Tag: Culture

Every week we pick the Top Five things to do in Pittsburgh over the weekend. Here are the picks for Thursday Feb 27 through March 2.

 

Getting on Paul’s Case

Snooty leaves sooty. A young man flees Pittsburgh for New York City in “Paul’s Case.” Been there. Done that. Have the t-shirt. But this journey is set to music. Willa Cather’s short story “Paul’s Case” is now an opera. Tenor Daniel Curran plays Paul, a boy with champagne wishes on a beer budget.

“Paul’s Case” is at the Pittsburgh Opera, 2425 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh.  Call 412-456-6666 or www.pittsburghopera.org

 

It’s Summer time!

Oh. I wish it was summer time! But you can hear the song, “Summer time” in the Broadway play that popularized the tune. “Porgy and Bess” returns to Pittsburgh.  African-American life in Charleston, South Carolina is hard, but everyone is making beautiful music as they lament their troubles.

I love a Gershwin tune, How about you? “Porgy and Bess” is playing at the Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh. For details, go to http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/production/37630/porgy-and-bess

 

The Beginning of Ending

Amanda has the talent to become a great composer, but her life gets sidetracked by the demands of an almost-famous fiancé, divorcing parents & a rent-paying job writing commercial jingles. “A Feminine Ending” has been called a gentle, bittersweet.  “A Feminine Ending” is at Off the Wall Theater, 25 W. Main Street, Carnegie.

Call 724-873-3576 or click www.insideoffthewall.com.

 

Donnybrook

Just in time for the Oscars, you can go to Hello, Donny and sing along to your favorite soundtracks. There’s something for everyone in at the feel good sing-a-long, from “Titanic” to “Space Jam.”

You can sing “Hello Donny” at the Backstage Bar at Theater Square. Here’s the kicker, folks: the event is free (but it’s 21 and over).

Sing! Shout! Get down to the Backstage Bar, 655 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh on Wednesday, February 26 at 9:30 pm. For more information click here: http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/event/3941/hello-donny-a-showtunes-sing-along

And then, head down to There Ultra Lounge, 931 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh for the After Party.

 

Truth and Beauty

True Story is back at the East End Book Exchange on Thursday, February 27 at 7:00 pm. Come see true stories told live without notes. This month’s theme is “arrested development,” and I’m sure there will be more than one banana stand joke.

Come out and see Andy Picarro, Brian Gray, Brian Broome, Kelly Dee, Todd Shaffer, Tim Sommers, Catherine Conley and Derek Minto. The event will be hosted by Mike Buzzelli (if that name sounds familiar I’d like to refer you to the large bulbous head at the top of this page).

The event is free but they accept donations and/or book purchases.

The East End Book Exchange is located at 4754 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh. For more about the East End Book Exchange, click here: http://www.eastendbookexchange.com/shop/eastend/splash.html

– MB.

 

Die Laughing

Start your weekend on Wednesday for the “Race to the Coffin Comedy Tour” at the Smiling Moose.  Join John Dick Winters, Jesse Irvin, Tim Ross, Shannon “Shambonez” Norman, Alex Stypula and John Pridmore for an evening of racy, raucous comedy. The evening is hosted by Derek Minto and all the tickets are only five dollars. Five dollars!

Race to the Race to the Coffin Comedy Tour!  Doors open at the 9:30 at the Smiling Moose, 1306 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh. For more information call 412-431-4668 or click www.smiling-moose.com

 

Ariba!

A sports commentator returns to her hometown of Pittsburgh to mourn the loss of a childhood friend in “The Great One.” During her visit, she reminisces about her life between the Pirates 1971 World Series win and the New Year’s Eve 1972, when Pirates right fielder Roberto Clemente died in a plane crash. It’s a tale of family, friendship and redemption.  It’s also a one-woman show starring Tressa Glover.

You can reminisce about Roberto at the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company, 937 Liberty Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh.

