INTERNATIONAL SALSA ICONS ADDED TO PITTSBURGH JAZZLIVE FESTIVAL LINE UP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Shaunda Miles, Director of Public Relations, 412-471-1578/Miles@TrustArts.org   
Diana Roth, Communications Manager, 412-471-8717/Roth@TrustArts.org
Images available:  TrustArts.org/Press
Search:  El Gran Combo

PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST ANNOUNCES 

INTERNATIONAL SALSA ICONS ADDED TO

PITTSBURGH JAZZLIVE FESTIVAL LINE UP

EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO 

SUNDAY, JUNE 22 | CULTURAL DISTRICT | PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

Pittsburgh, PA—The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust will present El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico as part of the 4^th annual Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival being held June 20-22, 2014 in the heart of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s downtown Cultural District.  The free festival consists of three days of jazz and jazz-influenced musical performances on outdoor stages and attracts more than 20,000 attendees from around the country.  This year’s performance will feature one of the oldest and best-known salsa bands in the world, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.  The performance is sponsored by ImaginePittsburgh.com. 
“It is an honor to present the internationally renowned, El Gran Combo as part of this year’s festival.  Their history takes the festival to new heights as an international music destination” shared Janis Burley Wilson, Director Jazz Programs and Vice President, Education & Community Engagement for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.  “The Festival is committed to presenting a vast array of music from locals to legends, and the Trust is grateful for the generous support of ImaginePittsburgh.com, an initiative of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, for grasping the importance of bringing these legendary musicians to this year’s Festival in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.”
Ron Alvarado, Chairman of The Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Chair of ¡HOLA, PITTSBURGH! added, “El Gran Combo is to Latin America, from a musical perspective, what Roberto Clemente is to Latin America from a sports/humanitarian perspective.  Both El Gran Combo and Clemente are held in the highest esteem.”  Ron Alvarado is the President and founder of Novus Group, LLC, a Pittsburgh-based staffing and recruitment outsourcing company.  In August 2013 (for the 2nd year in a row), Novus was ranked one of the Top 100 fastest growing privately owned companies in Pittsburgh by the Pittsburgh Business Times. In June 2013 (for the 3rd consecutive year), Novus was named one of the Top 500 Hispanic Businesses in the nation by Hispanic Business Magazine. 

El Gran Combo De Puerto Rico. Photo courtesy of the Band. Performance: Sunday, June 22, 2014.

About El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico (El Gran Combo)
El Gran Combo is synonymous with salsa.  The band has sold more than150 million records worldwide, holds the record for the most No.1 Latin hits across the Latin Music Charts and continues to play the world’s most prestigious venues.  The group was deemed La Universidad de la Salsa (The University of Salsa) in Colombia, due to the number of famous salsa musicians and singers who developed their careers alongside the band, who started with the group (particularly Andy Montañez) or who were occasionally backed up by the band (including Celia Cruz, Héctor Lavoe and La India).  In the past ten years, four of their albums went to No. 1 on the Billboard Tropical Album Chart and in 2012 the band was hailed as the ultimate ambassadors of salsa music, being featured on The New York Times’ honor roll of the world’s top four (4) international bands celebrating their golden jubilees - alongside The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys and The Chieftains.  For more information, visit: www.elgrancombodepuertorico.net.

HOLA, PITTSBURGH! Initiative
HOLA, PITTSBURGH! is a partnership of The Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Latin American Cultural Union, the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Vibrant Pittsburgh, the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, the Pittsburgh Promise, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and VisitPittsburgh seeking to improve the diversity and inclusiveness of the Pittsburgh region to sustain its population, economic prosperity, and quality of life.  Visit holapittsburgh.com for information regarding ¡HOLA, PITTSBURGH! events and look for updates under #HolaPgh.
About Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival

The Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival (PJLIF) is a production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. The Festival features local, emerging and national and international musicians in a variety of performance settings, including outdoor performance stages and indoor performance locations within local restaurants, coffee shops and galleries. For more information, visit TrustArts.org/JazzLiveFest.

