- An Evening with Ed Yong, Pulitzer Prize-winning authorCarnegie Music Hall, Pittsburgh, PA
Please join Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures as they welcome Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Ed Yong for a fascinating evening.
"A moth will never know what a zebra finch hears in its song, a zebra finch will never feel the electric buzz of a black ghost knifefish, a knifefish will never see through the eyes of a mantis shrimp, a mantis shrimp will never smell the way a dog can, and a dog will never understand what it is to be a bat. We will never fully do any of these things either, but we are the only animal that can try.”
Ed Yong, An Immense WorldAs humans, we experience the world around us from our own fixed perspectives. Have you ever considered what a human looks like to an elephant? Or how the world around you might sound if you were a bird?
The earth teems with sights and textures, sounds and vibrations, smells and tastes, electric and magnetic fields. But every kind of animal, including humans, is enclosed within its own unique sensory bubble, perceiving but a tiny sliver of our immense world. Funny, rigorous, and suffused with the joy of discovery, An Immense World takes us on what Marcel Proust called “the only true voyage . . . not to visit strange lands, but to possess other eyes.”Ed Yong is a Pulitzer Prize–winning science writer whose work for The Atlantic earned him the George Polk Award for science reporting, among other honors. His first book, I Contain Multitudes, was a New York Times bestseller and won numerous awards. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, National Geographic, Wired, The New York Times, Scientific American, and more.
TICKETS
In person tickets range from $30-$43 Adults and $15 Students (with promo code LS24STUDENT) Ed Yong In Person - Pittsburgh | Official Ticket Source | Carnegie Music Hall | Mon, Apr 29, 2024, 7:30pm | Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures (culturaldistrict.org) Tickets may also be purchased by phone (412) 622-8866 or at the door starting at 6:30 PMOnline tickets are $18 Ed Yong - Online Access - Pittsburgh | Official Ticket Source | Online Event | Mon, Apr 29, 2024, 7:30pm | Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures (culturaldistrict.org) The viewing link will be emailed to you on the day of the event. Viewers will have access to the recorded program for one week, expiring after May 6, 2024.
- "The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson" 57-64% off discount tickets and Cast Q&AByham Theater, Pittsburgh, PA
The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson
Play by Sandra Seaton / Original music by Carlos Simon / Additional Music from Carmen by Georges Bizet / Text for original music by Sandra Seaton. Based on a true story.
April 27, 30 & May 3,5, 2024
Byham TheaterPittsburgh’s unsung heroine who taught America to sing
In 1943, the National Negro Opera Company is set to perform on a floating barge to evade racially-segregated venues. But when bad weather threatens—pushing the performance to a segregated performance hall—visionary impressaria Mary Cardwell Dawson must find a way forward.Mary Cardwell Dawson’s dream to provide access for African Americans to perform on stages for all audiences changed the future of opera. Having founded the longest-running, all-Black opera company here in Pittsburgh and organizing opera guilds in the country’s biggest cities, Mary Cardwell Dawson would go on to train hundreds of African American youth to sing.
Written by Mark Twain Award-winning playwright and librettist Sandra Seaton, "The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson" celebrates the remarkable founder of Pittsburgh’s historic and groundbreaking National Negro Opera Company. This play with music includes selections from Carmen as well as original music by award-winning Kennedy Center Composer-in-Residence Carlos Simon.
Commissioned by The Glimmerglass Festival
Understand Every Word: "The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson" is sung in French and English with English translations projected above the stage at all performances.
Meetup Ticket Discount Offer
With promo code “POMEETUP” Meet Up members can purchase discounted tickets of $40 (regularly $120) or $20 (regularly $56.25) or $12 (regularly $28) for either the Tuesday, April 30th, 7 pm or Friday, May 1st, 7:30 pm performance.There are a limited number of discounted seats. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and are not for sale at the box office. With this link the discount is pre-applied (where discount seats are shown the Orchestra Level 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 213This 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 2023-2024 subscriptions which have many benefits.