For more information go to www.pghplaywrights.com

 

Attack on the Opera

Go on the attack Sunday February 23 at “Histoire du Soldat,” when Attack Theater presents a series of special performances at The George R. White Studio, featuring “A Soldier’s Tale,” and
A Tiny Droplet of a Portrait.”

It’s an evening of collaborations when world class musicians combine for an unforgettable dance experience.

Now, write this down: Performances are Sunday, February 23, Wednesday February 26, Thursday February 27 and Saturday March 1. All performances begin at 7:30 at The George R. White Studio, Pittsburgh Opera, 2425 Liberty Avenue, in the Strip District.

For more information, click here: www.attacktheatre.com

 

Tramp!

Spend an evening with Charlie (the Tramp) Chaplin. Dan Kamin, who trained Robert Downey Jr. for his Oscar-nominated performance in “Chaplin,” invites you to experience the artistry of cinema’s greatest comedian from the inside. Kamin will be deconstructing Chaplin’s comedy with film clips, live demonstrations, audience participation, and a classic Chaplin short with live piano accompaniment by celebrated jazz pianist Tom Roberts.

Performances are Friday, February 21, 8:00 P.M. and Sunday, February 23, 2:00 pm at The Strand, 119 North Main Street, Zelienople, PA 16063.

For tickets and information call The Strand at (724) 473-0493 or click www.thestrandtheater.org

 

Mr. Brown Comes to Town

Culinary scientist (“Good Eats”) and game show host (“Iron Chef America”) Alton Brown comes to Pittsburgh. He’ll be serving up comedy, food experimentation and live music in this multimedia presentation.  Be warned, there is an audience participation portion of the evening. You may end up cooking alongside this famous chef (wear the lab coat he offers you, things will get messy).

February 23, Alton Brown will be in town for this lively cooking/comedy/musical event at the Benedum, 703 Liberty Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh. For more information call 412-456-6666 or visit www.trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/production/38876/alton-brown-live

– MB

Spirited Away

Start your weekend on Wednesday and join Edible Allegheny Magazine  and sample some of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh at the James Gallery in the West End. Beat the winter blues and Lift Your Spirits (no, seriously, Lift Your Spirits is the name of the event).

You can taste some small bites from Spoon, Lidia’s Italy Pittsburgh, Six Penn Kitchen, and Superior Motors.

Lift Your Spirits, 6:00 to 8:30 at the James Gallery, 413 S. Main Street, Pittsburgh. You can get tickets here; http://www.showclix.com/event/liftyourspirits

 

Let’s get Tropical

Every Sunday in February the Tropical Sands Steel Band is playing at Phipps Conservatory for Tropical Sundays from 1 -3. They have tropical fruit tastings, an Orchid and Tropical Bonsai show to go with it. If you wear a Hawaiian shirt you get in for half price.  Go island hoping right in your own back yard at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh.

For more information, go here; http://phipps.conservatory.org

 

No Tails

It’s your last weekend to see “Heads.”  Four hostages in a war zone are forced to make difficult choices to survive their dire situation in “Heads.” Playwright E.M. Lewis brings a heart-wrenching tale of war to the Pittsburgh Playhouse.  Studio Theater, Thursdays, Fridays, 8 p.m., Saturdays, 2 & 8 p.m. and Sundays, 2 p.m. Continues through Feb. 16.  412-392-8000 www.pittsburghplayhouse.com

 

Skivvies

One weekend…four shows only!
Award-winning NYC singer-actors Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley don’t just perform “stripped down” arrangements of distinctive mash-ups and originals; they literally strip down to their underwear to play cello, ukulele, glockenspiel, and melodica. The New York Post calls this undie-rock, comedy-pop duo’s show “a mash-up of all things sultry.” Expect a hilarious evening of genre-hopping pop perfection with local special guests!  At City Theatre, Feb 13-15.  www.citytheatrecompany.org

 

Here Comes the Rain Again

barebones productions presents A STEADY RAIN, by Keith Huff, directed by Melissa Martin, and featuring David Whalen and Patrick Jordan

