The Pittsburgh Cultural Arts Meetup Group

Mon, Oct 27 · 7:00 PM EDT

Author Jess Walter - So Far Gone novel, lecture, audience Q&A, and book signing

Carnegie Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, US

Please join Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures as they welcome Jess Walter to discuss his latest book So Far Gone.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beautiful Ruins—and in the propulsive spirit of Charles Portis’ True Grit—comes a hilarious, empathetic, and brilliantly provocative adventure through life in modern America, about a reclusive journalist forced back into the world to rescue his kidnapped grandchildren.

Rhys Kinnick has gone off the grid. At Thanksgiving a few years back, a fed-up Rhys punched his conspiracy-theorist son-in-law in the mouth, chucked his smartphone out a car window and fled for a cabin in the woods, with no one around except a pack of hungry raccoons. Now Kinnick’s old life is about to land right back on his crumbling doorstep. Can this failed husband and father, a man with no internet and a car that barely runs, reemerge into a broken world to track down his missing daughter and save his sweet, precocious grandchildren from the members of a dangerous militia?

With the help of his caustic ex-girlfriend, a bipolar retired detective, and his only friend (who happens to be furious with him), Kinnick heads off on a wild journey through cultural lunacy and the rubble of a life he thought he’d left behind. So Far Gone is a rollicking, razor-sharp, and moving road trip through a fractured nation, from a writer who has been called “a genius of the modern American moment” (Philadelphia Inquirer).

So Far Gone is available to pre-order through White Whale Bookstore in the lobby along with many books by other authors that have been part of the Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures series. After the lecture, there will be a book signing with author Jess Walter in the Music Hall Foyer.

TICKETS

In person tickets start at $31 for the upper balcony (where it is easy for a group to sit together when purchasing at the door) Jess Walter - Pittsburgh | Official Ticket Source | Carnegie Music Hall | Mon, Oct 27, 2025, 7:30pm | Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures Tickets may also be purchased by phone (412) 622-8866 or at the door starting at 6:30 PM,

Online tickets are $31 Jess Walter Online - Pittsburgh | Official Ticket Source | Online Event | Mon, Oct 27, 2025, 7:30pm | Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures The viewing link will be emailed on the day of the event. Viewers will have access to the recorded program for one week.

Parking While many visitors find street parking, the Carnegie Museum has plenty of parking which is conveniently located near the museum entrance at the corner of Forbes Ave & S. Craig Street. Here is a link with more info about parking and directions http://cmoa.org/visit/directions-maps-parking/

Mon, Nov 10 · 7:00 PM EST

Author & TV Host Padma Lakshmi -- lecture with audience Q&A discussion

Carnegie Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, US

Please join Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures as they welcome Padma Lakshmi
who will discuss her latest book, Padma's All American

Based on the award-winning Hulu series Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi.

“I never had to leave the country to taste the world’s flavors. Wherever you live, come along with me.”

This book is a love letter to the people who create and evolve American cuisine every day. It is also a road map to the foods that give America its vibrant palate.

When Padma Lakshmi arrived in New York City in the 1970s, she witnessed firsthand the cuisines of the immigrant communities around her: uniquely their own and yet quintessentially American. Here, in this very personal book—the result of seven years of traveling and tasting, listening and observing for her show Taste the Nation—Lakshmi compiles dozens of recipes from the immigrant and Indigenous communities she visits, as well as many from her own family, showing us what really comprises American cuisine.

For Lakshmi, food is a lens. Through it, we can explore the influence of an eclectic array of cultures—and come to see, clearly, who we are and how we eat as a nation. Padma’s All American gives us a kaleidoscopic view of the vast range of incredible dishes she delighted in tasting on her travels, from coast to coast, and everywhere in-between.
From Indian coconut rice and Peruvian tamales with chicken to Afghani dumplings with leeks and scallions—from Oaxacan mushroom tacos to a strawberry, cardamom and cream cake that will be your new favorite celebration treat—Padma’s All American is filled with mouth-watering recipes, adapted here for the home cook—along with profiles and stories from the people who inspired the dishes. Padma’s All American is a joyful book—a reflection of who we truly are as a nation, from one of our most essential culinarians.