For more information about this production, including review articles, audio/video previews, cast info, etc., please visit THE PASSION OF MARY CARDWELL DAWSON | Pittsburgh Opera
If you prefer Friday, May 3, please RSVP to the other Meetup posting "The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson" 57-64% off tickets, Fri, May 3, 2024, 7:00 PM | Meetup
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 at 6 PM (Tuesday, April 30) for this discussion.
AFTER-SHOW Cast Q&A Discussion After the show, please feel free to stay 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.
And if you can't make it on April 30 or May 1 with the Meetup ticket offer, please consider attending one of the other "The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson" performances.
Saturday, April 27 at 8 PM
Tuesday, April 30 at 7 PM
Friday, May 3 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, May 5 at 2 PM
Normally priced tickets and ticket availability for all performances may be found at THE PASSION OF MARY CARDWELL DAWSON | Pittsburgh Opera or by calling (412) 456-6666 or stopping by the Theater Square/Byham Box Office.
Parking Here is the ParkPGH website with real-time info on downtown parking garage availability or call 412-423-8980.
- "The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson" 57-64% off ticketsByham Theater, Pittsburgh, PA
The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson
Play by Sandra Seaton / Original music by Carlos Simon / Additional Music from Carmen by Georges Bizet / Text for original music by Sandra Seaton. Based on a true story.
April 27, 30 & May 3,5, 2024
Byham TheaterPittsburgh’s unsung heroine who taught America to sing
In 1943, the National Negro Opera Company is set to perform on a floating barge to evade racially-segregated venues. But when bad weather threatens—pushing the performance to a segregated performance hall—visionary impressaria Mary Cardwell Dawson must find a way forward.Mary Cardwell Dawson’s dream to provide access for African Americans to perform on stages for all audiences changed the future of opera. Having founded the longest-running, all-Black opera company here in Pittsburgh and organizing opera guilds in the country’s biggest cities, Mary Cardwell Dawson would go on to train hundreds of African American youth to sing.
Written by Mark Twain Award-winning playwright and librettist Sandra Seaton, "The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson" celebrates the remarkable founder of Pittsburgh’s historic and groundbreaking National Negro Opera Company. This play with music includes selections from Carmen as well as original music by award-winning Kennedy Center Composer-in-Residence Carlos Simon.
Commissioned by The Glimmerglass Festival
Understand Every Word: "The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson" is sung in French and English with English translations projected above the stage at all performances.
Meetup Ticket Discount Offer
With promo code “POMEETUP” Meet Up members can purchase discounted tickets of $40 (regularly $120) or $20 (regularly $56.25) or $12 (regularly $28) for either the Tuesday, April 30th, 7 pm or Friday, May 1st, 7:30 pm performance.There are a limited number of discounted seats. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and are not for sale at the box office. With this link the discount is pre-applied (where discount seats are shown the Orchestra Level 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 213This 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 2023-2024 subscriptions which have many benefits.
For more information about this production, including review articles, audio/video previews, cast info, etc., please visit THE PASSION OF MARY CARDWELL DAWSON | Pittsburgh Opera
If you prefer Tuesday, April 30, please RSVP to the other Meetup posting "The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson" 57-64% off tickets and Cast Q&A, Tue, Apr 30, 2024, 6:30 PM | Meetup
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 at 6 PM (Friday, May 3) for this discussion.
The Meetup ticket offer is a really good deal, so think about treating yourself and family/friends for a truly memorable evening.
And if you can't make it on April 30 or May 1 with the Meetup ticket offer, please consider attending one of the other "The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson" performances.
Saturday, April 27 at 8 PM
Tuesday, April 30 at 7 PM
Friday, May 3 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, May 5 at 2 PM
Normally priced tickets and ticket availability for all performances may be found at THE PASSION OF MARY CARDWELL DAWSON | Pittsburgh Opera or by calling (412) 456-6666 or stopping by the Theater Square/Byham Box Office.
Parking Here is the ParkPGH website with real-time info on downtown parking garage availability or call 412-423-8980.
