Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Brownsville Announces Halloween Parade Plans

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Charlie Perkins Phone: 724-970-7462


E-mail: charlieperkins@rocketmail.com

Borough of Brownsville

PARADE FOR GHOSTS, GOBLINS, AND MONSTERS

This year’s Halloween parade will be held at 12:00PM on Saturday Oct. 30th. Costumed Halloweeners are to assemble in the lot behind the Sunset Discount Store no later than 11:45AM

The Brownsville High School Band will lead the parade from the parking lot onto Brownsville Avenue to Charles St. to Bank St. to Water St. then down to the South Side Fire Hall for judging. Prizes will be awarded in age groups of infant to six years and seven to twelve years.

Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place costumes in various categories. All participants to receive a treat bag from the sponsors: the Brownsville Borough Council, Brownsville Area Chamber of Commerce, Brownsville Ambulance Service, Brownsville Rotary Club, Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation, other service organizations, and individuals of the community that are helping make this event possible.

For more information contact Charlie Perkins, 724-970-7462 or Teresa Hosler,  724-785-2617.

Friday, October 22, 2010

SBA Seeks Nominations for Awards Week

News Release


PITTSBURGH DISTRICT OFFICE


Release Date: October 12, 2010

Contact: Janet Heyl
(412) 395-6560
Janet.Heyl@sba.gov

Release Number: 11-01/PGH

Local nominations needed for annual Small Business Week Awards, help showcase a small business owner or advocate



PITTSBURGH – It’s time for a small business owner or advocate to take center stage.

Small businesses owners who are helping drive Western Pennsylvania’s economy can be nominated for the prestigious U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) annual Small Business Week awards competition.

Since 1963, the SBA has set aside a week – National Small Business Week – to honor the nation’s small business owners and advocates. Awards ceremonies, held on both local and national levels, are an ideal way for community leaders to honor small business owners who often are touted as the backbone of the nation’s economy.

For more information on the nomination process, including all necessary forms, please contact the Western Pennsylvania SBA District Office at 412-395-6560.

-30-

The U.S. Small Business Administration – helping small businesses start, grow and succeed.

Pink Martini Performs at the Byham

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Media Contact:

Veronica Corpuz
(412) 471-6082
corpuz@pgharts.org

Diana Roth
(412) 471-8717
roth@pgharts.org

Artwork available at http://pressroom.pgharts.org/?p=599


The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents

Pink Martini

Sunday, November 21, 2010, at 8 p.m.

Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street

Pittsburgh, PA: Drawing its inspiration from the romantic Hollywood musicals of the 1940s and 50s, while blending classical, jazz and global rhythms, Pink Martini performs on Sunday, November 21, 2010, at 8 p.m., at the Byham Theater. This concert is presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Opus One Productions, as part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series.

Founded in 1994 by bandleader/pianist Thomas Lauderdale in his hometown of Portland, Oregon, Pink Martini quickly became an international phenomenon after the success of its first song, “Sympathique”, which was nominated for “Song of the Year” at France’s Victoires de la Musique Awards. Since then, Pink Martini has performed on stages around the world, including sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl, as well as performances with the Boston Pops, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the BBC Orchestra in London, among other symphony orchestras.

Pink Martini’s newest album, Splendor in the Grass, draws inspiration from all over the world and continues Pink Martini’s spirit of global collaboration and inclusivity. "The retro-minded, multilingual, virtuosic musicians of Pink Martini gleefully trip across boundaries with each new album...Jam-packed with unlikely excavations, inspired collaborations, obscure covers, and lyrics in languages ranging from Japanese to Neapolitan, it’s a gift to music magpies the world over” (Interview Magazine).

“All of us in Pink Martini have studied different languages, as well as different styles of music from different parts of the world. Because of the diversity inside the band, there are endless ideas,” says Lauderdale on Pink Martini’s website. With their varying backgrounds and experiences, each of Pink Martini’s 12 musicians contributes to the group’s multicultural and multilingual repertoire. Band members include: Thomas M. Lauderdale (bandleader, piano); China Forbes (vocals); Robert Taylor (trombone); Gavin Bondy (trumpet); Brian Lavern Davis (congas, drums and percussion); Derek Rieth (percussion); Martín Zarzar (Latin percussion); Phil Baker (bass); Timothy Nishimoto (vocals, percussion); Nicholas Crosa (violin); Pansy Chang (cello); Dan Faehnle (guitar); and Maureen Love (harp).

“Pink Martini definitely is an original force in contemporary music even as it basks in eclectic nostalgia. It also bridges, better than any band in recent memory, the high-brow/pop culture divide” (The Washington Times).

Tickets ($47.75-$62.75) may be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square (655 Penn Avenue), online at www.pgharts.org, or by calling (412) 456-6666. To purchase 10 or more tickets at special discounted rates, please call (412) 471-6930.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support. The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh. In addition to the Trust Presents series, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series, Pittsburgh Dance Council, Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater and Children’s Festival, CD Live, JazzLive, First Night Pittsburgh, Gallery Crawl, and Three Rivers Arts Festival, among other Cultural District and arts events. The Trust owns Theater Square and the Cabaret at Theater Square; James E. Rohr Building & Arts Education Center; the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts; Byham, O’Reilly, and Harris Theaters; visual arts galleries: Wood Street Galleries, at 601 Wood Street; SPACE, at 812 Liberty Avenue and 937 Liberty: a multipurpose performance and exhibit space, among other downtown arts facilities. www.pgharts.org.
###

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Wicked Returns to the Benedum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 20, 2010


Veronica Corpuz, PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh

A division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

412-471-6082
corpuz@pgharts.org


BROADWAY’S BIGGEST BLOCKBUSTER

WICKED

TO RETURN TO

THE BENEDUM CENTER

SEPTEMBER 7 – OCTOBER 2, 2011

* * *

BY STEPHEN SCHWARTZ AND WINNIE HOLZMAN

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY GREGORY MAGUIRE

After breaking box office records and selling out in record time in 2005 and 2008, WICKED, Broadway’s biggest blockbuster, will return to the Benedum Center on September 7-October 2, 2011, as part of the PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh Series. Tickets for the return engagement will go on sale to the public next year. PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh subscribers may purchase tickets in advance from The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust by calling 412-471-1390. Groups of 20 or more may also purchase tickets in advance by calling 412-471-6930. PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh series is a presentation of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Broadway Across America and Pittsburgh Symphony. Visit pgharts.org for more information.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, Academy Award-winner for Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt) and book by Winnie Holzman (“My So Called Life,” “Once And Again” and “thirtysomething”), WICKED, the untold story of the witches of Oz, is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Take Me Out, Love! Valour! Compassion!, The Vagina Monologues) and features musical staging by Tony® Award winner Wayne Cilento (Aida, The Who’s Tommy, How To Succeed…).

Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED, winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards, is the untold story of the witches of Oz. It is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

Tickets are $35.25-$138.25. The performance schedule is as follows: Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m.; Sunday at 1:00 and 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, September 8, there will be a 1 p.m. matinee.

Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One – born with emerald-green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, and how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

WICKED has “cast quite a spell” (Washington Post) throughout North America, breaking box office records in every city that it has played, including Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Philadelphia and Boston to name a few.

Called “a cultural phenomenon” by Variety and named “the defining musical of the decade” by The New York Times, WICKED continues to thrill audiences around the world. There are currently seven productions of WICKED worldwide, including two North American tours, a Broadway production, London production, a Japanese-language production, a German-language production and Australian production. A Dutch-language production of WICKED will open in 2011.

WICKED features set design by Tony® Award winner Eugene Lee (Ragtime, Show Boat, Candide, Sweeney Todd), costume design by Tony® winner Susan Hilferty (Into the Woods, Assassins), lighting design by Tony® nominee Kenneth Posner (The Coast of Utopia, Hairspray) and sound design by Tony Meola (The Lion King). Stephen Oremus is the show’s musical director. Orchestrations are by William David Brohn, with dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott.

Grammy Award-Winning Cast recording available on Decca Broadway. For more information about WICKED log on to www.wickedthemusical.com.

*As a note to all calendar listing editors, the title of the show is WICKED (not WICKED: A New Musical or WICKED, the untold story of the witches of Oz).

Girls Night: The Musical at the Byham

Mix a bit of Desperate Housewives with Sex and the City and Mamma Mia!, and you’ve got the hit, Girls Night: The Musical!” - Las Vegas Round the Clock


GIRLS NIGHT: THE MUSICAL

comes to Pittsburgh’s Byham Theater for 3 performances.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Coming to the Byham Theater on November 5 & 6 for three performances, it’s GIRLS NIGHT: THE MUSICAL!

Audiences will share fun and laughter at this hilarious, feel-good comedy as five girlfriends go from heartbreak to happiness during a wild night at a karaoke bar. You don't need an excuse for a good time...so grab your sisters, friends and coworkers and prepare to dance in the aisles!

Girls Night: The Musical has earned rave reviews playing packed houses throughout the United Kingdom since 2003. It premiered in the U.S. in May 2007 and has toured across the country since then. It has been described as “Desperate Housewives meets Mamma Mia!” (Applause Magazine), “a boisterous, bust-out, bawdy musical revue,” (Wisconsin State Journal), “an infectious, exhilarating sense of intoxication!” (Hollywood Reporter) and “As funny and outrageous as ‘Sex and the City!” (The Advocate). Hilarious and touching, Girls Night: The Musical follows five friends in their 30s and 40s during a wild and outrageous girls night on the town.

