Tonight’s guest is Pittsburgh artist Stephanie Armbruster, who introduces host Brian Edward to the wild wild world of encaustic painting – that’s painting with wax. And once you hear about the depth of craft that goes into the process, you may think twice about rushing to repurpose your Yankee Candle remains. Stephanie also discusses her adventures in street art, why Pittsburgh is great for emerging artists, and her favorite cocktails! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in audio podcast to hear more on Stephanie’s inspirations, exhibitions, and recent work. She can currently be seen in the exhibition /RESPONSE/ at James Gallery in Pittsburgh’s West End through July 12. Continue reading “STEPHANIE ARMBRUSTER – Artist”
PAM MURCHISON – Executive Director, Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble
What’s NEW in Pittsburgh this summer? Music – and plenty of it, as the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble warms up for its 2014 season! PNME’s Executive Director Pam Murchison is tonight’s cocktail hour guest on ‘Burgh Vivant, enjoying a signature martini in the Ensemble’s performance space at the City Theatre. Explore the arena of contemporary music, the minds of modern composers, and marvel in wonder as Pam and host Brian Edward create the (very) humble beginnings of “The Song of Pittsburgh” on the spot! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast to get a preview of Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble’s new season and more. Continue reading “PAM MURCHISON – Executive Director, Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble”
KAHMEELA ADAMS – Producer, 48 Hour Film Project, Pittsburgh
Live from the Hollywood Theater in beautiful downtown Dormont, it’s Kahmeela Adams! Learn about this unique Pittsburgh event, some insider tips from the Producer, and where you can see this year’s mini-movies! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast, to hear more on Kahmeela’s artistic contributions to the city, Brian inevitably pontificating on classic film, where in the world is Jake Gyllenhaal, and the improvised launch of the 48 SECOND Film Project. Continue reading “KAHMEELA ADAMS – Producer, 48 Hour Film Project, Pittsburgh”
KATI AND BLAKE LIGHTHOLDER – Producers, Jack & Emma web series
JACK & EMMA is an original Pittsburgh web series, and this week, ‘Burgh Vivant attends cocktail hour with Jack and Emma themselves – producers Kati and Blake Lightholder, PLUS: guest appearances abound as host Brian Edward chats with characters from the show, Krish (Krish Mohan), Kirsten (Klase Danko), and Maddy (Julie Beroes). Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast to hear more on what brought JACK & EMMA to the Steel City and what’s next for the dynamic duo! Watch JACK & EMMA at www.jackandemmaseries.com Continue reading “KATI AND BLAKE LIGHTHOLDER – Producers, Jack & Emma web series”
SHAUN ROLLY – Resident Pirate, Gateway Clipper Fleet
Ahoy, mateys! ‘Burgh Vivant sets sail upon the Gateway Clipper with one of Pittsburgh’s most notorious pirates – and we’re not talkin’ baseball. Shaun Rolly, Fight Director and “Resident Pirate” of The Gateway Clipper Fleet swaps rum for martinis and discusses the premiere of his new musical A PIRATE’S TALE performing aboard the Fleet’s own EMPRESS – but not before host Brian Edward tries his hand at some armchair swashbuckling. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast to hear more on the musical, fight direction, and what led Mr. Rolly to the pirate life. Continue reading “SHAUN ROLLY – Resident Pirate, Gateway Clipper Fleet”
ALAN STANFORD – Artistic and Executive Director, PICT Classic Theatre
From Oscar Wilde to Harold Pinter and back to Pittsburgh’s own PICT Classic Theatre, Artistic & Executive Director Alan Stanford spares no philosophy (or whisker) in delighting his patrons in the art and appeal of theatrical classics. As a promise to PICT donors, Alan agreed to shave his legendary beard if the company raised over $15k during Pittsburgh’s “Day of Giving” – which it did. And this man-of-his-word upholds his end of the bargain with a live shaving on this very episode of ‘Burgh Vivant! Listen to “The Full Martini”- the complete unedited interview in audio podcast to hear more of Alan’s expert insight on Oscar Wilde, directing Harold Pinter, and the intriguing depths of WAITING FOR GODOT, playing June 5th through June 21st at PICT Classic Theatre.
Continue reading “ALAN STANFORD – Artistic and Executive Director, PICT Classic Theatre”
JUDY KNAIZ – Actress, “Hello, Dolly!” (1969)
‘Burgh Vivant host Brian Edward sits down for cocktails in front of a live audience at Point Park University’s George R. White Theatre with stage and screen actress Judy Knaiz. Attendees were treated to a lively conversation with the delightful Ms. Knaiz, followed by a screening of the film she is perhaps best known for, HELLO, DOLLY! (1969), starring Barbara Streisand, Walter Matthau, and of course, Judy as Gussie Granger. Between the laughter, Judy talks about her journey from Pittsburgh to New York to Hollywood, working with Gene Kelly, and more! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast to hear Judy answer questions from the audience and internet fans, and her unique insight on Pittsburgh’s film history. Continue reading “JUDY KNAIZ – Actress, “Hello, Dolly!” (1969)”
ELISA-MARIE ALAIO – Choreographer, fireWALL Dance Theater
‘Burgh Vivant is on FIRE this week with Elisa-Marie Alaio, choreographer and Artistic Director of Off The Wall Performing Arts Center’s fireWALL Dance Theater. The dance company has its official debut May 23rd with the premiere of ON THE ROX – and Elisa-Marie has the details. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in audio podcast for Elisa-Marie’s thoughts on Dancing with the Stars, the journey that brought her to Off the Wall, and a salute to Chita Rivera! Continue reading “ELISA-MARIE ALAIO – Choreographer, fireWALL Dance Theater”
KARIN POWELL, “Pittsburgh Mom”
In celebration of Mother’s Day, our guest this week is a true “Pittsburgh Mom.” Karin Powell is one of the most beloved motherly figures of Pittsburgh’s cultural district. Through her son Christopher’s work with the Pittsburgh Opera, many of the city’s performing artists have come to know her as “Ma.” This week on ‘Burgh Vivant she shares her perspectives on motherhood, The Steelers, and her touching experience of immigrating to America from Berlin during the height of World War II. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in audio podcast to get the dish on Karin’s rendezvous with Peyton Manning, what music best accompanies vacuuming, and good ol’ German drinking songs! Continue reading “KARIN POWELL, “Pittsburgh Mom””
JACKIE COLLINS – Novelist
Twenty nine-time New York Times best selling novelist Jackie Collins calls in for cocktail hour to dish on her latest venture, The Lucky Santangelo Cookbook. The woman who Louis Malle described as a “raunchy moralist” shares how to make a Jackie Collins Cocktail, her fond memories of Pittsburgh, and more! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast to learn more about “Lucky” in the kitchen, and Joan Collins most revealing film role! Continue reading “JACKIE COLLINS – Novelist”