YOUNG BURGHERS

This blog is: For young Pittsburghers, whether you grew up in the 412 or are a newbie. Bringing you news on the coolest events and opportunities going on in the city. Not about burgers, but is highly inspired by them.

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Pick your passion, Pittsburgh…

This Saturday, July 27th there are three extra awesome events happening across the Burgh.  Chose your favorite, or make one crazy day of all three!

DOWNTOWN

What: One Whirl Yoga Fest & Healthy Lifestyle Expo Where: Point State Park in the Golden Triangle

When: 6AM – 6PM

How Much: $35 for an all day yoga pass, or just stop by to check out the vendors, talk to the experts, and more!

Why? If you’re into fitness, it’s gonna be great.  If you’re into food trucks, it’s also gonna be great.  If you’re into both, that’s some extra great.

EAST END

What: Jam On Walnut Where: Walnut Street in Shadyside

When: 6PM-11PM (the show starts at 7:30)

How Much: $5

Why? This event only happens three times a summer, and this time two Pittsburgh bands, Donora andRadio Tokyo, are coming together at this outdoor concert that brings thousands of people to Shadyside!  That proceeds go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation just makes the night even sweeter.

EVEN EAST-ER

What: Steel City Con Where: Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville

When: 10AM-8PM

How Much: $15 for a day passWhy?  Okay, okay.  So the Comicon is actually a three day event, starting Friday and ending Sunday.  Why should you go on Saturday?  I have no idea.  But you should definitely go at least one of the days it runs.  Winston will be there!  From Ghostbusters!!!

[youngburghers]

                                         YB EVENT: Beats-N-Eats

Do your lunch breaks get dull?  Or are you on vacation, and looking for ways to fill your summer days?  Whatever your situation, if you’re free this Wednesday, July 10th from noon to 2PM, you gotta head to the Quiet Storm for Beats-N-Eats.  Presented by the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, Beats-N-Eats is a citywide lunch break dance party.

If that isn’t enough to hook you, consider the Quiet Storm itself.  Located at 5430 Penn Avenue at the border of Garfield and Bloomfield, Quiet Storm is a totally rad vegetarian and vegan café, with gluten free options as well!

There’s no fee for the DJ and dancing, so there’s no excuse for you not to be there.

Get the full details here!

[youngburghers]

Do yourself a favor and reserve a spot on your calendar for this Friday, June 28th from 7PM to midnight.  Trust me.  It’s free, it’s zombie-themed, and it’s a luau.  What else can I say about this event, except that it’s gonna be totally awesome?

Horror Realm is Pittsburgh’s modern horror convention, which will be held September 20-22nd this year at the Crowne Plaza in the South Hills.  But to give you a taste of the fun to come, they’re also hosting Zombie Luau, a party complete with a refreshing pool, barbeque noms, delicious drinks, a DJ followed by a live band, costume contests, and more!  This event is 18 and over and admission is (did I mention it?) totally free!

So hold on to your brains and head over to the Crowne Plaza this Friday!

Crowne Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh South 164 Fort Couch Road Pittsburgh, PA, 15241

[youngburghers]

                                  Young Burghers turns 2 today!

It's been a great 2 years living and learning in this incredible city and discovering new reasons everyday why it's so wonderful being a Young Burgher.  Thanks to all of our readers and supporters!  Here are some of our favorite YB photos taken over the last 2 years - Enjoy!

[youngburghers]

On opening night last Thursday Unseam'd Shakespeare introduced their latest show The Tempest, or the Enchanted Isle as an "Unseam'd Unseam'd Unseam'd version of the Tempest".  This is a pretty accurate description of a show that, while telling the tale of Shakespeare's The Tempest, takes some modern and comedic liberties to create a delightful Shakespearean production for a modern audience.

The show is full of referential humor towards Elizabethan theater, as well as a modern twist on some of The Tempest's most memorable characters - a very sassy Ariel and a hilarious band of incompetent Neapolitan royalty to name a few.  There are some new characters as well, whose presence helps to flesh out some of play's thematic undertakings, including the extremism of Shakespeare's portrayal of men and women.  The glorious costumes featuring wigs larger than some small dogs is reason enough to check it out.

The Tempest, or the Enchanted Isle will be running Wednesday-Sunday through June 29th at the Studio Theater at the Cathedral of Learning.  

Visit the Unseam'd Shakespeare Co. website for more details!

YB original art work by Nicole Antonuccio

[youngburghers]

Pittsburgher Brings Home Tony!