Friends since their teens, they have all had their fair share of heartache and tragedy, joy and success. Among the characters are Carol, the party girl; blunt Anita who tells it like it is; Liza, with her marital (and eating) issues; boring Kate, the designated driver, and Sharon, the not-so-angelic angel who just couldn’t resist tagging along. Together, they reminisce about their younger days, celebrate their current lives and look to the future, all while belting out an array of classic anthems including “I Will Survive,” “Lady Marmalade,” “It’s Raining Men,” “Man, I Feel Like a Woman,” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”

Performances of GIRLS NIGHT: THE MUSICAL at the Byham Theater are November 5 at 8:00 p.m. and November 6 at 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. All tickets are $48. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit pgharts.org or call 412-456-6666. Groups of 10 or more call 412-471-6930 for discounted tickets.
# # #

Bombay Bellywood Comes to Pittsburgh

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Media Contact:

Veronica Corpuz
(412) 471-6082
corpuz@pgharts.org

Diana Roth
(412) 471-8717
roth@pgharts.org

Artwork available at http://pressroom.pgharts.org/?p=591

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents

Bellydance Superstars

in

Bombay Bellywood


Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at 7:30 p.m.
Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents the tantalizing and captivating Bellydance Superstars’ Bombay Bellywood on Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. at the Byham Theater. Experience the intensity and passion of this performance as the best dancers in the art of bellydance transport you to an exotic locale. Bellydance Superstars’ Bombay Bellywood is a bold interpretation of Bollywood that weaves traditional bellydance with Indian dance styles, brilliant costuming and emotive, infectious music. This performance is part of the 2010-2011 Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series.

Tickets ($20.75, $32.75, $37.75) for this performance of Bellydance Superstars can be purchased in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, by calling 412-456-6666, or online at www.pgharts.org. Groups of 10+ can purchase tickets by calling 412-471-6930.

Bellydance Superstars (BDSS) first performed in 2003 and was founded and produced by music executive Miles Copeland. Copeland is the former manager of R.E.M, Sting and The Police. In 1980, Rolling Stone called Copeland, the most successful “New Wave” entrepreneur in America. Copeland’s interest in bellydance began in 2002 when he sponsored a bellydance competition in Hollywood to promote an Arabic record. Bellydancers from around the country participated in the competition and from that point in time Copeland’s idea to promote a bellydance troupe on tour began one year later.

Bellydance Superstars features America's best-known, most sought-after bellydancers – many of whom are expert bellydance instructors. This premiere dance troupe is the only professional dance company of its kind on tour, making their performances and workshops popular affairs across the United States and around the world. The artists come from a variety of dance backgrounds ranging from Egyptian, Mexican, Latin, Classical Ballet, jazz and others.

Performing a cross-section of Tribal, Egyptian and Cabaret styles, the Bellydance Superstars will transport the audience to a distant time and place with this performance. Taking an ancient art form into the mainstream of current dance performance, Bellydance Superstars have garnered international acclaim from critics, instructors, dancers and fans alike.

Over half a million people saw Bellydance Superstars for the first time on the Lollapalooza rock tour in 2003. Since then, the dance troupe has performed at the famed Folies Bergère, Paris, in 2005 and has continued to tour throughout the word garnering rave reviews and sold out performances. The Bellydance Superstars have truly set a new standard for bellydance and proved, without a doubt, its wide appeal to Western audiences. Bellydance Superstars films have been televised on PBS, the Documentary Chanel and Direct TV-Latin America. In 2009, Bellydance Superstars performed in over 20 countries and over the years the group has taught workshops in the art of bellydance around the world.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support. The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh. In addition to the Trust Presents series, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series, Pittsburgh Dance Council, Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater and Children’s Festival, CD Live, JazzLive, First Night Pittsburgh, Gallery Crawl, and Three Rivers Arts Festival, among other Cultural District and arts events. The Trust owns Theater Square and the Cabaret at Theater Square; James E Rohr Building & Arts Education Center; the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts; Byham, O’Reilly, and Harris Theaters; visual arts galleries: Wood Street Galleries, at 601 Wood Street; SPACE, at 812 Liberty Avenue and 937 Liberty, a multipurpose performance and exhibit space, among other downtown arts facilities. http://www.pgharts.org/
###

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

South Pacific Touring Cast Evokes Passion and Emotion

The Seven-time 2008 TONY AWARD®-WINNING LINCOLN CENTER THEATER Production of

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S SOUTH PACIFIC

Directed by BARTLETT SHER

Announces Casting for Benedum Center in Pittsburgh


Bob Boyett and NETworks Presentations announce casting for the National Tour of The Lincoln Center Theater Production of Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein’s prize-winning musical SOUTH PACIFIC, directed by Bartlett Sher playing the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, November 2-7, 2010. SOUTH PACIFIC ispart of the PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh Series, presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Broadway Across America. For more information on the production, please visit www.SouthPacificOnTour.com.

Tickets start at $20 and are available at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, by phone at 412-456-6666 or online at pgharts.org. For group ticket sales (10 or more), please call 412-471-6930. SOUTH PACIFIC will play Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The National Touring Company of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC will be led by David Pittsinger (Emile de Becque) and Carmen Cusack (Nellie Forbush), with Anderson Davis (Lt. Cable), Timothy Gulan (Luther Billis), Jodi Kimura (Bloody Mary), Gerry Becker (Capt. Brackett), Peter Rini (Cmdr. Harbison), Sumie Maeda (Liat), Rusty Ross (Professor), original 2008 Broadway cast member Genson Blimline (Stewpot), Christina Carrera (Ngana) and CJ Palma (Jerome).

The ensemble will include Christopher Carl, Christian Carter, Eric L. Christian, Jacqueline Colmer, Alexis G.B. Holt, Rashaan James II, Chad Jennings, Christopher Johnstone, Kristie Kerwin, Joe Langworth, Cathy Newman, Julia Osborne, Diane Phelan, John Pinto Jr., Bret Shuford, Kristen J. Smith, Matt Stokes, Gregory Williams, Victor J. Wisehart and Amos Wolff.

Critics laud high praise for the National Tour:

- “Electric! This is the South Pacific we’ve been waiting for.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

- “It is a tribute to the sublime beauty of this musical, filled with gorgeous voices and astonishing emotional depth.” (Chicago Sun-Times)

- “Bartlett Sher’s staging of South Pacific reveals, intensifies and clarifies the work of Rodgers & Hammerstein.” (Seattle Times)

- “Superbly sung and powerfully acted, the touring cast of the magnificent Lincoln Center Theater restoration of South Pacific is the equal of the New York team.” (Houston Chronicle)

- “One of the theatrical highlights of the year!” (Los Angeles Times)

-“I’m in love, I’m in love, I’m in love, I’m in love, I’m in love with a wonderful show!” (Toronto Star)



Carmen Cusack “is a sublime “knucklehead” Nellie” (Palm Beach Arts) as she “achieves a delicious balance of sweet and smart” (San Francisco Examiner); and “evokes the spirit and style of the original, Mary Martin” (Dallas Morning News).

As Emile de Becque, David Pittsinger (who performed the role on Broadway) is “sincere and vocally thrilling” (Chicago Tribune) with “an easygoing, even delicate charm that makes for an appealing leading man” (Denver Post).

Anderson Davis is “rich in exposed passion” (San Francisco Chronicle) as Lt. Joseph Cable and his “clear tenor has strength and innocence” (Charlotte Observer). Jodi Kimura is “equal parts fierce and haunting” (Cincinnati Enquirer) as Bloody Mary, giving a “hypnotic performance of ‘Bali Ha’i” (Grand Rapids Press).

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC swept the 2008 Tony Awards®, winning seven honors including Best Musical Revival and Best Director for Bartlett Sher. This breathtaking new production completed a sold out 2 ½ year run at the Vivian Beaumont Theater on Broadway on August 22, 2010 (after playing 1,000 performances) and was recently featured on PBS’ ‘Live from Lincoln Center’ series.

Based on James Michener’s Pulitzer Prize winning book Tales of the South Pacific, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIChas music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and a book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan.

Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples -- US Navy nurse Nellie Forbush and French plantation owner Emile de Becque and Navy Airman Joe Cable and a young local native girl Liat -- and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices. Considered by many the finest musical ever written, the score’s songs include such classics as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “Younger Than Springtime,” “Bali Ha’i,” “There is Nothin’ Like A Dame,” “This Nearly Was Mine” and “A Wonderful Guy.”

The lavish new production features a cast of 34, musical staging by Christopher Gattelli, sets by Michael Yeargan (winner of the 2008 Tony Award®), costumes by Catherine Zuber (winner of the 2008 Tony Award®), lighting by Donald Holder (winner of the 2008 Tony Award®), sound by Scott Lehrer (winner of the 2008 Tony Award®) and music direction by Ted Sperling. A full orchestra of 26 members – the largest orchestra of any touring Broadway production – will perform the original orchestrations by Robert Russell Bennett (winner of a Special 2008 Tony Award®) and dance and incidental music arranged by Trude Rittmann.

For more information on the production, please visit www.SouthPacificOnTour.com. Become a fan on Facebook (South Pacific on Tour).

BIOGRAPHIES

BARTLETT SHER (Director) Lincoln Center Theater: Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, South Pacific (Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards), Awake and Sing (Tony nomination), The Light in the Piazza (Tony nomination). Artistic Director of Seattle’s Intiman Theatre; credits there include: the world premieres of Prayer for My Enemy and Singing Forest by Craig Lucas (both also Long Wharf Theatre) and Nickel and Dimed; plays by Chekhov, Wilder, Shakespeare, Goldoni and Tony Kushner. Opera: Roméo et Juliette (Salzburg Festival), The Barber of Seville (Metropolitan Opera), Mourning Becomes Electra (Seattle Opera and New York City Opera). New York: Cymbeline (2001 Callaway Award for Best Director; first American Shakespeare at the Royal Shakespeare Company), Waste (2000 Best Play Obie), Don Juan (all TFANA). He is a member of the TCG Board.