- May Song Shop Concert & Strip District lunch optionPittsburgh Opera in the Strip, Pittsburgh, PA
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.
This concert is expected to include selections celebrating love and romance.
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 of each month, September 2023–May 2024, 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 2023-2024 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 May Song Shop Concert (typeform.com)
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, May 10.
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
- Lunch within a few blocks from the Pittsburgh Opera location.
- Heinz History Center & Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum (1212 Smallman Street)
Parking Here are several websites with recommendations for parking in the Strip District Parking | Strip District Neighbors and https://www.parkme.com/pittsburgh-parking/strip-district
The Strip District is readily accessible with PAT Buses 2, 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.
- Three Rivers Arts Festival (during May 31 - June 9)Cultural District, Pittsburgh, PA
The 65th annual Three Rivers Arts Festival takes place during May 31 - June 9 featuring hundreds of visual artists, musicians, live theatre, dance performances, film, etc. over a ten-day period at numerous locations throughout the Cultural District. With over 95 hours of programming and a variety of activities for people of all ages, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Meetup Considerations While this is a general posting for the entire 10-day festival, we'll also organize some specific Meetup events to check out artist booths, galleries, and public art as well as free concerts, live theatre, dance, film, and other performances.
Because people have different schedules, they will naturally be arriving and leaving at different times throughout the festival. It is not realistic to post comments asking where other people in the group are and expecting a timely response. Many people are there to enjoy the festival without feeling the need to constantly check their cell phones.
Please be mindful that most people are simply happy enough to say hi to whoever they already know -- and happen to run into -- as they walk around the festival.
Please be mindful that whenever gathering times/locations are provided for Meetup events, there is always a tradeoff as to how long people that show up 'on time' should be expected to 'wait around' for others that may or may not show up at a given time.
Please note that at any given time during the festival, there could be anywhere from 0-30+ people from Meetup enjoying the festivities although they'll be dispersed among thousands of people. Thus, you'll run into more Meetup members by walking around.
For the complete schedule of this year's Three Rivers Arts Festival along with maps, history, and more info, please visit https://traf.trustarts.org/
Of course, as always, it is also fine if you prefer to attend the festival on your own with family/friends.
Parking Here is the ParkPGH website with real-time info on downtown parking garage availability where you can also download apps, get garage availability via text messaging, etc. You can also call 412-423-8980.
Weather While many joke about the association of rain with the Three Rivers Arts Festival, please note that in any 10-day period throughout the year, odds are that at least a few days will have some precipitation. But in case of bad weather, we'll let people know if any outdoor festival concerts may be cancelled. In any case, the Three Rivers Arts Festival includes numerous indoor activities such as art galleries, live theatre, movies, etc.
Stay tuned for updates!
- Gallery CrawlCultural District - Multiple Locations, Pittsburgh, PA
Art. Music. Dance. Architecture. Film. Fun. FREE!
Gallery Crawl is produced by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and is a free, quarterly, multi-venue showcase of downtown’s dynamic art and entertainment scene. Dozens of galleries, stages, storefronts, and unique public spaces dot each installment’s 14-block map of destinations, hosting U.S. premieres of international multimedia artists, regional visual art exhibitions, live music, theater and dance performances, magic, film screenings, hands-on creative activities, and special crawl after dark attractions.
The July 26 Gallery Crawl schedule will be announced later this Summer. Of note is that the Gallery Crawl includes both indoor and outdoor activities.
MEETUP Considerations
- Stay tuned for updates on suggested gathering times/locations after the full Gallery Crawl schedule is announced along with consideration of the weather forecast. Of note is that the Gallery Crawl includes both indoor and outdoor activities.
- Please be mindful that not everyone's interests are the same -- so while some will spend more time listening to live music, others will walk around quickly to check out art galleries, get food, etc.
- The Gallery Crawl provides a wide variety of activities so there is something for everyone, whether people spend only 10 minutes or longer (20-30+ minutes) at each location.
- With many activities unfolding simultaneously, the Gallery Crawl is well suited for people to enjoy in smaller groups or on their own with family/friends.
