.

Two other events that are happenening at the Treehouse this month are:
- 10/20 - 10/21: 9am to 9am - 24 Hour Comic. For a full description of this event please click here.
- 10/27 - La Roche Environmental Awareness Show. More details coming soon.

Pittsburgh, Bellevue, Creative Treehouse, Halloween party, pumpkin carving, cover bands, 24 hour comic, La Roche Environmental Awareness Show

Starting with today, I suggest everyone check out the Alternative Transportation Festival!

According to the festival’s website:

The Alternative Transportation Festival (ATF) is an event to raise public awareness of alternative means of transportation and advocate for the increased use of public transportation, car-sharing, alternative fuels, fuel efficient, hybrid and advanced vehicles, boats, bikes and other human-powered technologies.

Driven by locally-led innovation and a growing community of activists and operators, Pittsburgh has become a leader in the development of alternative transportation solutions to pressing national and international issues that arise from America’s fossil fuel dependence, including rising fuel costs, air pollution and global warming, economic and National security concerns.

The festival is being organized by Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities with support from Steel City Biofuels, Bike Pittsburgh, Restorative Events and Nakturnal.

If you’ve ridden the bus lately, you should have seen the flyer for this event, but just in case you didn’t, here’s some more info.

The event is taking place in three locations: Market Square, Schenley Plaza and South Side Works. Each location will feature live music and entertainment, as well as information on alternative transportation options and a chance to meet with other like minded individuals.

Schenley Plaza:
11am-1:30pm & 3-8pm
Music of Coz Serrapere, DJ Omar Abdul and the Zany Umbrella Circus

Market Square:
11am-1:30pm & 3-5pm
Music of DJ Zimmie

South Side Works:
11am-1:30pm & 3-8pm
Music by The Metropolitans

I am all for increasing public awareness on this issue. I think it’s nice that we participate in the National Dump the Pump Day and that more and more people are riding their bikes to work and despite most of them doing it to save gas money, it is still saving the environment and this is a step in the right direction.

I’m not sure Pittsburgh will ever be as non-reliant on cars as other cities, just because of how the city is laid out and the suburbs, but a step in this direction makes me happy. And since there’s no way we’re going to eliminate commuting to work via cars, I hope in the future there is at least a trend towards the usage of energy efficient cars.

And as for Saturday…

The Tom Museum is celebrating its one year anniversary!!

The event will be split into two halves; the first being a pre-event fundraiser for the Tom Museum with special guest Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, which will take place from 6 – 7 PM and will be in the lobby of the New Hazlett Theater. (Allegheny Square East)
Admission to this part of the event/fundraiser is $65.00.

After the fundraiser at 7:30pm, there will be a contest that sounds like a lot of fun!

From the Tom Museum’s website:
The New Hazlett Theater will host three teams of artists who will compete to build winning sculptures out of secret materials (read: junk to be unveiled at the event). The only supplies that the teams may bring with them to the challenge are the contents of one suitcase. Adding to the suspense of the evening is the arrival of Team West Virginia, led by WVU sculpture professor and artist Douglas Loewen. Tickets are $10.00 and will be available at the door.

Tom Sarver, Mike Cuccaro, Liz Hammond and Buddy Nutt will host the event. Music will be provided by DJ Mary Mack and Mr. & Mrs. Funky of Unfinished Symphonies. Judges for the event will include Heather Pesanti, Assistant Curator at The Carnegie Museum of Art; Mickey McManus, CEO of MAYA Design; Artist Thommy Conroy; and Karen Hartman from the Brew House Association.

For more information, visit the Tom Museum website.

Have a nice weekend everyone and enjoy the nice weather! I’ll be up at Clarion for their Autumn Leaf Festival, which is always a lot of fun!

And as always, go Steelers!!

Pittsburgh, public transportation, buses, alternative fuels, Tom Museum, art, Olympic Theater, Market Square, Schenley Park, South Side Works

Make sure you head out to the Pub tonight to check out some really great bands, which I can sincerely say each one is equally good and you won’t be disappointed. And yes, I’m biased since I’m friends with most of them, but still! And I have to add that the Main Events are the best joke band Pittsburgh has had to offer for a long time. They’re a lot of fun!

Also, don’t forget about the I Made It craft show Saturday from 12-5 at the Brewhouse (check my previous post for details), or the Janus Film Festival, which ends this weekend (again, see my previous post for more info).

And then Saturday evening, head out to Bellevue to check out the results from the 24 Hr Creative Marathon, which is also going to be a great time. And I’m not just saying that because Buddy Nutt will be performing, who if you don’t already know who he is, shame on you.

Regardless of the music being performed, the art is definitely worth checking out. The last Creative Marathon was quite successful and a lot of work ended up being sold. I’m definitely going to bring some money with me this time.

I plan on making it out to all the above mentioned events, so it’s going to be a busy weekend as usual; expensive if I buy artwork and crafts, but fun. Can’t wait!