DAVID PITTSINGER (Emile de Becque) Broadway: South Pacific (Lincoln Center). Metropolitan Opera: Tosca (also live HD cinemacast), Hamlet, Lulu, Die Zauberflöte, Don Carlo, Rake’s Progress, Giulio Cesare, La Bohème, The Magic Flute. NYCO: Don Giovanni (Don Giovanni), Nozze di Figaro (Figaro), Orlando (Zoroastro). U.S. & International credits include: Don Quichotte (Don Quichotte/Vienna, Teatro Colon Buenos Aires), Tosca (Scarpia/FGO), Nozze di Figaro (Count/La Opera) Faust (Mephistopheles/L’Arena Sferisterio, L’Opera de Montreal), Mefistofele (Mefistofele/I Solisti Veneti, Pittsburgh), Rake’s Progress (Nick Shadow/Paris, Brussels, Hamburg, Bordeaux,), Carmen (Escamillo/Montpellier, Santa Fe). Orchestral appearance include: Vienna Philharmonic,, Salzburg Festival, Dresden Festival, NY Philharmonic, LA Philharmonic, ENO, St. Luke’s Chamber Orchestra. Discography includes: Charles Ives Songs, La Calisto, Carlisle Floyd’s Susanna. Awards: “Artist of the Year” Awards from NYCO and Pittsburgh Opera. MM: Yale.

CARMEN CUSACK (Nellie Forbush) Carmen is from Houston, TX, has spent the last two years playing Elphaba in Wicked (US National tour, Chicago and Australia productions). Her career prior was based in England. Recent West End credits include: Les Misérables (Fantine; UK, US & Shanghai), The Secret Garden (Rose; Royal Shakespeare Company), Personals (Kim), Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens (Chesty Prospects), Over the Rainbow (Eva Cassidy; UK & Ireland) and The Phantom of the Opera (Christine; UK National Tour). http://www.carmencusack.net/

***

For interviews and photos, please contact Zach Stevenson and Kent McIngvale, national press representatives, at the Broadway Booking Office NYC: zach@bbonyc.com, kent@bbonyc.com or 212-792-9550

High-resolution art available at http://pressroom.pgharts.org/?p=560

Benise: The Spanish Guitar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Media Contact:

Veronica Corpuz
(412) 471-6082
corpuz@pgharts.org

Diana Roth
(412) 471-8717
roth@pgharts.org

Artwork available at http://pressroom.pgharts.org/?p=578





The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents

BENISE

with his new music, dance, stage extravaganza

The Spanish Guitar



Tuesday, November 16, 2010, at 7:30 p.m.

Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street

“Fiery entertainer…one of the most colorful live shows of the season (Los Angeles Daily News)!”

“A unique musical journey that lures the audience into a willing trance (Charlotte Observer).”

Pittsburgh, PA: The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents the mesmerizing and invigorating performance of guitarist extraordinaire, Benise: The Spanish Guitar at the Byham Theater on Tuesday, November 16, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. Known for his theatrical live shows and Emmy Award -winning television productions on PBS, Benise performs intoxicating Spanish flamenco-inspired riffs with a cast of world-class musicians and dancers in this new staged production. Benise’s unique music fuses Latin styles such as flamenco, salsa, tango, and samba with African rhythms and rock, to create a sound that appeals to a wide range of music listeners and performance enthusiasts. The Spanish Guitar features brilliantly choreographed dance numbers, exciting and exotic orchestral pieces, and breathtaking costumes. This performance is part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series.

Beginning his career as a busker on the streets of Los Angeles, Roni Benise’s unique sound caught the attention of PBS which led to his 2006-2007 television debut Nights of Fire! This collaboration of theater, music, Brazilian samba, and Argentine tango won him an Emmy Award and set his career in full force leading to eight CDs, two DVDs, his own record label Rosanegra Music and his newest production The Spanish Guitar. “I am inspired by places I have traveled,” says Benise, “so I will try to capture the essence and beauty of those places in my melodies. I am very fortunate as music has become my passport to traveling the world. It’s truly like painting on air, creating colors and lush soundscapes that take people (and me) away to a safe place with no prejudice and no boundaries.”

The touring stage production The Spanish Guitar is an epic tale that integrates live performance with real footage of Benise in his voyage across the globe. From the cobblestone streets of Old Havana to the sacred Temples of India, The Spanish Guitar becomes a treasure chest of inspiration - the keeper of stories of glory and tragedy through times and world’s gone by.

Tickets ($26.25, $37.25, $44.25) for Benise: The Spanish Guitar on Tuesday, November 16, 2010, at 7:30 p.m., at the Byham Theater may be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square, at 655 Penn Avenue, online at www.pgharts.org, or by calling (412) 456-6666. To purchase 10 or more tickets at special discounted rates, please call (412) 471-6930.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support. The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh. In addition to the Trust Presents series, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series, Pittsburgh Dance Council, Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater and Children’s Festival CD Live, JazzLive, First Night Pittsburgh, Gallery Crawl, and Three Rivers Arts Festival, among other Cultural District and arts events. The Trust owns Theater Square and the Cabaret at Theater Square; James E. Rohr Building & Arts Education Center; the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts; Byham, O’Reilly, and Harris Theaters; visual arts galleries: Wood Street Galleries, at 601 Wood Street; SPACE, at 812 Liberty Avenue and 937 Liberty: a multipurpose performance and exhibit space, among other downtown arts facilities.
###

Monday, October 18, 2010

Brownsville Community Neighborhood Watch

Brownsville Community Neighborhood Watch

WHO: Brownsville Community Neighborhood Watch, Brownsville area residents, Fayette County Crime Stoppers Organization

WHAT: Public Meeting/Question & Answer Session

WHEN: Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 @ 7PM

WHERE: Brownsville North Side Fire Company

TOPIC: Brownsville’s Neighborhood Watch will welcome representatives from the Fayette County Crime Stoppers to their October meeting.  The representatives will address the mission of their organization and the role the public can play in making Fayette County a safer place to live. Mayor Ward will host a question and
answer session regarding crime stopping in the borough. Please plan to attend, as this meeting will be an excellent opportunity for residents to ask questions and voice concerns about crime issues that we are facing. The Neighborhood Watch and Mayor Ward welcome everyone from Brownsville Borough and our surrounding communities to this special event. We want to hear from you! As always, Neighborhood Watch will serve refreshments following the meeting. We welcome all existing and prospective members.

Designer Days Celebrates 40 Years

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact: Jennifer Honig

412-977-7703

jennifer@honiginc.com

Designer Days Celebrates 40 Years

Designer Days Kicks Off October 28 with a “Fashion Flashback” Preview Party Hosted by Fashion Designer Kiya Tomlin

Designer Day Chairs from the Last 40 Years to be Honored

Pittsburgh, PA (October 6, 2010) — On Thursday, October 28, 2010, from 6-9 p.m. at the new Monroeville Convention Center, National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh Section (NCJW) will kick off the 2010 Designer Days with “Fashion Flashback,” a preview party and fundraiser to raise much-needed funds for NCJW community service projects and advocacy efforts. Honorary Chair for “Fashion Flashback” is fashion designer Kiya Tomlin.

This year, in celebration of 40 years of Designer Days, past chairs will be honored at the preview party. They include: Terry Bachenheimer, Gail Ball, Charlotte Bluestone, Norma Buchwach, Mimi Byle, Sandra Chernew, Cathy Cohen, Ruth Cohen, Janice Dash, Ilana Diamond, Elyse Eichner, Barbara Felman, Lynn Fisher, Andrea Fitting, Janice Friedman, Sandra Golding, Sandy Goldsmith, Muriel Guttman, Ethel Halpern(D),Carole Kaplan, Wallis Katz, Mina Kavaler, Natalie Klein, Lynette Lederman, Lois Levy, Lois London, Rhoda Neft, Nancy Rackoff, Deanie Robinson, Mayda Roth, Nan Silverman, Carol Staitman, Jeanne Swartz, Madelain Tauberg, Carol Williams, and Roxanne Wolk.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating 40 years of Designer Days and honoring those who made it what it is today. The last four decades turned the fashion world on its head. Classics were reinvented; new designers made their mark; and there were plenty of fads and faux pas along the way (acid-washed denim, anyone?). But some things haven’t changed. Since 1970 when we held our first sale in the old Howard Johnsons on the Boulevard of the Allies, Designer Days has remained Pittsburgh’s favorite warehouse sale offering new and gently worn clothing, shoes and accessories for the whole family,” stated Debbie Levy-Green, Designer Days Co-Chair with Jill Loiben.

Special for this year are more than 150 new wedding and bridesmaid gowns with retail prices up to $1,000. You will be able to get them at Designer Day for under $250. This year we also will continue to feature new and gently worn furs by Carl Herrmann Furs.

The “Fashion Flashback” event kicks off the Designer Days sale. Tickets are $40 per person and reservations are required. The sale continues on Friday the 29th with a preview sale ($20 admission, open to the public) and then a two-day free admission public sale on October 30 and 31st with all merchandise 50% off on Sunday.

All year long NCJW collects designer labels including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel, Gucci, St. John as well as name brands like 7 for All Mankind, Eileen Fisher, Donna Karan, Chico’s, GAP, Polo, Nautica and then sells them at this once-a-year shopping extravaganza. Some of the fashion world’s best names are offered at a fraction of the original cost at Designer Days. Shoppers can find new and gently worn clothing, shoes, handbags and jewelry for men, women and children. NCJW also operates high-end consignment shop Designer Days Boutique and Thriftique, a thrift store, which are great pipelines for premium merchandise. Each year, more than 5,000 people —many of whom come year after year, and from out-of-state—visit the sale for great finds and great buys.

Proceeds from the sale support NCJW’s effort to make a difference in the lives of women, children and family through advocacy and their many nonsectarian community service projects including: Suit Yourself Voucher Program which provides free business clothes to low-income individuals re-entering the workforce, Children’s Rooms in the Courts which are a safe, fun environment for young children while their parents/caregivers tend to family court matters, Silent Witness Initiative that raises awareness of domestic violence, Pic-A-Bag which provides essential supplies to children who are removed from their homes, and Batch Packs with support from Steeler Charlie Batch which provides new school supplies to children in need.