OVER 30 FREE ACTIVITIES AND PERFORMANCES ARE PART OF EQT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL MAY 14-18, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Shaunda Miles, Director of Public Relations, 412-471-1578/Miles@TrustArts.orgDiana Roth, Communications Manager, 412-471-8717/Roth@TrustArts.orgJessica Warchall, Visual Arts Publicist, 847-477-8714/Warchall@TrustArts.org
Images available: TrustArts.org/press
Search: PICF 2014

PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST ANNOUNCES

OVER 30 FREE ACTIVITIES AND PERFORMANCES ARE PART OF

EQT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

MAY 14-18, 2014

CULTURAL DISTRICT, DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH

Pittsburgh, PA:  The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces the EQT Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival, now celebrating its 28^th year, from May 14-18, 2014, in the Cultural District, downtown Pittsburgh, will feature over 30 free, hands-on educational and cultural activities and outdoor performances daily by local and regional organizations and artists.  The EQT Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival is a production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
“The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is excited to be offering such a wide selection of free activities and performances that will engage, educate and entertain children of all ages and their families during this year’s Children’s Festival.  We welcome everyone to come downtown and enjoy all of these free happenings,” comments Pamela K. Lieberman, Manager of Children’s Theater Programming, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Executive Director, Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater and Festival. 
Free events during this year’s Children’s Festival will take place in and around the pop-up green space LilyPad Park, at the outdoor Community Stage featuring performances by local and regional artists, and at various locations within the footprint of the Cultural District. The Park and Stage are located at 8th Street and Penn Avenue, in the Cultural District. Free and fun happenings include everything from hands-on activities, to crafts, games, art, film, ecology, science, music, dance, story readings, tennis, yoga, and more! Festival hours are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday; and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  For a complete schedule of Festival events, visit: TrustArts.org/PGHKids.

FREE ACTIVITIES: LILYPAD PARK & MORE LOCATIONS-CULTURAL DISTRICTThe following list includes some of the over 30 free events taking place during the Festival.  For a complete schedule of dates, times and locations for these Festival happenings, visit: TrustArts.org/PGHKids.
Alphabet Trail & Tails/Citiparks
Animal Art/Pittsburgh Center for the Arts
Animal Encounters/National Aviary
Beaded Bracelet Making/MacaroniKid LLC
Explore the Science and History of Our Earth/Carnegie Museum of Natural History
CATS Craft/Pittsburgh CLO
Cartoon Workshop/Toonseum
Finger Puppet Creations/Pittsburgh Children’s Museum
Digital Audio Playground/The Saturday Light Brigade
Face Painting
Hip Hop on L.O.C.K.
Imagination Playground/PAYEC                                                                               

Miracoco. Photo courtesy of Architects of Air (UK).

Marbles/Allegheny County Department of Parks
Pinball Lounge/Bradish Street Pinball Lounge
Roving Art Cart/Citiparks
Sandbox/Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival
Silent Disco/Silent Storm
Skippyjon Jones Activity/Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival
Stick, Stuck, Chalk/Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival
Story Readings/Amazing Books
Tennis/Citiparks
Underwater Voyage Crafts/Bricolage Production Company

MORE FREE HAPPENINGS
Lego Display/Steel City Lego User Group807 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh landmarks created with thousands of LEGO® bricks are part of the Steel City LUG Lego Display at 807 Liberty Avenue. The cultural display includes a six-foot bridge decorated with the most well-known Pittsburgh buildings, as well as sculptures of popular landmarks—maybe Heinz Field, perhaps the Cathedral of Learning, or the Frick buildings?—that won’t be unveiled until the start of the Festival.
Once Upon a ToonToonseum, 945 Liberty Avenue
Friday, May 16, 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 17, 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 18, 2:00 p.m.
Once Upon a Toon shines a spotlight on creativity! This fun, interactive program blends original stories and live cartoon illustration.
Penny Arcade
Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue
Saturday, May 17, 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 18, 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
Come to the Arcade for fun and games with Penny Arcade! 
FREE HAPPENINGS / COMMUNITY STAGE, LILYPAD PARK, 8th Street & Penn Avenue, Cultural District
The following list includes some of the free performances taking place during the Festival. For a complete schedule, visit TrustArts.org/PGHKids.
Al Mazing Family Magic ShowFriday, May 16, 4:00 p.m., LilyPad Park
Pittsburgh magician Al Mazing is a local award winning family entertainer with a funny, proven, “kid tested” show guaranteed to amaze, amuse, confound, and confuse. 
Alan Irvine, Storyteller
Friday, May 16, 10:00 a.m., LilyPad Park
Ghost Stories, Fantasy, Folk Tales and Legends– With a repertoire of hundreds of stories from around the globe, Storyteller Alan Irvine can weave a tale for anyone. 
Bellydance Around the WorldFriday, May 16, 5:00 p.m., LilyPad Park
Little Shimmy Bellydance is directed by Berna, a well-respected local dancer and instructor. Her group La Belle Sultana and friends will delight you with bellydancing and music from around the world! 
Debo The ClownSaturday, May 17, Noon, LilyPad Park
Debo’s juggling, balloons and magic are sure to delight kids both big and small.
Squirrell HillbilliesWednesday, May 14, 1:00 p.m., LilyPad Park
From deep within the urban forest of Pittsburgh’s East End, the Squirrel Hillbillies will emerge to share their eclectic repertoire of acoustic folk, country, and blues featuring guitar, ukulele, mandolin, percussion, and vocal harmonies.