Pittsburgh, Gito Gito Hustler, Radio Beats, Shut outs, Main Events, 31st Street Pub, I Made It, South Side, crafts, music, Janus Film Festival, Creative Marathon, Bellevue, art, Buddy Nutt

For those of you who missed Penn Brewery’s Oktoberfest and/or the Pgh Pop Festival and want to know how they went, feel free to read on. The rest of you may be bored, so I’m warning you now.

Oktoberfest was just how I’d imagine it’d be: a whole lot of drunkenness, crowds, kielbasa, polka and perverted guys. All in all, it was a good time and I thoroughly enjoyed drinking my half gallon of beer straight outta a plastic jug.

However, I’ll admit that the lines were a bit annoying, but I guess that’s what happens when you try and jam that many people in such a small space. I hate to say it, but I almost think they should have limited the amount of people they let in at one time. My sister was planning on going, but I told her not even to bother cause of the lack of parking, crowds and the long lines. Oktoberfest’s should definitely take place in larger areas where people can dance, sing and revel without bumping into people and spilling their beer. I’ll just go to a different one next year, no big deal.

I have been wanting to see Metric/Emily Haines live for years now and Pgh Pop Fest finally gave me an opportunity to do so. I just wish it would have been in a different place/city/whatever. Pittsburgh is not, nor probably will ever be in on this kind of music. Hardly anyone was dancing and all of the other cities had after parties for Metric, cept for ours. We suck. Usually it takes Pittsburgh a couple of years to catch up to NYC music wise, but in the case of electroclash/good indie music, I’m not sure it will ever happen. That’s ok though, since we do our own thing here and if I had the time I would start my own electroclash/party night, but alas I’ve already taken on more than I can handle as it is and shouldn’t complain. It’s just a little disheartening.

I guess I should comment on the bands, in case anyone is interested in checking them out. Most of them were actually decent, so that was a relief.

I missed most of the DJ sets which opened the festival, since DQ Pumpkin Pie Blizzards are more important, but I did catch all of the rest of the bands. Shade was the first band I saw and although they all play their instruments really well, they were a bit overbearing. This could have been due to Mr. Small’s crappy acoustics, but I’m not so sure.

Robbers on High Street also played their instruments really well, but took a lower key approach to their music than Shade, which made them sound really great. They were a bit mellow for me, but everyone seemed to like them.

The next two acts, Longwave and Crystal Castles were by far the best, obviously not including Metric, and were a lot of fun. Longwave is this really great indie band from NYC who have a nice ambient feel to their music. The effect was amazing and I definitely feel that if there’s one band to check out from this festival other than Metric, it’s them. Go to their Myspace here.

Crystal Castles were also a lot of fun, but in a dance/thrash music kind of way. It’s a duo from Toronto who play via a labtop and dance to strobe lights. They put on the kind of dance party I wish I could see more of in Pittsburgh.

And finally, Metric!

Although they didn’t play my favorite song, Succexxy, they played almost all of my favorites and some ones I’ve never heard. Emily Haines puts on an excellent show and has a wardrobe and voice I envy immensely. In addition to Metric, she has another band Emily Haines and Soft Skeleton, which play more mellow/haunting songs with lyrics that rival Metric’s. I think she’s one of the most prolific writers out there today and I’m glad I was able to witness this kind of talent in Pittsburgh. If you’d like to check out Metric’s music, go to their Myspace here.

Photo courtesy of Fiddle While You Burn.

Pittsburgh, Oktoberfest, Penn Brewery, Pgh Pop Festival, Mr Smalls, Metric, Crystal Castles, Longwave, Robbers on High Street, Shade, Millvale, music, beer

This Sunday afternoon, the East End Food Co-op is having a block party style celebration of food, local art, music and more!

There will be over 30 artists selling their work, as well as musical/dance performances by J.M. Steiner, Middle Eastern Dance by Aviva, Joy Ike, Cathasaigh and Cellofourte.

This is a kid-friendly event and will feature portrait painting, raku pot decorating, silk screen printing and other activities provided by the Waldorf School and La Escuelita Acoris.

And of course, this wouldn’t be an East End Food Co-op event without the food! There will be samples provided by local suppliers, as well as from Lawrenceville’s newest Turkish Coffeehouse. The Co-op will also be serving vegetarian fare provided by their own cafe.

The party starts at noon and ends at 5pm. The East End Food Co-op is located in Point Breeze and is easy to find. (7516 Meade Street for the mapquesters)

Support local art, music, and food all in one day…who could ask for more?!

Pittsburgh, East End Food Co-op, vegetarian, local, food, Point Breeze, Art Harvest, crafts, J.M. Steiner, Aviva, Joy Ike, Cathasaigh, Cellofourte

The Candy Shop is presenting a Sexy Soiree at Modern Formations this Saturday and it sounds like a lot of fun!

There’s going to be music from the Sugar Grinders, Sharron Needles and Dirty Dancing to follow with DJ’s T & A.

There will also be a chocolate tasting booth (yum), an adult only magic show, burlesque performances (enough reason to go), vintage stag videos and more!

Desserts and cocktails are generously being provided by many of our local businesses, including Gooski’s, The French Tart, Dozen, East End Brewing Company, Crazy Mocha and others.