Take a fashionable ride back in time as we celebrate 40 years. It's good for your wallet, your wardrobe, and the community. For more information about the Designer Days kick-off event or sale, please contact NCJW at 412.421.6118 or visit www.ncjwpgh.org.



2010 Designer Days Schedule

Fashion Flashback Preview Party Thursday, October 28

6-9 pm Tickets: $40 pp

Pre-registration required Call 412.421.6118 or purchase on line at http://www.ncjwpgh.org

Designer Days

Preview Sale Friday, October 29

11 am – 4 pm $20 admission at the door

Designer Days Sale Saturday, October 30

10 am – 6 pm Free admission

Designer Days Sale Sunday, October 31

10 am – 6 pm Free admission Merchandise 50% off

About NCJW Pittsburgh Section

The National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh Section (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. NCJW’s nonsectarian community service projects including: Suit Yourself Voucher Program which provides free business clothes to low-income individuals re-entering the workforce, Children’s Rooms in the Courts which are a safe, fun environment for young children while their parents/caregivers tend to family court matters, Silent Witness Initiative that raises awareness of domestic violence, Pic-A-Bag which provides essential supplies to children who are removed from their homes, and Batch Packs with support from Steeler Charlie Batch which provides new school supplies to children in need.

The Pittsburgh section of NCJW was established in 1893. For more information on NCJW Pittsburgh Section, please visit www.ncjwpgh.org or call 412-421-6118.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

BARC Sponsore 2011 Lucky Number Lotto Calendar

Contact: Blake Fisher Phone: 724.785.9331


Watershed Development Coordinator Fax: 724.785.8626

E-mail: blakef@barcpa.org

Get Your 2011 Lucky Number Lotto Calendar!

Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation (BARC) is sponsoring its annual Lucky Number Lotto Calendar. The calendar is currently available. 1,000 calendars will be printed and sold for $20 each with over $10,000 in cash up for grabs!

How it works: Your calendar will have a 3-digit number printed on the cover. This will be your lucky number for the entire 2011 year. Be sure to watch the 7pm Pennsylvania Daily Lottery 3-digit drawing, beginning January 1, 2011. If your lucky number matches the drawing, check the date to see how much you’ve won! Daily prizes are $25.00 with holiday and bonus prizes at least once a month and ranging from $50 to $500.

January 1, 2011 you could be the first Lucky Number Lotto winner of $250 cash! Please contact BARC to request an order form or order by phone at 724-785-9331.

* Must be 18 or older to purchase & play

*All winners will be paid monthly and sent by mail

*Payouts will be sent at the end of each month.

For more information on the event contact Blake Fisher at 724.785.9331 or blakef@barcpa.org

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

For Immediate Release


Media Contact:
Diana Roth
(412) 471-8717
roth@pgharts.org

http://pressroom.pgharts.org/?p=553

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater

Presents the Pittsburgh premiere of

Emerald City Theatre

in

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs



November 14-21, 2010

Six performance locations in the Pittsburgh area:

Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of  The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, is proud to present the Pittsburgh premiere of Emerald City Theatre company and their original stage adaptation of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, based on the award winning, best-selling book by Jon Scieszka and illustrations by Lane Smith.

The performances will take place at six Pittsburgh area locations from November 14-21, 2010. Performance locations, dates, times include: City: Byham Theater, Sunday, November 14, at 2:00 p.m. and a student matinee, Monday, November 15, at 10:15 a.m.; East: Gateway High School, November 17, at 7:00 p.m.; North:Marshall Middle School, November 18, at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; West: Hopewell High School, November 19, at 7:00 p.m.; South: Upper St. Clair High School, November 20 at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.; and Butler: Seneca Valley Senior High School, November 21, at 2:00 p.m. Citizens Bank is the season sponsor of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.

Emerald City Theatre received the 2009 Nickelodeon Parents’ Pick Award for Chicago’s “Best Theater for Kids.” The organization’s mission is to produce family theater experiences that serve as a child’s gateway to the arts. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs was adapted for the stage by Emerald City Theatre’s co-founder and artistic associate Alyn Cardarelli, and directed and choreographed by associate artistic director Ernie Nolan. Emerald City Theatre makes their Pittsburgh debut as a performing arts company with this tour and this stage production is also a premiere for the area. The world premiere adaptation of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, was on January 16, 2010 in Chicago. Emerald City Theatre is a leader in presenting theater for young audiences in the Chicago area and throughout the United States. The company has produced and performed over 23 world premiere shows.

Show Synopsis, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

Every story has at least two sides and Alexander Wolf says his is the truth. According to Alexander Wolf, he went visiting the pigs in search of a neighborly cup of sugar so he could bake a cake for his granny. But a poorly timed sneeze caused disaster! In this highly interactive live stage production, there’s a story breaking at The Fairy Tale Tattler and the audience joins ace reporter Random Adjective to help him find out the scoop on a recent double “hamicide” by using detective reporting skills to uncover the truth. The “true” story is then selected by the audience at each performance. Cast of characters include Random Adjective (ace reporter), The Three Little Pigs (whose houses were destroyed in the incident), the Chief, Granny and last but not least Alexander T. Wolf (who declares that he is innocent).

Individual tickets ($11 at the door; $9.50 in advance) can be ordered online at www.pgharts.org, by calling (412) 456-6666, or in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue. Group tickets can be ordered by calling (412) 471-6930.

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opens the door for children to experience professional performing arts programming for children which inspires, challenges, educates, and stimulates respect for and an understanding of all cultures in an entertaining and enlightening way. Pittsburgh International Children's Theater is one of only four international children's presenting organizations in the nation.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support. The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh. In addition to the Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater and Children’s Festival, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series Pittsburgh Dance Council, Trust Presents, CD Live, JazzLive, First Night Pittsburgh, Gallery Crawl, and Three Rivers Arts Festival, among other Cultural District and arts events. The Trust owns Theater Square and the Cabaret at Theater Square; James E. Rohr Building & Arts Education Center; the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts; Byham, O’Reilly, and Harris Theaters; visual arts galleries: Wood Street Galleries; SPACE, at 812 Liberty Avenue and 937 Liberty, a multipurpose performance and exhibit space, among other downtown arts facilities. www.pgharts.org
###

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Bill Cosby Brings One Man Show to Pittsburgh

Legendary

B I L L C O S B Y

is coming to Heinz Hall!

Saturday October 30th at 5:30 pm

Heinz Hall, Downtown Pittsburgh.

Over the past century, few entertainers have achieved the legendary status of Bill Cosby. His successes span five decades and virtually all media, remarkable accomplishments for a kid who emerged from humble beginnings in a Philly project.

Bill Cosby brings his incredible one man show to beautiful Heinz Hall for one show on Saturday October 30th at 5:30 pm.

Tickets are reserved at $59.75, $49.75 and $39.75.

Some additional gold circle seats are also available at $89.75.

Tickets go on sale Friday September 10th at 9am

at The Heinz Hall Box Office,
by phone at 412-392-4900,
or on line at www.pittsburghsymphony.org.

In the 1960s, his stand-up act was a coast-to-coast sensation, spawning a string of hilarious, best-selling comedy albums, which went on to win eight Gold Records, five Platinum records and five Grammy Awards. His role on TV's I Spy made him the first African-American to co-star in a dramatic series, breaking television's racial barrier and winning three Emmy Awards. In the 1980s, he again rocked the television world with the Cosby Show, a gentle, whimsical and hugely successful series that single-handedly revived the family sitcom.

For more information: http://www.billcosby.com/

CD Live! Presents Emmylou Harris

For Immediate Release


Contact:

Veronica Corpuz
412-471-6082
corpuz@pgharts.org

Publicity photos: http://www.emmylouharris.com/elhPRpage.html
http://pressroom.pgharts.org/?p=533

CD Live! Presents Emmylou Harris

November 9, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.

Byham Theater

PITTSBURGH, PA: CD Live!, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Three Rivers Arts Festival and WYEP 91.3FM present Emmylou Harris in concert at the Byham Theater on Tuesday, November 9, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. One of the most loved and respected recording artists in America, Emmylou Harris has been lauded as a genre-transcending artist, a song connoisseur and a gifted singular performer. She has the unique ability to remain relevant as music evolves, and her sound constantly evolves with it, transforming from subtle country styling to lush folk music to bluegrass inspired wanderings. Tickets ($45.75) are available at The Box Office at Theater Square (655 Penn Avenue), by phone 412-456-6666, and online at pgharts.org.

Emmylou Harris built a career on her solo endeavors, but is also known for her collaborations with a wide range of artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Dave Matthews, Elvis Costello, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Bright Eyes, Neil Young, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, and Mark Knopfler, Trish Yearwood, Lucinda Williams and Graham Parsons among others. Harris’s songbird voice has also been sought for backing vocals from musicians as diverse as indie rocker Conor Oberst to folk rock pioneer Bob Dylan.

Harris began her career in the 1970s as a country music artist working with singer/songwriter Gram Parsons. Parsons helped shape her countrified music career to come. Following his death, Harris continued on to form several musical groups, including the Hot Band, and eventually launched a Grammy-award winning solo career.

To date her discography has more albums than years she’s been performing. Her achievements include winning a Golden Globe for Best Original Song, “A Love that Will Never Grow Old” (Brokeback Mountain); ten Grammy Awards including 2005’s Best Female Country Vocal Performance; over 15 Million records sold with 24 solo records beginning in 1969 through 2008’s All I Intended to Be;  seven number one country singles, 19 Top Ten Country Singles and 14 Top Ten Country Albums, including two Number One records.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Omara Portuondo Performs at the Byham

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Media Contacts:

Veronica Corpuz
(412) 471-6082
corpuz@pgharts.org

Diana Roth
(412) 471-8717
roth@pgharts.org

High-res images: http://pressroom.pgharts.org/?p=489


The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents

Omara Portuondo





Sunday, November 7, 2010, at 7:00 p.m.

Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street

“The queen of Caribbean Vocalists.” – Los Angeles Times

Pittsburgh, PA: Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear one of Cuba's greatest musical ambassadors as The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents Omara Portuondo on Sunday, November 7, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., at the Byham Theater. From starring in the Buena Vista Social Club, to dancing in the famed Tropicana Cabaret, to lending her lush vocal styling to the Quarteto Las d’Aida, Omara Portuondo has proven herself as a legendary Havana singer as well as an extraordinary performer. This performance is part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series.

Born in Havana in 1930, Omara Portuondo began her career as a dancer in the acclaimed Tropicana Cabaret, alongside her sister Haydee. In 1952, Omara and Haydee, while involved with the Cabaret, began to experiment with their vocal talents and passion. Together, with Elena Burke and Moraima Secada, they set up a vocal quartet, directed by pianist Aida Diestro. This group, Quarteto Las d’Aida, became one of the greatest quartets in the history of Cuban music. Omara stayed with the Quarteto Las d’Aida for 15 years. Ms. Portuondo also performed as a duo with Rolando Espinosa during her dance career and this experience presented her with the opportunity to become a teacher of dance in the 1960’s at the Escuela de Instructores de Arte.

Omara later joined one of Cuba’s most important orchestras, La Orchesta Aragón, with which she traveled all over the world and also recorded several albums, such as the one she did with Adalberto Álvarez in 1984, Palabras, and Desafíos, with Chucho Valdés.

What really catapulted Omara Portuondo to her international fame was her appearance on the album and film Buena Vista Social Club (World Circuit), on which she sang “Veinte Años” with the late Compay Segundo, and “Silencio” with Ibrahim Ferrer. In the following years she traveled the world and recorded various songs with a star-studded group which included great names of Cuban music such as Rubén González, Orlando “Cachaíto” López and Manuel “Guajiro” Mirabal.

In addition, to her musical work, the International Red Cross in Montreaux appointed her International Ambassador (2004), making her the first Cuban artist to achieve such a distinction; and her recording, Flor de amor was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Tropical Record category. In the 16th edition of the Billboard Latin Music Awards, in 2005, Flor de amor obtained the Tropical Record of the Year award in the female category. Ms. Portuondo’s recording Gracias is an album that highlights her 60 year career and includes a selection of songs that have defined her career.

Tickets ($25.75 - $42.75) for the Omara Portuondo performance on November 7, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., at the Byham Theater, may be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, online at www.pgharts.org, or by calling (412) 456-6666. To purchase 10 or more tickets at special discounted rates, please call (412) 471-6930.

http://www.omaraportuondo.com/img/fotos/OmaraPortuondo_NYTimes3103102.pdf

Capitol Steps Returns to The Byham Theater

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Media Contacts:

Veronica Corpuz
(412) 471-6082
corpuz@pgharts.org

Diana Roth
(412) 471-8717
roth@pgharts.org

High-res images: http://pressroom.pgharts.org/?p=507



The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents

CAPITOL STEPS



Sunday, October 31, 2010, at 3:00 p.m.

Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street

Pittsburgh, PA: The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents Capitol Steps, a politically diverse group of Senate staffers who quit their day jobs in order to set out and satirize the very people and institutions that had employed them. The Washington Times praises Capitol Steps, “Clapped like mad for the Capitol Steps! …The best musical satire on Washington I’ve ever seen!” Capitol Steps returns to the Byham Theater on Sunday, October 31, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. This performance is part of the 2010-2011 Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series.

In 1981, after quitting their day jobs, the founding former Hill staffers decided to dig into the headlines of the day and create song parodies & skits that would convey a special brand of satirical humor that was as popular in Peoria as it was on Pennsylvania Avenue. Now, More than 25 years later, no matter who holds office or what is happening on the Hill, Capitol Steps never fails to run out of timely, hilarious material.

Although not all of the current members of the “Steps” are former Capitol Hill staffers, taken together the performers have worked in a total of eighteen Congressional offices and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience. Larry King from CNN commends Capitol Steps by saying, “They’re the best. There’s no one like them, no one in their league.” Elaina Newport, producer and founding member of Capitol Steps, says, "Typically the Republicans goof up, and the Democrats party; then the Democrats goof up and the Republicans party. That's what we call the two-party system."

Capitol Steps is produced by Elaina Newport; with lyrics by Elaina Newport, Mark Eaton and the touring cast (to be announced). Their show is constantly changing and based on the scandal of the day. But you might spot a few of these musical numbers in the performance: Obama Mia, Don’t Go Fakin’ You’re Smart, I Like Big Cuts and I Cannot Lie, Duke of Oil, The Hillary-billies, The Sunni Side of Tikrit, Cash for Codgers, Monster Cash, God Bless My SUV, Age of a Stimulus, TSA: Moist and Dangerous, Juan Nation, Axles of Evil, Send in the Clones, Mine Every Mountain Lirty Dies…and more! Capitol Steps awards include Wammie Award Winner 2009 for the third year in a row by Washington Area Music Association; nomination for a Drama Desk Award in 2007 for Outstanding Lyrics, and Winner of the Washington Post Best Bets Readers’ Choice Award for Best Live Theater in 2005.

Tickets ($20.75, $34.75, $42.75) for the October 31, 2010 performance of Capitol Steps at the Byham Theater may be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, online at www.pgharts.org, or by calling (412) 456-6666. To purchase 10 or more tickets at special discounted rates, please call (412) 471-6930.

40th Anniversary Tour Presents PILOBOLUS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact: Veronica Corpuz, (412) 471-6082; corpuz@pgharts.org

Diana Roth, (412) 471-8717; roth@pgharts.org

High-res images: http://pressroom.pgharts.org/?p=496


Pittsburgh Dance Council & Cohen Grisby Trust Presents Series announce the 40th anniversary tour performance of PILOBOLUS

Saturday, October 30, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street



Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Dance Council and Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series proudly present Pilobolus at the Byham Theater on Saturday, October 30, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. “Pilobolus embodies a large part of what the best in contemporary dance is all about: discovery. Making something new with the same standard body parts that all of us have. (The Washington Post).”  Tickets ($22-$56) may be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square, online at www.pgharts.org, or by calling (412) 456-6666. First Commonwealth is the proud season sponsor of Pittsburgh Dance Council, and WDUQ 90.5 FM is the media sponsor. Cohen & Grigsby is the presenting sponsor of the Trust Presents series.

Celebrating its 40th season this year, Pilobolus has evolved into a pioneering American cultural institution of the 21st century. The company has produced over 100 choreographic works. Newsday comments “Pilobolus is a mind-blowing troupe of wildly creative and physically daring dancers who leap, fly, intertwine and break all the rules…Audiences should expect the unexpected with Pilobolus.” Pilobolus’ creative and far reaching impact on dance culture as well as their appeal to dancers and non-dancers alike, has consistently made this legendary dance group a “must see” and a widely popular and respected performance event. As 2010 celebrates the 40th anniversary of Pilobolus, it also marks the 8th time Pittsburgh Dance Council, during its 41-year presenting history, has featured this important modern dance troupe in Pittsburgh. Pilobolus’ performance schedule with the Pittsburgh Dance Council includes 1975-76 (PDC 6th season); 1980-81 (PDC 11th season); 1982-83 (PDC 13th season); 1989-90 (PDC 20th season); 1996-97 (PDC 27th season); 1998-99 (PDC 28th season); and 2002-03 (PDC 33rd season).

About PILOBOLUS

Pilobolus (crystallinus) is a phototropic zygomycete - a sun-loving fungus that grows in barnyards and pastures. It’s a feisty thing - only 1/4 inch tall - that can throw its spores nearly eight feet. Right over a cow. It is also a highly unusual dance company, embarking on its 40th year of evolution during 2010-2011.

In 1971 three students of Dartmouth College (Robby Bartnett, Michael Tracey, and the late Jonathan Wolken) united together in the name of art and science to create an exciting new form of contemporary dance, Pilobolus (the name of a fungus). The physical vocabularies of Pilobolus’ works are not drawn from traditions of codified dance movement but are invented, emerging from intense periods of improvisation and creative play.

Pilobolus is in constant pursuit of the exploration of new techniques to mold the body in ways that excite and tug at the strings of provoking thought. “Since its early years, the purest Pilobolus experiences have involved metamorphosis. We see both physicality and illusion. Bodies become imagery, and one image merges into another, poetically, inexplicably. (Alistair MacCaulay, The New York Times).

The company now revolves around three nuclei of activity: Pilobolus Dance Theater, the umbrella for a series of radically innovative and globally acclaimed concert dance companies; The Pilobolus Institute, unique educational programming; and Pilobolus Creative Services, a division specializing in a wide range of movement services for film, advertising, publishing, commercial clients, and corporate events.

Artistic direction for Pilobolus steams from the ingenious minds of Robby Barnett Michael Tracy, and the late Jonathan Wolken (July 1949-June 2010). Robby Barnett, born in the Adirondacks region, upstate New York, has also been employed as a technical metal worker, an instructor for Outward Bound Inc., a garden and landscape designer, and has taught skiing and high school art. Michael Tracy was born in Florence, Italy and raised in New England. He has choreographed for numerous prestigious companies and organizations and is a professor at Yale University.