courtesy Temujin, the storyteller

StorytellingWednesday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., LilyPad Park
Thursday, May 15, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., LilyPad Park
Friday, May 16, 3:00 p.m. –  4:00 p.m., Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 612 Smithfield Street 
Saturday, May 17, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 612 Smithfield St.
Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh on a Storytelling journey! Please note two locations for this event. 
The Josh & Gab Show
Thursday, May 15, 11:00 a.m., LilyPad Park
Together, Josh & Gab have developed a unique and unforgettable musical comedy program for all ages, featuring original songs, comedy, and interactive discussion, all with the goal of celebrating creativity and finding alternatives to negative behavior.
The Magic and Mystery of Weird EricWednesday, May 14, Noon, LilyPad Park
Weird Eric is an experienced family Magician for children’s parties and family events.  With a quirky style of comedy, sleight of hand, and mind reading, Eric entertains audiences from all over the Pittsburgh area. Performing close up sleight of hand, stage magic, teaching magic lessons, to making balloon art for the kids, you name it, Weird Eric has got you covered.
Yoga for Kids by Bend Yoga
Saturday, May 17, 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., LilyPad Park
Sunday, May 18, 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., LilyPad Park
Stretch your body and your mind. Designed specifically for the kids, this session will be led right from the Festival’s Community Stage!
INFORMATIONFor more information about the schedule of free daily happenings, as well as the international ticketed performances being presented during the EQT Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival visit: TrustArts.org/PGHKids, call 412-456-6666, or in person at Theater Square Box Office, 655 Penn Avenue. 
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATIONFor information about parking lots and garages in the Cultural District, visit ParkPGH.org.
A limited number of prepaid parking vouchers for parking at Theater Square Parking Garage, entrance located on 7^th Street, are available at a discounted price.  Call 412-456-6666 for more information. 
The Cultural District is serviced by public transportation options through the Port Authority of Allegheny County.  For more information, visit http://www.TrustArts.org/visit/public_transportaion.
FOOD OPTIONS
Vendors will be selling a variety of foods on the Festival grounds  ̶  all sales are cash only.  Benches and grass seating areas are available in pop-up green space LilyPad Park, 8^th Street and Penn Avenue, to enjoy food vending or packed lunches.
For information about the Cultural District, visit http://www.TrustArts.org/about/explore.


About Pittsburgh International Children’s TheaterPittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opens the door for children to

experience professional performing arts programming, which inspires, challenges, educates, and stimulates respect for and an understanding of all cultures in an entertaining and enlightening way. The Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival (celebrating its 28th year in 2014) is one of only four international children’s festivals in the nation.  The Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater Family Series (2014 ̶ 2015), now in its 45th season, introduces children to the arts early in life, sparking their interest and appreciation so they continue to enjoy and support the arts as they grow up. For more information, visit TrustArts.org/PGHKids.

Dreamweaver Marketing News and Views, Celtic Woman Emerald Tour in Pittsburgh May 17