In 2005, The New York Times reviewed “Ghetto Superstar,” an autobiographical one-man musical about growing up in Pittsburgh as a poor, black, gay Pentecostal Christian who loved musical theater and, despite fearsome struggles along the way, went on to work on Broadway. 

In his review of the show, Charles Isherwood wrote, “Empirical data in his resume do not support the claim for superstardom, clearly.  Mr. Porter has appeared in a handful of Broadway shows and movies, and he once recorded a solo R& B album on A&M Records.  But his is by no means a household name.  It is Mr. Porter’s endearing belief that superstardom is a kind of supreme personal achievement, and that it can be attained irrespective of outward indicators of success.  After an arduous but ultimately triumphant struggle to embrace the fierce gay man within, Mr. Porter here asserts, with every vibrant note he sings and defiant pose he strikes, that he has earned the title of superstar, at least emotionally, and woe to those who would dare to gainsay him.”

               If the story had ended there, it would be beautiful.  But what is even more amazing is that eight years later, at Sunday’s 67th annual Tony Awards, Mr. Billy Porter won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance as Lola in the original musical, “Kinky Boots.”

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Porter, a graduate of Pittsburgh’s Creative and Performing Arts School (CAPA) and Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama, gave a nod to Pittsburgh and a deeply heartfelt thank you to his mother, who still lives and volunteers in the city.

Congratulations, Billy Porter!

[youngburghers]

Ever since I heard that the amazing Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are headlining this summer’s Three Rivers Arts Festival, I have been indefatigably excited.  Now, any time I stub my toe, burn my toast, or miss my bus, I don’t care.  Because I have another fantastic, free concert to look forward to thanks to Dollar Bank, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and the generous Pittsburghers who have kept the Three Rivers Arts Fest going for 54 years.

The festival opens this weekend, running from Friday, June 7th through Sunday, June 16th, and features an incredible number and variety of performing and visual arts, the details of which are found here.  It’s definitely one of my favorite parts of summer in the city.  And if you’re into music, it’s just the start to a fantastic season of free sounds in the Burgh…

The following list is a short selection of some of Pittsburgh’s greatest FREE summer music venues and concerts.  Check them out!

Schenley Plaza features free music in the summer on Tuesdays and Fridays, as well as on special dates, like WYEP’s 16th Annual Summer Music Festival on 6/28!

Riverview Park in the North Side offers a free Jazz Series starting this Saturday, 6/8 from 7-8:30PM, and continuing every Saturday through the end of August!

Hartwood Acres & South Park are the venues for the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series, which features everything from opera to funk, and best of all, almost all of the concerts are, of course, free.

[youngburghers]

100th Anniversary of Kaufmann’s Clock

Ever met someone under Kaufmann’s clock?  A Pittsburgh treasure and National Historic Landmark, Kaufmann’s Clock is celebrating its 100thanniversary this weekend!  Located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Smithfield Street downtown, the clock will be the focal point for the two-day event held this Friday and Saturday.                             

                                    Old-timey picture of Kaufmann’s Clock-check out that cobblestone! 

What will the celebration have in store?  (Pun intended: this event is being thrown by Macy’s, which took over the Kaufmann’s flagship department store—but saved the clock—in 2006.)  Hundreds of Macy’s giveaways, the chance to meet Mr. Rogers’ own Mr. McFeely, and a themed street carnival, to name a few!   Check out Macy’s website for the full schedule of events!

[youngburghers]

Film burghers,

Pittsburgh has been the chosen location for a lot of films, and for good reason!  Pittsburgh has a small town feel with big city amenities, is home to the most welcoming hometown a visiting film crew could ask for, and has some pretty visually breath-taking views. 

And it looks even better on film!  Check out this awesome compilation of Pittsburgh film footage used to create "Pittsburgh: The Movie".

YB gives it 5 stars!

[youngburghers]

Running Burghers,

The time has come!  In just 1 day 20 hours 13 minutes and 23 seconds (thanks race day counter) the Pittsburgh Marathon will be upon us.  The Pittsburgh Marathon is one of my favorite events in the burgh because no matter what your role (runner, walker, volunteer, cheering squad) it is a fun, exhilarating and inspiring day for all. Every year it reminds me what a supportive and community-driven city we live in.  

My absolute favorite part of this event, however, is the stories.  People run marathons for all kinds of different reasons.  Maybe they are fulfilling a lifelong goal, honoring a loved one who past away, or overcoming a difficult personal obstacle. This year I am running the Half Marathon for a reason, and I want to share my story.