- At any given time, there could be anywhere from 0-30+ people from Meetup dispersed among thousands (art enthusiasts, general public) attending the Gallery Crawl.
- Because everyone has different schedules, people will arrive and leave at different times. Thus, we'll try to have flexibility with suggested possible gathering times/locations. We'll check the weather forecast since the Gallery Crawl includes both outdoor and indoor venues.
- It is not realistic to post comments asking where other people in the group are and expecting a timely response. Many people enjoy the Gallery Crawl without feeling the need to constantly check cell phones -- and are simply happy enough when they run into people they know as they walk around.
- Please be mindful that when gathering times/locations are provided, people that show up 'on time' should not be expected to 'wait around' for others that may or may not show up at a given time.
Parking Here is the ParkPGH website with real-time info on downtown parking garage availability where you can download apps, get garage availability via text messaging, or call 412-423-8980.
- Three Rivers Regatta and Fort Pitt Museum (Date TBD)Point State Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Please note we're still waiting to see when the next Three Rivers Regatta will be scheduled.
With live music, art, boating, food, fireworks and family fun, the EQT Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta is where the Pittsburgh community come to celebrate the city we call home and the waterfront we love and depend on. You gotta come to Point State Park and help honor Pittsburgh’s renowned history, vibrant present and exciting future.
Don't miss the spectacular Sandsational Sand Sculpture which returns for the ninth straight year with a signature exhibit made of 150 tons of sand. Viewers can watch it all take shape in the days leading up to the festival in Point State Park. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and watch the creative process unfold.
Regatta Marketplace -- featuring unique, handmade wares from local artisans, like carefully-crafted jewelry, homemade candles, photographs, etc.
The Three Rivers Regatta includes Kids Zone activities along with AAA Travel to the Beach Kids Korner where a temporary seashore will be created along the Monongahela River side of the Point State Park river walk, and features beach toys. This beachfront oasis is a fun place for kids to build sandcastles, while parents chill out and take a beach break.
Other Activities
Frisbee Dog Stunt Shows
EQT "Power Your Future" Educational Exhibit
ALCOSAN 3 Rivers Proud Anything That Floats Race
Pittsburgh Paddlesports Championships
F-Lights Powerboat Racing
NGK Formula 1 Powerboat Racing
USA Jet-Ski Freestyle Championships
XPogo Stunt Shows
Red Bull Air Force Skydive
"Regatta Thunder" Fireworks DisplayMeetup Considerations
Because people will be arriving and leaving at different times, we'll incorporate some flexibility with some suggested possible gathering times/locations for Meetup members. We'll also have the option of getting some street food quickly or dining in nearby restaurants depending on the interests of the group.
We'll also have an option for the group to check out the Fort Pitt Museum https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/fort-pitt/ which has a modest admission charge as shown below:
Adults: $8
Senior Citizens (62+): $7
Retired & Active Duty Military: Receive $2 off of admission
Students with a valid school ID: $4.50
Children ages 6-17: $4.50
Children ages 5 and under: Free
Heinz History Center Members: FreeWe'll also have a chance to check out the nearby Fort Pitt Block House http://www.fortpittblockhouse.com/ which is free.
Depending on the weather, size and interests of the group, and how much time people have, we may also include an option for a group walking tour of nearby public art displays and various galleries downtown.
As always, it is also fine if you'd like to attend The Regatta on your own with family/friends instead.
We expect that at any given time, there could be anywhere from 5-40+ people from the Meetup enjoying the festivities -- but they'll be widely dispersed among the general public. Thus, you'll generally find more people from the group by walking around.
Parking Here is the ParkPGH website with real-time info on downtown parking garage availability http://parkpgh.org where you can also download apps, get garage availability via text messaging, etc. You can also call 412-423-8980.
Stay tuned for updates!