This fun event starts at 9pm and ends at 1am. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. They can be purchased at the Chocolate Moose in Squirrel Hill. This is also a 21 + event.

Modern Formations is located at 4919 Penn Avenue and for directions, visit their website.

Pittsburgh, Modern Formations, Sexy Soiree, the Candy Shop, Garfield, chocolate, Sugar Grinders, Sharron Needles, Crazy Mocha, East End Brewing Company, Chocolate Moose

Yes, this festival deserves the exclamation point. The NEW Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival will feature even more music, attractions, and entertainment than ever before. They are boasting a new jousting arena, a new Pirates Pub (woo hoo), a new upscale Craft’s Marketplace and much more! I have also been told by one of the crafter’s that this is true and I’ll have to take his word on it, since I dunno if I’ll be able to make it this year. Too much stuff is going on these last two weekends in September, geez louise.

There are only two more weekends left of the Festival, including this weekend, so better go while you can! Not to mention this weekend is Celtic themed and the next is Carnivale, saving the best for last.

Here’s some info:

September 22/23 & September 28/29 are the last weekends, with operating hours of 10am-630pm.

Admission: $14.95(adults), $6.00(children ages 5-12) and free admission to children under 5

The Festival features music, a crafter’s marketplace, shows, various entertainers, and much more.

Their website does a much better job than I could of listing all of the shows, attractions, etc. Go here for more information, directions to the festival, etc.

Pittsburgh, Renaissance Festival, fair, music, Pirates, crafters, guild, Celtic, Mardi Gras

If you enjoy listening to the Blues and you want to help out a good cause, come out to Moondog’s this Sunday for the Harry McCorkle Benefit Show, which will help pay for his heart bypass surgery.

Here is just a list of the many musicians who will be performing:

Wil E. Tri and the Bluescasters w/Billy The Kid
Gary Belloma and The Blues Bombers
Jimmy Adler
Sweaty Betty
Billy The Kid & The Regulators
Mystic Knights
Annie Sutton
Donnie Hollowood
Petie Hewlett,
Eugene & The Night Crawlers
Shari Richards
Bob McKeg & Rick Kacin
Chizmo Charles & The Rhythm Aces
and more!

The show starts at 1 and ends at 10pm. Besides hosting benefit shows, Moondog’s is a well known blues/jazz/rock nightclub that hosts national talent, as well as local. Check out their website below for more details and an event calendar.
Moondog’s
378 Freeport Road
Blawnox, PA (412) 828-2040

Pittsburgh, tribute, blues, music, Moondog’s, Blawnox, Wil. E. Tri, Annie Sutton, Sweaty Betty, Mystic Knights, Nightcrawlers, Regulators, Jimmy Adler, The Blues Bomber, Shari Richards

A couple of years ago, the Art’s Festival on Walnut Street combined with the one on Ellsworth in an attempt to make a fun time for all! It’s this weekend and starts on Friday and ends Sunday around 5pm. It’s a lot of fun and the weather is supposed to be fantastic at least on Saturday and Sunday, so there’s no excuse not to go. Unless you’re going to Oktoberfest all three days, in which case, you are excused.

Here are the official hours/directions,etc:
Friday 12-9pm, Saturday 10am-9pm & Sunday 10am-5pm.
The Walnut Street festival stretches from S. Aiken to S. Negley and the Ellsworth one, is obviously on Ellsworth, which is close by. Just googlemap the area if you’re confused.

If you want to check out some of the artists participating in the Walnut Street one, go to their website here. (Don’t ask me how they were able to acquire such a common domain name).

Shadyside Arts Festival, Shadyside, Pittsburgh, art, music, Ellsworth, Walnut, food

Yeah, I know it’s still a couple of days away, but I wanted to make sure I gave everyone ample warning in case they were interested and needed to get a costume together. I would definitely be doing this if I didn’t have to work. Boo on that, cause zombies rule!

The It’s Alive Show has posted a schedule:
7:00 PM - All Zombies report to The Tiki Lounge or The Smiling Moose on East Carson Street
Take your pick, look at their websites to help you decide. Apply make up if you haven’t already. Practice saying “Braaaiiinnnss….need braaaiiinnnnssss”.

7:30 PM - Begin Walk.
Zombies exit and shamble about for a period of one hour. Eat, drink, explore the shops, but when on the street you must stay in Zombie Mode.

8:30 PM - Zombies Disperse.
The Zombie Walk is over. But wait! There’s more…

The cast from It’s Alive, Pittsburgh’s own Horror Host TV show will be appearing at The Rex Theater (1602 E. Carson Street) after the walk.

Showtime will be 9:00 PM

Festivities at The Rex will include:
-Filming of the It’s Alive Halloween Show
-The Comedy Stylings of Stiffy The Dead Clown
-Live bands and much more!

Tickets will be $10.00 at the door

No advance ticket sales so don’t be late!
The Rex show is an over 21 event. The Zombie Walk is all ages.

For more information go to the It’s Alive Show’s website.

horror, zombies, South Side, Pittsburgh, It’s Alive Show, The Rex