In February I started doing a one-woman improvised talk show at the Steel City Improv Theater.  The show is called "That's What Jeanne Said! LIVE," and features a fictional yinzer character named Jeanne Tonucci whose life ambition is to be a “lady of the media.”  As a Pittsburgh girl, Jeanne would love nothing more than to be on KDKA one day (fingers crossed!).

 After a few live shows I thought there might be something more active for Jeanne to do, and that's when I decided to run the half marathon, AS JEANNE, on behalf of the local chapter of Girls on the Run.

This project has been a total blast.  In the 8 weeks that I've been training, I have not only gotten into shape, but I've produced 7 short That's What Jeanne Said! ON THE RUN videos and have had the opportunity to learn more about Girls on the Run and the women who work there.  

Girls on the Run is a fantastic organization, and so far we have raised $1,330 for the local chapter!  It has been a really inspiring 8 weeks, and I can't wait to run this Sunday (AS JEANNE... there will be videos, so stay tuned!) on behalf of my show, Girls on the Run, and the city of Pittsburgh. Cue the adrenaline rush!  

If you're not running, I really recommend checking out the race.  Being a spectator is just as fun!  Live music, gatorade, costumes, and maybe even some pierogies!  Hope to see you out there!

For more information about That's What Jeanne Said! visit the facebook page or check out more videos on Jeanne's vimeo channel.

[youngburghers]

The Exquisite Corpse is a comedy. No, a drama.  No, it's a comedy/drama/thriller/action/buddy picture/heist/documentary. 

Categorizing this project may be unreasonable because The Exquisite Corpse is an extremely unique and impressive undertaking. The film follows the journey of a sketch/improv comedy group called Olde English as they attempt to write a feature-length film.  But there's a trick! Each member wrote 15 pages each, but before writing their section of the script, they were only allowed to read the previous 5 pages.  And when they finished, they produced that movie.  The whole thing is interwoven with behind-the-scenes glimpses at the collaboration process. 

This project not only promises a really quirky and one-of-a kind storyline, but includes footage of how the film was made that are guaranteed to answer the many questions you probably have rattling around in you head about how a project like this is even possible.  I'm coming up with questions as I type.  Question 1: Was any of this film shot in Pittsburgh?  Question 2:  If no, why not?

The screening (featuring a Q&A with the filmmakers) is one night only on May 7th, but in order for this screening to happen they 30 more ticket reservations in the next 5 hours or it will be cancelled.  Noooooooooo!!!!!!!!

I just ran to get my wallet (to and from the next room, whew!) and made my reservation.  You should do the same.  RUN, BURGHERS, RUN!!!

The Exquisite Corpse - One time only screening

7:30 on May 7th at The AMC Loews Waterfront 22

Tickets are available here: http://www.tugg.com/events/3850

For more info visit Olde English's website.

[youngburghers]

YB Hotspots: 3 Brilliant Yoga Deals in the Burgh!

           Yoga is great for relaxation, focus, and strength.  Do it on the cheap at the following locations around the city…

What: Yoga Chill Sundays

Where: GLCC, 210 Grant Street, Downtown When: Every Sunday from 4:30-5:30PM How Much? $5

What: Lululemon Complimentary Yoga Class

Where: Lululemon, 5520 Walnut Street, Shadyside

When: Every Sunday from 10-11AM

How Much? FREE!

What: Yoga With Phyllis

Where: Carnegie Library, 5801 Forbes Avenue, Squirrel Hill   

When: Every Tuesday (5:30-7PM) and Saturday (10-11:30PM)

How Much? FREE!

And a bonus: starting June 1st, every Saturday (10-11AM) and Monday (12-1PM) there will be FREE outdoor yoga in Schenley Plaza in Oakland.  Hooray!

[youngburghers]

It’s Pittsburgh Craft Beer Week!  Now through Saturday, celebrate our city’s local brews by enjoying beer tastings and events across the Burgh.  East End Brewing, Penn Brewery, Church Brew Works, All Saints Brewing, Full Pint Brewing, Helltown Brewing, Rivertowne, Rock Bottom and Arsenal Cider will all be represented—so go out to support your favorite, or try something new!  You can even get your own PCBW tee shirt to make the celebration official!

Find the full listing of daily events here.

[youngburghers]

If you like books, people, or things that are amazing, pay attention. 

This Thursday, 04/18, City of Asylum is hosting BOULET, a free (FREE!) event featuring a reading by Gilles Roussel, a French cartoonist who goes by the pen name Boulet.  Joining Boulet are local cartoonists Jim Rugg and Jasen Lex of the Boing Boing podcast, “Tell Me Something I Don’t Know,” which interviews artists about how and why they do what they do.