Padma Lakshmi is an Emmy-nominated food expert, television producer, and New York Times bestselling author. She is the creator of the critically-acclaimed Hulu series Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi, and served as host and executive producer of Bravo’s Top Chef for nineteen seasons. She is co-founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America, a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador and an ACLU Artist Ambassador for immigrants’ rights and women’s rights. She is the author of Easy Exotic, Tangy, Tart, Hot & Sweet, The Encyclopedia of Spices & Herbs, her New York Times best-selling memoir Love, Loss, and What We Ate, and the best-selling children’s book Tomatoes for Neela.

Padma's All American is available to pre-order through bookseller White Whale Bookstore that will be set-up in the lobby with many books available for purchase by other authors that have been part of the Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures series.

TICKETS Because this lecture may sell out, it is recommended people purchase in person tickets by November 7. For online tickets (see below), it us OK to wait until the day of the lecture.
In person tickets start at $31 for the upper balcony (where it is easier for a group to sit together) Padma Lakshmi - Pittsburgh | Official Ticket Source | Carnegie Music Hall | Mon, Nov 10, 2025, 7:30pm | Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures Tickets may also be purchased by phone (412) 622-8866 or at the door starting at 6:30 PM

Online tickets are $31 Padma Lakshmi Online - Pittsburgh | Official Ticket Source | Online Event | Mon, Nov 10, 2025, 7:30pm | Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures The viewing link will be emailed on the day of the event. Viewers will have access to the recorded program for one week.

Parking While many visitors find street parking, the Carnegie Museum has plenty of parking which is conveniently located near the museum entrance at the corner of Forbes Ave & S. Craig Street. Here is a link with more info about parking and directions http://cmoa.org/visit/directions-maps-parking/

Fri, Nov 14 · 6:30 PM EST

"Fellow Travelers" with 65% off discount tickets and Cast Q&A

Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh, PA, US

Fellow Travelers
Music by Gregory Spears
Libretto by Greg Pierce
Based on the novel by Thomas Mallon
NOVEMBER 14, 15, 16, 2025 at the Byham Theater

The Red Scare, tinted lavender.

At the height of the McCarthy era, naive college graduate Timothy Laughlin comes to Washington eager to join the crusade against communism. But a chance encounter with a handsome State Department official, Hawkins Fuller, leads to Tim’s first job—and his first relationship with a man.

Under the threat of increased government scrutiny, this complicated and clandestine affair will put both men’s loyalties and convictions to the ultimate test. As the poisonous political climate pollutes their relationship, love becomes a casualty of what it takes to “play the game” in Washington.

Based on Thomas Mallon’s 2007 gut-wrenching novel, Fellow Travelers was praised as “a near-perfect example of fast-flowing musical drama” by The New York Times and is already widely considered a contemporary classic.

Antony Walker conducts. Brian Staufenbiel directs.

This is also a unique opportunity to experience Pittsburgh Opera inside the Byham Theater.

Understand Every Word: Fellow Travelers is sung in English with English translations projected above the stage at all performances.

Meetup Ticket Discount Offer
With promo code “POMEETUP” Meetup members can purchase discounted tickets of $50 (regularly $143) or $17 (regularly $45) for the Friday, November 14th, 7 pm performance.

With this link the discount is pre-applied (where discount seats are shown the Orchestra Floor but if you click on the theater map, you can see discount seats in the Balcony as well) - http://www.culturaldistrict.org/promotion/apply?promotion_code=POMEETUP If you have any questions, please contact Wendy Parkulo, Group Services Manager, PITTSBURGH OPERA at 412-281-0912 x 213

There are a limited number of discounted seats. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and are not for sale at the box office.

This is a very generous offer and a wonderful opportunity to experience opera, especially for those that perhaps have never checked out classic opera before. Naturally, this offer is not intended to be a substitute for Pittsburgh Opera 2025-2026 subscriptions which have many benefits.

For more information about this production, including review articles, audio/video previews, cast info, etc., please visit FELLOW TRAVELERS | Pittsburgh Opera

PRE-SHOW DISCUSSION Tickets include a very interesting pre-show discussion (with colorful study guide) one hour before each performance. Thus, we can meet inside the Byham Theater at 6 PM (Friday, November 14) for this discussion.