The late founding member, Jonathan Wolken (1949-June, 2010), was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 12, 1949. He became acquainted with Pilobolus, the fungus, while researching its photoreceptor mechanism in his father’s biophysics laboratory. Mr. Wolken graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Philosophy. His artistic direction includes choreography of 46 works for Pilobolus; internationally for the Glyndebourne Festival Opera’s production of Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are”, and “Oneiric” featured in a joint collaboration with Danish Television for members of the Royal Danish Ballet. Mr. Wolken was an integral part of the Pilobolus team. In addition to artistic direction, his responsibilities included director of development and educational workshops. Mr. Wolken was dedicated to furthering the dance influence of Pilobolus, and for creative thinking in all fields of study.

Pilobolus has received a number of prestigious honors, including the Berlin Critic’s Prize, the Brandeis Award, the New England Theatre Conference Prize, and a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding achievement in cultural programming. Pilobolus received the Samuel H. Scripps American Dance Festival Award for lifetime achievement in choreography (2000) and the Kenneth and Harle Montgomery Endowment Fellowship (2007) from Dartmouth College.

The Richard Thompson Band Returns to the Byham

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Media Contacts:

Veronica Corpuz
(412) 471-6082
corpuz@pgharts.org

Diana Roth
(412) 471-8717
roth@pgharts.org

High-res images: http://pressroom.pgharts.org/?p=501

CD Live! presents venerated singer/songwriter/guitarist
The Richard Thompson Band



Monday, November 1, 2010, at 8:00 p.m.

Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust welcomes back a long-standing Pittsburgh favorite. The legendary British singer/songwriter/guitarist Richard Thompson and his band return to the Byham Theater as a part of its CDLive! series. Richard Thompson, who has earned vast critical praise for his magnificent guitar work and the dark wit and richness of his extraordinary songwriting, lights up the Byham Theater stage on Monday, November 1, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. The CDLive! series, presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Three Rivers Arts Festival (a programming division of the Cultural Trust) and WYEP 91.3 FM, brings great artists to great venues. This collaboration of non-profit organizations aims to build audiences for new music and attract new audiences to the Cultural District.

Thompson’s illustrious career dates back to the late 1960s when at age 18 he was a founding member of the pioneering English folk rock band Fairport Convention. In the early 1970s, Thompson left Fairport Convention to form a musical and personal partnership with folksinger Linda Peters. The couple married and performed together until divorcing in 1982. Since that time, Richard Thompson has enjoyed a prolific run of recordings and live tours as a solo artist.

An artist whose expansive canon of work is heard regularly on 91.3fm WYEP, Richard Thompson is actively touring in support of his latest recording, Dream Attic. Thompson took an interesting approach for the album; instead of recording new songs in a studio, he made demo recordings, rehearsed the songs with his band and then recorded the new material live on a two week U.S. tour. Undoubtedly, Richard Thompson fans will enjoy hearing the results of his latest creative efforts. His legion of worldwide devotees will tell you that Richard Thompson is one of the most consistently dazzling guitarists you’re likely to see on stage.

Tickets ($33.25 & $39.25) for The Richard Thompson Band on Monday, November 1, 2010, at 8:00 p.m., at the Byham Theater may be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square (655 Penn Avenue), online at pgharts.org, or by calling (412) 456-6666. To purchase 10 or more tickets at special discounted rates, please call (412) 471-6930.

Women's Procurement Program Wins Victory

VICTORY - SBA ANNOUNCES FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WOMEN'S PROCUREMENT PROGRAM


For Immediate Release

Contact: Marybeth Grass

Pitch Public Relations

Marybeth@PitchPublicRelations.com

Phone: 480.263.1557

Washington, D.C. - October 7, 2010 - Count Me in for Women’s Economic Independence applauds the release of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s The Final Rule, which will implement the Women’s Procurement Program, enacted into law in 2000.

"With this ruling, more women are poised to get from micro to millions, stimulate job growth and fuel the economy,” said Nell Merlino, CEO and Founder of Count Me In for Women's Economic Independence.

When enacted, contracting officers will have the ability to restrict competition to women-owned small businesses if the procurement falls within one of the eighty-three (83) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes.

“For eleven long years, we have anxiously awaited final implementation of the Women’s Procurement Program. Thanks to Administrator Karen Mills and her team, the program is finally underway,” said Barbara Kasoff, President of Women Impacting Public Policy. “WIPP’s efforts led the way to ensure that women contractors have the opportunity to receive their fair share of contracting dollars. We believe that increased federal contracting opportunities will give women business owners a chance at growing their business,” added Kasoff.

Since 2008, WIPP’s Give Me 5 Program (www.GiveMe5.com) has helped increase the number of women-owned businesses registered on the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) by over 30 percent. The CCR is the government database that was used to determine the number of eligible industries in the new program. Along with advocacy for passage and implementation of the Program, WIPP’s educational initiatives have worked to build the pool of women-owned businesses ready to bid on federal contracts.

Important to the program’s success is a change made in the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, which restored “parity” among all of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) small business contracting programs. The program will be considered equal to any other small business-contracting program. This issue is highlighted in WIPP’s Economic Blueprint: The Women Business Owners’ Platform for Growth, unveiled during the WIPP 2010 Annual Leadership Conference. The Blueprint serves as WIPP’s voice regarding challenges unique to small businesses that require action by our elected officials.

Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) is a national nonpartisan group with over half-a-million members. WIPP is the collective voice in Washington, D.C., for 51 national women and small business organizations. WIPP advocates for and on behalf of women in business in the legislative process of our nation, creating economic opportunities for members and building alliances with other small business organizations. Visit www.wipp.org

Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence is the leading national not-for-profit provider of resources, business education and community support for women entrepreneurs seeking to grow micro businesses to million dollar enterprises. To achieve this, Make Mine a Million $ Business was launched to challenge women entrepreneurs to reach $1 million in annual revenues in the next decade. Reaching this goal would create more than 4 million new jobs and $700 billion in economic activity. Through pioneering multi-platform programs, Count Me In unleashes the full capacity of women’s entrepreneurial spirit and the striking power of women’s economic potential. This is not just another economic development program. Count Me In is fueling a mindset and a movement that promises to change the landscape of the U.S. marketplace and benefit all Americans and their families.

To find out more, visit www.makemineamillion.org.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Pittsburgh International Children's Theater Opens 2010-2011 Season

For Immediate Release


Media Contact:
Diana Roth
(412) 471-8717
roth@pgharts.org

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater 41st Family Series opens the 2010-2011 Season with Theatreworks USA in Duck for President, Fancy Nancy and Other Story Books

October 17-24, 2010

Six performance locations in the Pittsburgh area

PITTSBURGH, PA: Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, is proud to present the 41st family series season with the opening performance of Theatreworks USA’s all-new musical revue featuring six mini-musicals based on best-selling children’s books: “Fancy Nancy,” “Duck for President,” “Babymouse: The Musical,” “I Have To Go!,” “Leonardo-The Terrible Monster,” and “Pirates Don’t Change Diapers.”

Performance locations, dates, times include City: Byham Theater, October 17, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. and student matinee, Monday, October 18 at 10:15 a.m.; East: Gateway High School, October 20, 7:00 p.m.; North: Marshall Middle School, October 21, at 5:30 & 7:30 p.m.; West: Sewickley Academy, October 22, at 7:00 p.m.; South: Bethel Park High School, October 23, at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.; Butler: Seneca Valley Senior High School, October 24, at 2:00 p.m. Citizens Bank is the season sponsor of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.

Theatreworks USA is America's largest professional non-profit theatre for young audiences and families. Since 1961, they have enlightened, entertained, and instructed over 78 million people in 49 states and Canada. Under the direction of Artistic Director Barbara Pasternack and Managing Director Ken Arthur, Theatreworks USA is the recipient of a Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel Award. Additionally, the company was awarded the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Award in 2001. Theatreworks USA has a distinguished history of not only providing young audiences with their first taste of the performing arts, but also giving young actors, writers, directors, and designers an early opportunity to work in this field. A list of the company’s alumni reads like a veritable "who's who" of theatre.

Individual tickets ($11 at the door, $9.50 in advance) can be ordered online at www.pgharts.org, by calling (412) 456-6666, or in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue. Group tickets can be ordered by calling (412) 471-6930.

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opens the door for children to experience professional performing arts programming for children which inspires, challenges, educates, and stimulates respect for and an understanding of all cultures in an entertaining and enlightening way. Pittsburgh International Children's Theater is one of only four international children's presenting organizations in the nation.

Experience Jimi Hendrix with The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Media Contact:
Veronica Corpuz
(412) 471-6082
corpuz@pgharts.org
High-res images: http://pressroom.pgharts.org/?p=479

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Steve Litman present An All-Star Guitar Tribute to the Legendary Jimi Hendrix

Experience Hendrix



Tuesday, October 26, 2010, at 7:30 p.m.
Benedum Center

Pittsburgh, PA: Have you experienced Hendrix? Experience Hendrix offers a rare opportunity to hear Jimi Hendrix’ timeless canon of work exquisitely performed live by some of the world’s most talented guitarists.

Billy Cox (former bassist, The Jimi Hendrix Experience), Steve Vai, Jonny Lang, Eric Johnson, David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas (Los Lobos), Chris Layton (Stevie Ray Vaughn’s Double Trouble), Living Color, Ernie Isley (The Isley Brothers), Brad Whitford (Aerosmith) and other guitar greats share the Benedum stage for an electrifying celebration of Jimi Hendrix’ music and legacy on Tuesday, October 26 at 7:30 p.m.

The Experience Hendrix tour has thrilled sold-out audiences across North America and visits Pittsburgh for the very first time as part of a series of added U.S. dates. Experience Hendrix will have local Hendrix fans of all ages “floatin” with one guitar masterpiece performed after another. Inspired by Jimi Hendrix's unparalleled creative and musical influence, Experience Hendrix, L.L.C.--the company formed by the late guitarist's father, James "Al" Hendrix to oversee his legendary son's legacy--has continued that innovative spirit with its ongoing series of all-star tribute concerts held in honor of the late great musician. Visit experiencehendrixtour.com to learn about Experience Hendrix.