Joey and Denny have been best friends since kindergarten, and after working together for several years as policemen in Chicago, they are practically family: Joey helps out with Denny’s wife and kids; Denny keeps Joey away from the bottle. But when a domestic disturbance call takes a turn for the worse, their friendship is put on the line. The result is a harrowing journey into a moral gray area where trust and loyalty struggle for survival against a sobering backdrop of pimps, prostitutes, and criminal lowlifes.

http://www.showclix.com/event/steadyrain

 

Bonus Round (A Sixth Thing)

 

Off The Wall Theatre in Carnegie presents the first in an ongoing cabaret series, just in time for a night out this Valentine’s Day Weekend – whether hitting the town with your honey, or flying solo.  The cabaret will feature performances by Hotep the Artist (pantomime and spoken word), Vocalist Rebecca Covert, comedian Derek Minto, and Off The Wall’s new resident company fireWALL Dance Theater, hosted by ‘Burgh Vivant’s own Brian Edward.  Performance dates are Friday, February 14th at 7:00pm, and Saturday, February 15th at 8:00pm, at Off The Wall Theater, 25 West Main Street, Carnegie, PA.  Ample free parking is available.  Tickets may be purchased HERE. 

 

– MB.

Every week we find Five Fun Things to do in Pittsburgh. If you want to plan your weekend, here are some suggestions on how to spend it.

 

Laugh Locally, Support Globally

“Local People for Global Causes” will be raising money for an organization called Clash International which will sponsor an upcoming reading of a play by Matt Henderson titled, “A Long Walk on the Beach.” The Improv troupe “Yeah, Those Guys,” will also be performing at the event. Clash’s goal is, “to facilitate community-driven and capacity-building agricultural and business education programs for farmers in Ghana’s rural communities.”

You might as well laugh locally, while you’re supporting a global cause.

Help yourself and the world with a good time at the Grey Box Theater, 3595 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. For more information, go to www.clashinternational.org/events

 

It Ain’t Easy Being Green

An ogre, with the aid of his trusty, talkative donkey, rescues a beautiful princess with a secret in “Shrek the Musical.” This fractured fairy tale has fun, laughs and good times with 19 new songs.

Laugh as the tallest man in theater (Tim Hartman) plays the diminutive Lord Farquaad.

Shrek the Musical opens February 6 and runs to February 16 at the Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222.

For more information, check out http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/production/38787

 

Under Where?

A reclusive Dutch librarian (played by film, television and theater actor Randy Kovitz) discovers a travel guide that has been returned 113 years overdue. His obsession with finding the person responsible takes him out of his insular world and on a globe-trotting quest. As he follows a chain of clues that go back thousands of years, he finds connections to ancient myths and kindles his own dormant spirit in Glen Berger’s “Underneath The Lintel.”

“Under” opens Wednesday February 5, 2014 at the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre 937 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

For more information, go to http://12peerstheater.org/

 

Deadbeat Club

Comedian Bubbs Harris from Florida and JC Ratliff from Tennessee form a group called the Deadbeats of Comedy. They will be performing with local comedians John Dick Winters, Ed Bailey and Day Bracey, and, frankly, you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. Be cautious and prepare to laugh on Saturday February 8.

The Deadbeats will tell tall tales at the Rock Club, 1054 Herron Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

For more information, go to the Facebook events page at https://www.facebook.com/events/470373726406769/?ref=ts&fref=ts
Captioned!

About the Exhibit:

Most of the artwork in this exhibition was created by Florence Sarah Winship, while her name may not be immediately recognizable, she was a prolific illustrator creating hundreds of children’s books and coloring books for Western and Whitman Publishing.

Featuring iconic celebrities of the day such as Dinah Shore and Doris Day as well as scenes from daily life, coloring books are a snapshot of a time gone by, and a chance to view a generation through the rose colored glasses of their childhood.

The festivities begin at 7pm on February 7th at the ToonSeum. Tickets will be available online for $15.00 or $20.00 at the door.About the Exhibit:

Most of the artwork in this exhibition was created by Florence Sarah Winship, while her name may not be immediately recognizable, she was a prolific illustrator creating hundreds of children’s books and coloring books for Western and Whitman Publishing.