AFTER-SHOW Cast Q&A Discussion After the show, please feel free to stay inside the Byham Theater where cast members will discuss their experiences along with some insight about their training, other performances they've been doing around the world, their fun experiences while visiting Pittsburgh, etc. These cast Q&A discussions are often very funny and engaging. This is also a chance to see these opera stars out of costume and actually being quite down-to-earth in addition to their remarkable talents. These Q&A discussions last 30-60 minutes, including a chance for photos and autographs if desired.
The Meetup ticket offer is a really good deal, so think about treating yourself and family/friends for a truly memorable evening.

For more information about this production, including review articles, audio/video previews, cast info, etc., please visit FELLOW TRAVELERS | Pittsburgh Opera

And if you can't make it on November 14 with the Meetup ticket offer, please consider attending one of the other performances.

Friday, November 14 at 7 PM
Saturday, November 15 at 7 PM
Sunday, November 16 at 2 PM

Normally priced tickets and ticket availability for all performances may be found at FELLOW TRAVELERS | Pittsburgh Opera or by calling (412) 456-6666 or stopping by the Theater Square/Byham Box Office. Please note there is a 50% discount for students 18 and under.

Parking Here is the ParkPGH website with real-time info on downtown parking garage availability or call 412-423-8980.

Please note that the next Gallery Crawl also takes place on Friday, November 14 from 5:30-10 PM. It is highly recommended people arrive early downtown (e.g., to find parking) and enjoy some of the Gallery Crawl festivities before or after the "Fellow Travelers" opera.

Sat, Nov 22 · 11:45 AM EST

November Song Shop Concert, Pittsburgh Walk of Fame & Strip District lunch

Pittsburgh Opera in the Strip, 2425 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, US

Please join us for a free concert (performed by Pittsburgh Opera's incredibly talented Resident Artist singers) as we also welcome new members to the Meetup group.

There will also be free coffee/tea and cookies.

The free, informal Song Shops feature Pittsburgh Opera's Resident Artists. Beginning at 12:00 PM on selected Saturdays, these one-hour performances are free, fun, and open to everyone. Guests are encouraged to bring a friend and bring a lunch. FRIENDS of Pittsburgh Opera provide a reception after each Song Shop concert. Doors open at 11:30AM.

Attracting about 200 people each month, these free performances feature Pittsburgh Opera's Resident Artists for one-hour concerts to help showcase upcoming productions during Pittsburgh Opera's 2025-2026 season.

Free Family-Friendly Concert

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

This free performance takes place at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters, 2425 Liberty Avenue in the Strip. It's free and open to everyone. However, to assist with logistics, please register in advance November Song Shop 2025

Doors open at 11:30 AM.

Please note that the Pittsburgh Opera garage is available only for handicapped parking, by reservation. Handicapped parking reservations must be made by 4 PM Friday, November 21.

For more information about Pittsburgh Opera

So whether you're curious or just looking to take a little break while shopping in the Strip, please consider stopping by Pittsburgh Opera to enjoy their resident artists as they sing classics to give guests a little taste of opera.

And if you're relatively new to Meetup, this is a nice event to meet people in a very relaxed, convenient setting. Because the concert ends at 1 PM, your Saturday afternoon will still be open. Depending on the RSVPs, weather, and interests of the group, some people may go out for an optional lunch or walk around the Strip District.

Options for Spending Time After the Concert

1. If the weather is nice, walk over to the new Pittsburgh Walk of Fame with the installation of the first 10 stars (dedicated on October 20, 2025) near 19th and Smallman.
2. Lunch within a few blocks from the Pittsburgh Opera location.
3. Heinz History Center & Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum (1212 Smallman Street)

Parking There are several websites with recommendations for parking in the Strip District, such as Strip District Neighbors | Pittsburgh Pennsylvania | Directions & Parking

The Strip District is readily accessible with PRT Buses 54, 86, 87, 88, and 91 which have stops near the corner of 25th and Liberty which is directly across from the Pittsburgh Opera location.