In terms of format, the tour offers multiple opportunities for performers and audiences to witness unique collaborations such as Steve Vai performing with Living Colour, as well as the tour’s artists performing their favorite Hendrix signature songs including “Little Wing,” “Fire,” “Purple Haze,” “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” “Crosstown Traffic” and many others. As has been the case with previous Experience Hendrix outings, special guests are expected to sit in at many of the dates, making the concerts all that much more memorable for both new and veteran Hendrix fans. Past special guests have included Paul Rodgers, Joe Satriani, Hubert Sumlin, Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana, Robby Krieger and others.

Anchoring the tour is Billy Cox, the legendary bassist whose relationship with Jim Hendrix and his music dates back to the early 1960s when the two met while serving in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. The two bonded over their love of music and would later work together backing R&B acts on the “chitlin’ circuit.” They reunited when Cox was recruited to be part of the Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsys as well as the ultimate iteration of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, performing at such landmark festivals as Woodstock and the Isle of Wight. Cox, who has been part of all previous Experience Hendrix tours, notes, "It's always a great thrill and honor for me to play Jimi's music for audiences now just as it was in the 1960s. The Experience Hendrix tours have shown how timeless this music really is and how wonderful it is that we’ve continued to get an infusion of new, very enthusiastic artists to participate and are able to offer the most wide-ranging Jimi Hendrix-related repertoire possible."

Tickets ($60 & $75) for Experience Hendrix at the Benedum Center may be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square (655 Penn Avenue), online at pgharts.org or by calling (412) 456-6666. To purchase 10 or more tickets at special discounted rates, please call (412) 471-6930. ,

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support. The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh. In addition to the Trust Presents series, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series, Pittsburgh Dance Council, Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater and Children’s Festival, CD Live, JazzLive, First Night Pittsburgh, Gallery Crawl, and Three Rivers Arts Festival, among other Cultural District and arts events. The Trust owns Theater Square and the Cabaret at Theater Square; James E. Rohr Building & Arts Education Center; the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts; Byham, O’Reilly, and Harris Theaters; visual arts galleries: Wood Street Galleries, at 601 Wood Street; SPACE, at 812 Liberty Avenue and 937 Liberty: a multipurpose performance and exhibit space, among other downtown arts facilities. www.pgharts.org
###


Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation Announces Fall Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


CONTACT:

Carissa Caramanis O’Brien
978-875-2020
carissa.obrien@sca-aware.org

http://twitter.com/CarissaO

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation Announces Fall Event

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?...Won’t You Learn How to Save a Life?

PITTSBURGH, August 6 -- The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is thrilled to announce its annual awards reception, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?...Won’t You Learn How to Save a Life, to be held on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Rivers Club, One Oxford Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The event will honor survivors of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and the neighborly rescuers whose quick and courageous actions made the difference between life and death.

Sally Wiggin, WTAE TV news anchor and a heart patient who lost her father to SCA when she was a teenager, will serve as emcee. Jamie Dixon, University of Pittsburgh Men’s Basketball coach, who lost his sister Maggie Dixon to SCA in 2006 when she was just 28, will be keynote speaker. And Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Turzai, a strong supporter of the mission to raise SCA awareness and save lives, will also share his personal remarks.

As a special treat, David Newell, a.k.a. Mr. McFeeley from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, will make a guest appearance, highlighting the need for “speedy delivery” of CPR and every neighbor’s role in using automated external defibrillators (AEDs) when SCA occurs.

“This year’s event promises to be the best ever. We are thrilled with the caliber of speakers and guests who will share their stories and perspectives on survival, and we are honored that The Fred Rogers Company is supporting our efforts to advance the theme of ‘neighbors helping neighbors.’” – Dr. Norman Abramson, Vice-Chair of the SCA Foundation Board of Directors, and Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh

Tickets for the event are $75 per guest ($45 of which is tax-deductible) and may be purchased online at http://www.blacktie-pittsburgh.com/calendar/event-detail.cfm?id=9769 or by mailing a check payable to the SCA Foundation, to 7500 Brooktree Road, Suite 111, Wexford, PA 15090. R.S.V.P. by September 30.

Attire is business casual, in keeping with a neighborly dress code, sweaters and sneakers are optional. A silent auction promises to offer some great surprises.

For sponsorship opportunities or to donate items for the silent auction, contact Event Co-Chairs Jennifer Bassett or Heidi Holzapfel at 724-934-0034 or info@sca-aware.org.

Can’t attend? Please consider making a fully-deductible contribution to the SCA Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization at www.sca-aware.org/donate.

The SCA Foundation kindly thanks The Fred Rogers Company for its permission to use The Neighborhood for our event theme.

About the SCA Foundation

The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Its mission is to raise awareness and save lives threatened by sudden cardiac arrest. For more information, visit http://sca-aware.org, join the You Can Save a Life group on LinkedIn, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/youcansavealife and ‘Like’ us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/youcansavealife.

Duquesne University Upcoming Workshops

Duquesne University Small Business Development Center

Upcoming Workshops
Phone: (412) 396-1633 Website: http://www.duq.edu/sbdc

Oct. 7

Doing Business with the Commonwealth

1:30pm-4:30pm

Cost: FREE

Location: Duquesne University, Rockwell Hall Room 713

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) purchases more than $4.5 billion in goods and services each year and establishes procurement policy/procedures for most Commonwealth agencies. The Department’s Bureau of Procurement acts as the purchasing agency for statewide requirements contracts and for purchase orders for supplies in excess of $20,000 and for services in excess of $250,000.

Learn how your small business can pursue contract opportunities with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

· Discover whether the state buys what you sell

· Learn how state government purchases goods and services

· Know where to find state business opportunities

· Explore government programs to help small businesses

· Find out about certifications for minority and woman-owned businesses

Oct. 12

Doing Business with Mexico

9:00am-12:00pm

Cost: $15

Location: Duquesne University, Rockwell Hall Room 108

What will be covered?

· The NAFTA Advantage

· Industry analysis for your company

· How to find Manufacturing Reps

· Trade Mission to Mexico

Oct. 21

Export Documentation: Avoid Compliance Mistakes

8:00am – 4:30pm

Cost: $ 395

Location: Duquesne University, Rockwell Hall Room 108

Course Topics:

Every topic in the course is presented in terms of actual transactions and the paperwork associated with each stage of the export process. Each chapter in the textbook contains forms, flow charts, and other valuable reference materials. Subjects covered include:

· Managing the Export Transaction

· Quoting Export Orders

· Implementing Incoterms

· Working with the EXIM Bank

· Implementing NAFTA Requirements

· Export Insurance

· Shipping and Packaging Issues

· Using Letters of Credit and Sight Drafts

· Complying with U.S. Government Export Regulations

Oct. 26

QuickBooks: Advanced

9:00am-12:00pm

Cost: $45

Location: Duquesne University, Rockwell Hall Room 108

Topics include:
Inventory, sales tax, payroll, business credit cards, job costing and time tracking. For windows users only.


Oct. 29

Abre Tu Negocio en Pittsburgh - First Step (Duquesne University)

6:00pm-9:00pm

Cost: FREE

Location: Duquesne University, Rockwell Hall Room 713

Learn the nuts and bolts of starting a business. The entire class will be presented in Spanish.

The presenters will cover issues such as how to get a Tax ID Number, fictitious name for the business, trademark the name, insurance, taxes, legal structures, business licenses, business permits, certifications, obtaining a website, bookkeeping, loan programs, real case scenarios, and business plan development. Workshop Partner: PNC Bank

Save The Date!

Nov. 18

Pennsylvania Business Technology Conference

8:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.

Cost: $119 Early Bird; after October 29th, $139

The Pennsylvania Business Technology Conference (PBTC) is designed to equip companies with the information they need to make smart technology decisions that will enhance their profitability, productivity and market adaptability. This full-day conference includes a panel discussion at breakfast, over 10 workshops and a technology showcase.

Morning Workshops:

The Biggest Website Mistakes That May Be Undermining Your Brand, Your Customer Service & Your Sales

An A-Z Guide To Pay-Per-Click Advertising

Free Tech Tools Exposed (If You Want To Save Money & Work Smarter)

7 Secrets to Power Marketing Videos That Will Explode Your Sales

Mid-Morning Workshops:

Moving Targets: Mobile Marketing For Better Outreach, Advertising & Impact

Why Rank Matters: Securing Top Positions On Google & An Unfair Competitive Advantage

Open Sesame: eMail Marketing Strategies That Work (And Those That Don't)

Planning, Promoting & Marketing Your Own Sales-Driving Webinar 

Afternoon Workshops:

Lost & Found: Free & Low Cost eMarketing Tools To Get Your Start-Up Noticed 

Confessions of a Blogger: What It Takes To Build Readership & Make Money

Sales Tools for Small Business: How to Attract, Manage & Retain Your Customers 

Follow Me: How To Use Social Networks to Build Visibility & Drive Sales 

To Register, Call (412)396-1633

Take advantage of the SBDC's upcoming workshops!

YWCA Hosts 11th Annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon and Fashion Show

MEDIA ADVISORY


For Immediate Release:

October 4, 2010

CONTACT:
Laura Harwin
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
412-255-1279

YWCA Hosts 11th Annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon & Fashion Show

Event Scheduled for Saturday, October 9

Who: YWCA Greater Pittsburgh

What: The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s 11th Annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon & Fashion Show will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2010, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Westin Hotel, 1000 Penn Avenue. This luncheon provides an educational and enjoyable day for attendees to learn more about breast health and wellness, and concludes with a fashion show featuring breast cancer survivors as models.