Featuring iconic celebrities of the day such as Dinah Shore and Doris Day as well as scenes from daily life, coloring books are a snapshot of a time gone by, and a chance to view a generation through the rose colored glasses of their childhood.

The festivities begin at 7pm on February 7th at the ToonSeum. Tickets will be available online for $15.00 or $20.00 at the door.Return to the nostalgic era of the 50s with an exhibition of original coloring book art from Western Publishing with the ToonSeum. But wait, there’s more. They’ve added a modern, comic twist to the exhibit, “Color Me Happy.”

Executive Director Joe Wos said, “The ToonSeum has invited some of Pittsburgh brightest and funniest comedic minds to create their own captions for the artwork on display!”

Jimmy Krenn, Rick Sebak, Terry Jones, Gab Bonesso, Rob Rogers, Aaron Kleiber, Eric Heyl, Mike Buzzelli (ring any bells?), and those wacky people from the Arcade Comedy Theater have supplied captions for the exhibit.

You can be part of the opening reception Friday, February 7, 2014. Come down and create your own caption for the show! The ToonSeum is at 945 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, click here http://www.toonseum.org/

Sustainability leader honored with Catalyst Award for innovations in green building and operations.

Pittsburgh, Pa.— As the visionary behind Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ innovative Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL), Executive Director Richard V. Piacentini has been named as the recipient of a Catalyst Award — one of more than 20 honors bestowed upon individuals and organizations in western Pa. who have distinguished themselves by making unparalleled contributions to science and technology in various disciplines through the 2014 Carnegie Science Awards.

Since his tenure began in 1994, Piacentini has not only made great strides to revitalize Phipps but he has also taken the lead on its transformation into a global model of sustainability with the building of the first LEED®-certified visitor center in a public garden, the first LEED-certified greenhouses, and the Tropical Forest Conservatory, the most energy-efficient structure of its kind in the world when it opened in 2006. Phipps’ latest accomplishment under his leadership is the CSL, a net-zero energy and net-zero water facility that has been designed to meet the progressive Living Building Challenge™. Already a recipient of LEED Platinum and Four Stars SITES™ certification from the Sustainable Sites Initiative™, it is also expected to be the first building anywhere to achieve all three of these rigorous standards.

“In a time when many of the environmental problems we face can be attributed to the fact that we are not only disconnected from nature but also live in a society that values the importance of ‘me’ over ‘we,’ it is not enough to simply build greener,” says Piacentini. “With the CSL, we hope to push the envelope even further, inspiring transformative experiences in the space as we celebrate our innate bonds to nature, and illuminate the many possibilities of sustainable building and landscaping. I am truly honored to have received the Catalyst Award in recognition of this work, which will benefit generations to come.”

To be presented to Piacentini at a ceremony held at the Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland on May 9, the Catalyst Award recognizes individuals or organizations who have come to exemplify an area of science because of the actions that they have taken to create public awareness over a broad swath of society, pioneered by people like Rachel Carson in the environment, Red Whittaker in robotics, and Alan Russell in regenerative medicine. Now in its 18th year, the Carnegie Science Awards have honored the accomplishments of 400 plus awardees who have improved the lives of others through their work.

About Phipps: Founded in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pa. is a green leader among public gardens with a mission to inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse. Learn more: phipps.conservatory.org.

 

