Fall'in for Pittsburgh

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/5/a/2/600_276402402.jpeg Pittsburgh. It seems like you're always making news and Top 10 lists garnering both national and international acclaim. Whether it is business, art, or fun -- many just can't seem to get enough, while finding themselves falling in love with our region!

Taking just one example: Did you know that on September 27, a 40-foot Rubber Duck designed by the internationally renowned Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman will be making its very first appearance anywhere in the United States -- visiting us at the Point for one month after wowing millions in Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Belgium, Osaka, Sydney, and Sao Paulo.

So what makes this Dutch artist say yes to Pittsburgh (while turning down other cities) while also being selected to kick off the remarkable Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts. Imagine Pittsburgh audiences being 'first in line' to experience art never before presented in the U.S. until now ... with an eclectic mix of 11 acclaimed theater, dance, music and visual arts handpicked from around the world.

Whether you have recently moved here or are a lifelong Pittsburgher looking to meet new people and learn more about great events coming up and the creative pioneering spirit of the region, please join us as we highlight "Fall'in for Pittsburgh" with our panel of experts as they provide behind-the-scenes insights about what makes Pittsburgh special.

This event also includes networking along with lively jazz/blues performed by vocalist Jessica Lee, Mark Strickland (guitar), Jay Willis (sax), Dave Pellow (bass) along with other musicians.

Our panelists include:

1. Veronica Corpuz, Director of Festival Management and Special Projects, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust http://www.pifof.org/about/ and www.pgharts.org (http://www.pgharts.org/)

Veronica will discuss the Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts (PIFOF) and give an overview of 11 intriguing performances and art installations making U.S. premieres (September 27-October 26), as well as a few words about what draws these cutting edge arts organizations to Pittsburgh. Veronica will also discuss the exciting 2013-2014 seasons of the PNC Broadway Series and Pittsburgh Dance Council which also kicks off this fall.

2) Rob Zellers, Director of Education & Outreach, Pittsburgh Public Theater http://www.ppt.org

On October 6, Rob will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2013 Pittsburgh New Works Festival Gala. In addition to running outstanding programs engaging youth and helping cultivate aspiring playwrights, actors, and directors, Rob is also an accomplished playwright, who had a fantastic world premiere "Harry's Friendly Service" in 2009 as well as co-wrote "The Chief" with Gene Collier in 2003. Rob will also be telling us about the new 2013-2014 Masterpiece-themed season at The Public which also kicks off this fall.

3) Melissa LuVisi, Co-Founder, Treading Art http://treadingart.com

Melissa actually moved to Pittsburgh from Northern California about a year ago, and so she'll be speaking about her experiences since moving here and what has surprised her about the region. Treading Art (TA) is an online cultural resource providing coverage on lots of exciting events, as well as provides business expertise to aid clients with event programming, exposure needs, marketing, and public engagement. Melissa will also discuss Treading Art's upcoming Discover Pittsburgh series during October 3-7 with a free and open to the public program of events highlighting Pittsburgh’s cultural resurgence. http://treadingart.com/DISCOVERPITTSBURGH

We hope you’ll be able to join us as we discuss what is coming up this fall as well as what is attracting so many talented people to Pittsburgh! With all of the revitalization happening downtown and other neighborhoods, new people and companies re-locating here, new business startups, as well as all of the national/international recognition coming Pittsburgh's way. It is all very exciting!

To check out the Little E's Menu http://littleesjazz.com/littlees_menu.pdf

Little E's http://littleesjazz.com (http://littleesjazz.com/)

There will also be complimentary hors d'oeuvres along with beer/wine and cocktail specials.

And the cover charge is only $5 which helps support the musicians.