The event will be held at 7PM by City of Asylum at 300 Sampsonia Way in Pittsburgh’s North Side.  Tickets will cost you a sweet nothing, but space is limited so you’re encouraged to reserve yourself a spot.  To get some background on the night’s guests before the show, check out Boulet’s blog and the Tell Me Something I Don’t Know Show now.  Right now.

City of Asylum is one of the coolest communities in Pittsburgh.  Inspired by the plight of the Iranian writer Salmon Rushide, who was forced to flee his country to avoid execution for his work, City of Asylum strives to create a home away from home for endangeredliterary writers.  Today, they’ve been able to offer sanctuary to writers from countries including China, El Salvador, Burma and Venezuela, right here in Pittsburgh.  To learn more about City of Asylum, check out their website, and keep your eyes open for their new literary venue, community center and book shop Alphabet City, to open on West North Avenue, beginning construction soon.

[youngburghers]

YB Hotspot: Blue Slide Park

Confession:  I used to think that the “Blue Slide” portion of the Blue Slide Playground in Frick Park was the group of royal blue slides on the jungle gyms.  For locals enjoying a nice face palm right now, yeah.  For anyone who isn’t familiar with Frick Park or the playground, let me explain.

The Blue Slide Playground is legendary amongst local children.  I first heard about the playground five years ago, getting directions to go to a production of Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks, which performs annually right across the path.  In my defense, it’s a big playground, and there are a lot of blue slides.  I’d reached my destination, and I didn’t think to explore any further.

 It was only recently that I discovered that, while I’ve been to that same area dozens of times since, I had never actually seen the famous blue slide.  It isn’t on the jungle gyms at all, but behind them, carved into the ground on a hill.  It’s also the inspiration for Pittsburgh born rapper Mac Miller’s first album, “Blue Slide Park.”

        This weekend I went to the park for the first time with the intention of exploring the playground.  And by exploring, I mean playing in.  And on.  And under.  And it was extraordinarily and absurdly fun.  And I’m a grown woman.  I do my own taxes.

Spring is here.  The sun is shining.  The park is free, and beautiful, so you have no excuse not to go and play.  A few tips: obviously, you don’t want to go when kids are there, because then if you take up adult time on the equipment, you’re a jerk.  So go at the end of the day.  Also, consider wearing slick pants.  Hear me out on this one: I was wearing yoga pants and my friend was wearing khakis.  Guess who got better speed going down that slide?  Yeah, this kid.  I mean adult.

I mean kid.

[youngburghers]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. ROGERS!

Autotune likes Mr. Rogers.

The Emmys like Mr. Rogers.

Even Joan Rivers likes Mr. Rogers. 

It's just so easy to like Mr. Rogers.  

To celebrate what would have been Mr. Rogers' 85th birthday, the Children's Museum is hosting "Mr. Rogers Day".

Stop by for free admission into the Museum and see Mr. Rogers' trolly, all of the puppets from the neighborhood, and a special visit from Mr. McFeely.

[youngburghers]

The only time I ever caught myself on fire, I was spending a typical Saturday afternoon as my high school self, sitting alone in my basement watching a musical on VHS and making pysanky.  In case you forgot, pysanky are Ukrainian dyed eggs.  And they’re awesome.  (Much like my high school self.)

The intricate colors and designs on pysanky come from covering the eggs in hot wax after each round of dying to secure each layer of color.  At the end, you burn off all of the wax and reveal your creation.  It must have been a particularly rousing moment in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers when I knocked my wax-burning candle off the table, because it was the smell of burning pink fuzzy slipper that first alerted me to the problem.

Small fires aside, if pysanky sounds like a good time to you (and it should, because it’s super fun), your chance to experience it yourself is coming up this Saturday!  Of course, there are a ton of St. Patrick’s Day events happening all of the city this weekend, but if you’re looking to do something a little different this year, you’ve got to check out the Ukrainian Easter Egg Making Workshop held at Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church on 220 Mansfield Boulevard in Carnegiethis Saturday, 03/16, at 12PM.  The $20 fee covers all of your supplies and it’s as easy as calling Michael at 412.527.5359 to make your reservation. 

Ifyou can’t make it this weekend, Saints Peter & Paul will be hosting the 47th Annual Ukrainian Easter Egg Show next weekend, on Sunday, 03/24, from 11AM-4PM.  There will be basket raffles, door prizes, more kielbasa than you could dream off, and of course, plenty of beautiful eggs.