Cohon and Nordenberg to Receive Chairman’s Award

PITTSBURGH, PA – January 30, 2014 – Today Carnegie Science Center announced the winners of its 2014 Carnegie Science Awards, sponsored by Eaton, at its annual Announcement Reception. The program honors awardees from more than 20 categories, including Corporate Innovation, Emerging Female Scientist, Entrepreneur, Leadership in STEM Education, and others. These individuals and companies have distinguished themselves by making unparalleled contributions to science and technology in various disciplines. This year, the Science Center is conferring its highest commendation, the Chairman’s Award, on Jared L. Cohon, former president of Carnegie Mellon University, and Mark A. Nordenberg, chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh. “These two individuals have had an unparalleled impact on our region’s scientific vitality,” said Ann Metzger, Henry Buhl, Jr., Co-Director of Carnegie Science Center. “As concurrent leaders of two great local universities, President Cohon and Chancellor Nordenberg forged an unprecedented relationship of mutual respect and collaboration, which has helped open the door to a new era of scientific exploration, entrepreneurial strength, and academic excellence in Pittsburgh.” Carnegie Science Center established the Carnegie Science Awards program in 1997 to recognize and promote outstanding science and technology achievements in  western Pennsylvania. Celebrating its 18th year, the Carnegie Science Awards have honored the accomplishments of more than 400 individuals and organizations that have improved lives through their commitment and contributions in science and technology. “The Carnegie Science Awards spotlight some of the most innovative minds today,” said Ron Baillie, Henry Buhl, Jr., Co-Director of Carnegie Science Center. “These individuals are making a global impact starting with our own region. We know they are already inspiring a new generation of leaders. One of our central missions is to promote education in science, technology, engineering, and math–or STEM. The Carnegie Science Awards winners exemplify the highest levels of success in STEM fields and in STEM education. We are proud to recognize these outstanding awardees and look forward to their continued contributions.” “Eaton has supported the Carnegie Science Awards through a premier sponsorship for the past 11 years and has seen remarkable leaders and organizations recognized for their contributions to science, technology, engineering, and math,” said Mark Horner, senior manager, Global Communications, Electrical Sector, Eaton. “We congratulate Carnegie Science Center, and all of the winners and nominees, for their commitment to discovery, innovation, and education.” Awardees will be honored during a formal celebration at Carnegie Music Hall on Friday, May 9, 2014. Three student winners, who will be selected at the Science Center’s 75th annual Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair, also will be recognized. WINNERS, in addition to Cohon and Nordenberg: Advanced Manufacturing – Fred Patterson, Kennametal Inc. Advanced Materials – Jay Whitacre, PhD, Carnegie Mellon University Catalyst – Richard V. Piacentini, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden Corporate Innovation – Center for Innovation in Restorative Medicine, UPMC Elementary Educator – Danielle Kephart, Divine Redeemer School Middle Level Educator David Andrews, Butler Area School District High School Educator – Dale Moll and Tim Linkenheimer, Blackhawk High School Leadership In STEM Education – Michael T. Lotze, PhD, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute University / Post-Secondary Educator – Thomas D Eatmon, Jr., Allegheny College University/ Post-Secondary Student – Taylor D. Canady, Carnegie Mellon University Emerging Female Scientist – Peijun Zhang, PhD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Start-Up Entrepreneur – Don Charlton, The Resumator Entrepreneur – Christine Robins, BodyMedia Environmental – Xu Liang, PhD, University of Pittsburgh Information Technology – Ron Bianchini, PhD, Avere Systems Life Sciences – Angela Gronenborn, PhD, University of Pittsburgh Science Communicator – Elaine Vitone, Pitt Med magazine HONORABLE MENTIONS: Elementary Educator- Carol Fraser, Highlands School District High School Educator – Brian E. Ludwig, Riverview School District University/ Post-Secondary Educator- Steven Abramowitch, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Swanson School of Engineering Start-Up Entrepreneur – Jay Whitacre, PhD, Carnegie Mellon University Start-Up Entrepreneur – William J. Federspiel, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine Entrepreneur – Jesse Schell, Schell Games Entrepreneur – Luis von Ahn, Duolingo Environmental – Ravi Chidambaran, Aquatech International Corporation Science Communicator – Mary Ann Thomas, Trib Total Media

About Carnegie Science Center Carnegie Science Center is dedicated to inspiring learning and curiosity by connecting science and technology with everyday life. By making science both relevant and fun, the Science Center’s goal is to increase science literacy in the region and motivate young people to seek careers in science and technology. One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the Science Center is Pittsburgh’s premier science exploration destination, reaching more than 700,000 people annually through its hands-on exhibits, camps, classes and off-site education programs.   About Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1895, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is a collection of four distinctive museums dedicated to exploration through art and science: Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and the Andy Warhol Museum. Annually, the museums reach more than 1.2 million people through exhibitions, educational programs, outreach activities and special events.