The event includes:

Keynote Speaker:

Marilyn Hughes Gaston, MD
Former Assistant Surgeon General and Director, Bureau of Primary Health Care,
US Public Health Service
Rear Admiral, USPHS, Ret.
Co-Director, The Gaston & Porter Health Improvement Center

Honorary Chair:

Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, MD, MEd, MPPM, FACOG
Assistant Professor and Director of Global Health
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
Case Western University School of Medicine

Master of Ceremonies:

Rev. Dr. Loran E. Mann
Founder, Senior Pastor
Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ

Fashion Show:

Breast Cancer Survivors Modeling Hats by Chapeaux, Etc.

When: Saturday, October 9, 2010

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (10:30 a.m. registration)

Where: Westin Hotel, 1000 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

About the YWCA’s ENCOREplus Program

The mission of the YWCA’s ENCOREplus Program is to address and reduce the unequal burden of cancer among racial and ethnic minorities and the medically underserved women in the greater Pittsburgh area. For more information about ENCOREplus, please call 412-365-1915.

About the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is a women’s membership movement committed to the elimination of racism and the economic empowerment of women and girls. For more information about the YWCA’s programs and services, please visit www.ywcapgh.org or call 412-391-5100.

About the Keynote Speaker

MARILYN HUGHES GASTON, MD
Former Assistant Surgeon General and Director, Bureau of Primary Health Care, US Public Health Service
Rear Admiral, USPHS, Ret.
Co-Director, The Gaston & Porter Health Improvement Center

Dr. Marilyn H. Gaston's professional career has been dedicated to improving the health of poor and minority families in our Nation and abroad. Her approach to accomplishing this goal has been through her direct delivery of quality primary health care; through the provision of medical education to young clinicians in training; involvement in clinical research; and through administration of local and Federal programs directed to services for the un- and underserved people of our country.

She is the first African American woman to direct a Public Health Service Bureau and only the second African American woman to achieve the position of Assistant Surgeon General and rank of Rear Admiral in the US Public Health Service. As Director of the Bureau of Primary Health Care in Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), she was responsible for a budget with the reach of $5 Billion serving 12 million poor, underserved and disadvantaged people in our Nation.

Prior to her appointment as Bureau Director, her work at the National Institutes of Health changed the management of children with sickle cell disease that has resulted in significantly decreasing the morbidity and mortality in young children here and around the world, for which she is internationally recognized.

She has been concerned about the continuing disparities in health outcomes and established some innovative programs to address them and also served as the medical director of the National Minority Health Month program.

Her awards are numerous and include all awards in the PHS, Marilyn Hughes Gaston Day in the cities of Cincinnati and Lincoln Heights, Ohio. In Cincinnati there is a Buford-Gaston building in her honor. Dr. Gaston is a member of the prestigious Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Gaston received three Honorary Doctoral degrees - from the University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth University and the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey. Dr. Gaston received the National Medical Association's Scroll of Merit, their highest honor and their Lifetime Achievement Award. The American Medical Association presented her with their prestigious Dr. Nathan Davis Award. The University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine has named a scholarship in her honor. Each year two underprivileged, and minority first year students receive full, four year medical school scholarships - "The Gaston Scholars." In addition, the College of Medicine recently honored her by giving her a Distinguished Alumnae Award. She is featured in the National Library of Medicine's exhibit, "Changing the Face of Medicine-Women Physicians."

For her work with African American women she has received three major national awards:
- The Johnson & Johnson Women’s Leadership Award
- The Purpose Prize given by Civic Ventures
- Recently she and her co-author were honored with an audience with President Obama for the difference they are making in the lives of African American women through their Prime Time Sister Circles®

Dr. Gaston is a much sought after speaker and a frequent keynote speaker on topics close to her heart: Women's Health, especially African American Women's Health, Elimination of Health Disparities, Improving Access to Health Care, Sickle Cell Disease.

She is featured regularly on radio and CBS & NBC television locally - and has appeared nationally on "The Larry King Show" and Black Entertainment Television.

She is the co-author of the book entitled: Prime Time: The African American Woman's Complete Guide to Midlife Health and Wellness published by Random House.

Dr. Gaston's dream for this Nation is 100% access to quality care and 0 disparities in health outcomes, especially for African American women.
###

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Late Night Cabaret Series Fall Schedule

For immediate release


The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces Fall Schedule for

The Late Night Cabaret Series

Thursdays - Saturdays at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue

www.pgharts.org

PITTSBURGH…The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust continues to bring nightlife downtown with plenty of high-energy programming in the Late Night Cabaret series. For more information on any Late Night Cabaret event, please contact Randy Kirk at 412-325-6766, or at kirk@pgharts.org.

Scheduled Events – Winter, 2010

Thursdays Pittsburgh Improv Comedy Jam – Improv comics from all over the 'Burgh take the stage every Thursday night, performing unscripted scenes in this fast & frenetic improv jam. Each night features randomly-generated teams and truly unpredictable comedy that you can watch or even (gasp!) sign up to perform.

Fridays Salsa Fridays - The Cabaret at Theater Square becomes one of the city’s hottest late night dance floors every Friday from 10pm until 2am. DJ Jeff Shirey, DJ Carlton, DJ Paul Mitchell and other guest DJs spin the hottest Latin dance music to keep the crowd moving. Special Salsa events include:

October 15th – Special guest appearances by Master Percussionist, Marcos Santos and Bloco AfroBrazil, Jim Donovan and Elie Khionia.

October 29th – Salsa Spooktacular Kick-Off Dance with Jeff Shirey and featuring Boston’s Salsa y Control. ($10.00 cover charge).

December 31st – Sizzling Salsa New Year’s Eve Party (ticketed event).

Saturdays

Mystery’s Most Wanted presents…Say Goodnight, Man in Tights!

October 9th 10:00pm

Journey to Sherwood Forest, where a rakish Robin, a sly Sheriff, and a not-so merry band of men are about to take part in a contest with murder as the prize!

Carnegie Mellon Juniors Join Composer John Bucchino for an Evening of Song

October 23rd 10:30pm

The Cabaret Theater will present the fabulous New York Songwriter John Bucchino in Concert, accompanied by the talented Junior Musical Theater Students from Carnegie Mellon University. Mr. Bucchino’s music has been heard in the Shows LAVENDER GIRL, IT”S ONLY LIFE and the Broadway Show A CATERED AFFAIR, which was awarded the Drama League Award for Best Musical). His songs, such as Grateful and That Smile, have been recorded by Liza Minelli, Audra McDonald, Art Garfunkel and Kristen Chenowith to name a few. This song material will be presented by the CMU’S talented young artists Trevor Eaton, Denver Milord, Lucia Roderique, Lindsay Spangenthal, Grey Henson, Corey Cott, Noah Plomgren, Jessie Shelton, Abdiel Vivancos, and Marrick Smith. Mr. Bucchino’s sophisticated yet also simple musical language along his powerful lyrics are sure to make a memorable evening. The show is produced musically by Gary Kline and Richard Teaster.


The John McIntire Dangerously Live Comedy Talk Show

November 6th 10:30pm

Media personality and comedian John McIntire hosts this irreverent and entertainingly informative panel show, which features local journalists, politicians and comics exploring topical issues and riffing on the news of the day. Timely topics and panelists are announced two weeks prior to each show.

Amish Burlesque

November 13th 10:30pm

Goody Plenty and the Amlets return for a late night of churning laughs with this hysterical and very musical cabaret revue that’s risqué and reverent – all under the same bonnet!

Mystery’s Most Wanted presents…Sleigh Bells Over Broadway

November 20th 10:00pm

What do you do when an agent signs you to an ironclad contract? In this case, when the agents name is Ebeneezer Screw and it's almost Christmas, you kill him. Journey back to 1940's Broadway and see how these divas deal with the death of their agent and the opening of their latest production, Santa Claus, Superstar.

Trevor McQueen Eaton - A Boy with Dreams

December 4th 10:30pm

After a sold-out premiere in Sharon, CT, A Boy with Dreams comes to The Cabaret at Theatre Square for one night only! Enjoy an intimate evening with Trevor McQueen Eaton (Harold in 'S Wonderful, CLO Cabaret 2010) as he shares his stories of growing up in the theatre and starring as a child actor on Broadway (Annie Get Your Gun, with Bernadette Peters). The perfect show to awaken the inner child in all of us! Featuring works by Sondheim, hits from the American Songbook, works from new composers and more.

Chris Laitta’s TV Tunes Sing-a-Long!

December 11th 10:30pm

You know 'em and you can't help singing along...an evening of your Favorite TV theme songs! Come and sing along to all your favorite tunes from the 70's and 80's! Laverne, bring your Shirley and come on down for an evening of a whole lot of singing and audience participation. Come on Get Happy with Chris Laitta! Be prepared to dazzle your friends and family members with your knowledge of TV THEMES! So go ahead, break out those Mork and Mindy suspenders, put on your "I love Chachi" t-shirt. We are celebrating all those GOOD TIMES!

Last Saturdays Pittsburgh Improv All*Stars

October 30th, November 27th, December 18th 10:30pm

The last Saturday of every month features the best troupes, special guests, games and performers from Thursdays’ Pittsburgh Improv Jam.

**There will be no Late Night on Saturday, October 16th

**There will be no Improv Jam on November 25th.

**There will be no Salsa on December 24th.

**There will be no Late Night on December 25th.

Late Night Cabaret

Tickets to the Improv Jam are $3.00. All other events are $5.00 unless noted.

Ticket holders from any earlier show downtown gain free admission (based on seating availability; must show ticket stub for free admission).

Performances begin at either 10:00pm or 10:30pm, depending on the event.

All Late Night Cabaret events are 21 & Over

We compliment our Late Night series with our popular Late Night Happy Hour, from 9:00-11:00pm! Guests can enjoy a wide selection of $2.50 craft beer bottles, $3.50 featured wine and discount food to start the Late Night right!

Contact Randy Kirk at 412-325-6766, or kirk@pgharts.org for more information.