- SpokFrevo Orquestra (from Brazil) ... Hopefully, this show will be rescheduledByham Theater, Pittsburgh, PA
http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/c/8/c/600_418883692.jpeg
PLEASE NOTE: The concert that was originally planned on October 28, 2014 has been canceled. A reason wasn't given. Hopefully, it will be rescheduled another time. As soon as a new date is finalized, we'll let everyone know.
An astounding 17-piece big band from northeast Brazil, SpokFrevo Orquestra draws inspiration from frevo, a vibrant, old style of carnival music packed with high energy, driving rhythms, and infectious happiness. Directed by saxophonist Inaldo Cavalcante de Albuquerque, known as Maestro Spok, SpokFrevo Orquestra plays blistering new arrangements with carnivalesque abandon. Rows of trumpets, trombones, and saxophones are backed by a rhythm section of guitar, bass, kit drums, surdo (large drum usually associated with samba and samba reggae), and pandeiro (heavy tambourine).
SpokFrevo Orquestra draws inspiration from frevo, a vibrant music of elaborated arrangements and deep roots. SpokFrevo takes tradition to the center stage, but does not renounce allegiance to freedom. It relies on what jazz is all about: improvisation. Spok Frevo Orquestra takes frevo from its traditional supporting role at carnivals and presents it as the leading actor, shedding light on its original texture and complex technique – allowing room for artistic freedom and improvisation. With its inexhaustible energy and relentless, driving rhythms, “it would be difficult to find jazz music which is more infectious than fervor or more definitive of a region” (All About Jazz).
There are many videos if you do an internet search of this band. For example, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckAQ2SOWjqg
SpokFrevo Orquestra arose in 1996, initially with the name Banda Pernambucana. The band, now with 18 young and talented Pernambuco musicians, is leaded by the virtuous Inaldo Cavalcante de Albuquerque, also known as conductor Spok who accumulates the roles of saxophonist, arranger and music director. The musicians exploit the freedom of expression in improvisations with clear influence from the jazz. “Frevo is a unique rhythm, different from all others, cheerful and with a special magic: the one to transmit happiness,” Spok explains.
For more information, additional songs, videos, etc. about SpokFrevo Orquestra, please visit http://www.last.fm/music/Spok+Frevo+Orquestra
Tickets & Meetup Info
Regular tickets for this concert are in the range of $20-$45 depending on how close people would like to sit to the stage.
It does not appear that this concert will sell out -- so one option will be to gather at the Byham Theater Box Office and buy at the door especially for those that wish to sit together as a group. It is likely we'll also get a 10% discount. If anyone is interested in buying at the door and sitting together, please be at the Byham Theater Box Office between 6:45-7 PM before the box office gets too busy.
At 7 PM, we'll be in the Byham lobby near the bar area for a quick drink and mingling prior to the 7:30 PM concert. And we'll meet in the bar area again during intermission.
We'll monitor the ticket situation closely and let people know how many tickets may be available at the door or whether it is recommended everyone buy advance tickets (see below) if sales suddenly jump and it appears it might sell out.
If anyone is interested in meeting even earlier, the group can gather at the nearby Backstage Bar for a drink/food and free live jazz beginning at 5:30 PM. Then this group would have the option of buying tickets together at the adjacent Theater Square Box Office and then walking over to the Byham Theater a bit later on as long as you make it before the 7:30 PM concert.
To Buy Advance Tickets on Your Own
This option is for those that wish to pick their own seats (e.g., if you prefer sitting as close as possible to the stage) in advance. As always, it is also fine if you'd like attend on your own or with family/friends instead.
To buy advance tickets and check out seating options for $20-$45 tickets, please visit http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/performance/43168/tiers/show or you can stop by the Theater Square Box Office or call (412) 456-6666.
For more information about the show, please visit http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/performance/43168/tiers/show
Parking
Here is the ParkPGH website with real-time info on downtown parking garage availability http://parkpgh.org where you can also download apps, get garage availability via text messaging, etc. You can also call 412-423-8980.
http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/9/a/a/600_418895242.jpeg
Don't miss this lively concert from one of the most unique bands from Brazil!
Stay tuned for updates!