Pittsburgh, PA– January 23, 2014 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Clash International will hold their inaugural fundraiser Local People for Global Causes on February 8, 2014 from 7-10 PM at The Grey Box Theatre in Lawrenceville.

The evening will include live performances by local artists Danielle Maggio, Michael Donati, and Pat Griffin, and Yeah, Those Guys improv group, as well as a premiere short play reading of local playwright Matt Henderson’s work “A Long Walk on the Beach” and a silent art and craft auction showcasing the work of local artists.  Light refreshments will also be served and a number of gift certificates for local businesses will be raffled off.

All proceeds from the event will go to Clash: Rural Ghana– an initiative to facilitate community-driven, capacity-building agricultural extension programs to northern Ghana’s most remote communities in an effort to promote economic self-sufficiency and food security.

Clash International is a non-profit organization founded by Pittsburgh-native Cynthia Caul and Mankama Sulemana that seeks to build personal and sustainable business relationships with independent artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs in developing countries that will enhance their businesses. In a nutshell—to clash fearlessly, peacefully, and relentlessly. To learn more about Clash: Rural Ghana, and how you can be involved, visit clashinternational.org

Every week we pick Five Fun Things to do in Pittsburgh. Here’s the list for January 30^th to February 2^nd (Groundhog Day).

Citizen Artist

If you missed Vanessa German’s spoken word poem about Pittsburgh at Bill Peduto’s inauguration at Heinz Hall, you missed a spectacular love letter to the city. It was about all the citizens of our fair city and how we can work together. One particular citizen, Vanessa German herself, has an exhibit at the Concept Art Gallery. On Thursday, January 30, Vanessa will be performing and answering questions about her exhibit.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to talk to Vanessa, go to Concept Art Gallery, 1021 Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh. For more details, point and click http://conceptgallery.com

 

Mad about Madagascar

Are you in the mood for a mystery, a ghost story or a period piece? You can have all that and more at Quantum Theater’s “Madagascar.”  Three Americans find themselves alone in the same hotel room overlooking Rome’s Spanish Steps at three different periods in time.

You can travel to “Madagascar” and check into the Carlyle, 306 Fourth Avenue, Pittsburgh. For more information, click www.quantumtheatre.com/season/Madagascar.

 

Disorder in the Court!

Turn on the boob tube mid-afternoon and you will see a myriad of courtroom shows. Divorce Court, Judge Judy…etc. ad infinitum.  It’s rife for parody. “Judge Jackie Justice” is here to serve the people. It’s a courtroom musical comedy brought to you by Van Kaplan, Christopher Dimond and Michael Kooman.

The musical courtroom of Judge Jackie Justice is now in session at the CLO Cabaret, at the Cabaret at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh. For more information, click www.trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/production/39605/judge-jackie-justice

 

Girls Night Out

Sally Brooks is a comedian, writer and all around swell gal. The comedian will be telling sassy personal stories about her life and lack thereof in her fun-loving, smart-assed kinda way. Sally has performed all over the country, sharing the stage with comedians like Bobcat Goldhwait, Kevin Nealon, and Greg Proops. She is creator of the “Suburban Housewife” web series that has over 1.5 million hits on YouTube.  Sally has also headlined the “Girl’s Night Out Tour.”

January 31^st you can catch Sally at the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh. For more information, go to www.arcadecomedytheater.com

 

Comb Out

Kim El will also be telling great personal stories in a performance that combines spoken word, songs and poetry in “Straightening Combs.” Kim promises to take the audience on a intimate journey as seen through the eyes of an African American woman coming of age in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.

You can find “Straightening Combs” at the Off The Wall Theater, 25 West Main Street, Carnegie. For more information go to www.pittsburghtheaterrental.com/straightening-combs