MEDIA ALERT      View this in your browser  Celtic Woman Celebrates #1 World Music Album  EMERALD: MUSICAL GEMS and Newest PBS Special 75 City North American Concert Tour in Full Swing Saturday, May 17 - Benedum Center - 7:30pm Click photo to watch video of “Mo Ghile Mear”  April 25, 2014 -  Irish music phenomenon, Celtic Woman, has been winning over audiences of all ages worldwide since their debut on Public Televsion in 2005 with inspiring songs that move seamlessly between traditional Irish classics, contemporary pop covers and original compositions.  Celtic Woman is currently on its North American Emerald concert tour with nearly 90 performances in 75 cities bringing the audience to their feet every night with standing ovations.    Watch the stunning trailer for Celtic Woman's Emerald Tour HERE. Celtic Woman performs in Pittsburgh’s Benedum Center on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 7:30pm. Tickets, priced at $39, $69 and $99 ( plus applicable fees) are available by calling (412) 456-6666 and in person at the box office at Theater Square. For more information, please visit http://www.trustarts.org Released in February, EMERALD: MUSICAL GEMS (Manhattan Records), debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Music Charts, marking their 8th record to debut at the #1 spot and held the top position for seven consecutive weeks.   The group's nine CDs and eight DVDs have become multi-platinum best-sellers, making Celtic Woman the only all-female group to achieve multi-platinum success in the classical crossover/world music genres over the past decade. The companion DVD, EMERALD: Musical Gems - Live in Concert, was filmed on the doorstep of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana and was seen across the country during spring Public Television pledge drives. Watch Celtic Woman's recent TODAY Show performance showcasing a medley of songs from the new album HERE. Celtic Woman’s elaborate new show spotlights reimagined performances of fan favorites from the group’s treasure chest of Celtic songs.  A celebration of the Emerald Isles’ rich musical heritage, The Emerald Tour features songs from the EMERALD: MUSICAL GEMS CD/DVD, including the uplifting “Mo Ghile Mear,” the enchanting “Caladonia” and the ever-haunting “Danny Boy” and “The Voice.”  Also featured are new interpretations of the beloved “Amazing Grace” and “You Raise Me Up.”  Named Celtic Woman in order to represent the essence of a Celtic female performer, the group’s 2014 tour features four sublimely gifted Irish women – vocalists Susan McFadden, Lynn Hilary and newest member Mairéad Carlin along with Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt.  The lineup of performers has rotated since the group began, but the signature sound of Celtic Woman has never changed.   During The Emerald Tour, Celtic Woman’s angelic voices and violin virtuosity will be joined by world class musicians, the Aontas Choir, bagpipers and championship Irish dancers, all under the direction of Emmy®-nominated music producer David Downes, former music director for Irish stage show Riverdance.  "Creating the new show allowed me the opportunity to revisit and re-imagine some of our most popular Irish songs, as well as writing some exciting new material for the show,” said Downes.  “With all-new performances of these great songs—Emerald has created a whole new experience for both our longstanding fans, and for those who have just discovered our music. This is a Celtic Woman experience that will soothe the soul and have you dancing in the aisles!”  Recently named Billboard Magazine's #1 World Albums Artist of the Year for the fifth time, the multitalented ensemble has sold more than eight million copies of its releases, all of which have debuted at #1 on Billboard's World Music chart.  They have performed for three U.S. Presidents and made high-profile appearances on Dancing with the Stars and the daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful. As a live act, Celtic Woman continues to sell out concert halls around the world, having performed for nearly three million fans. High Res Jpegs Available for download here: www.ontourpr.com/celtic-woman Celtic Woman – 2014 The Emerald Tour 4/24   Colorado Springs, CO Pikes Peak Center 4/26   Lawrence, KS             Lied Center of Kansas 4/27   Sioux City, IA             Orpheum Theatre 4/29   Duluth, MN                 Symphony Hall 5/1      Rockford, IL               Coronado Performing Arts Center 5/2      Peoria, IL                    Peoria Civic Center 5/3      Milwaukee, WI          Riverside Theater 5/6      Evansville, IN            Old National Events Plaza 5/8      Detroit, MI                 Fox Theatre 5/9      Ann Arbor, MI           Michigan Theater 5/10   Saginaw, MI              The Dow Event Center – The Heritage Theater 5/11   Columbus, OH           Palace Theatre 5/13   Cincinnati, OH          Aronoff Center for the Arts 5/14   Akron, OH                  Akron Civic Theatre 5/17   Pittsburgh, PA           The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts 5/18   Dayton, OH                Schuster Performing Arts Center 5/20   Williamsport, PA     Community Arts Center 5/21   New York, NY             Radio City Music Hall 5/22   Washington, DC       Warner Theatre 5/23   Norfolk, VA                Chrysler Hall 5/27   Baltimore, MD          The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center 5/29   Burlington, VT          Flynn Center for the Performing Arts 5/30   Bangor, ME               Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion 5/31   Worcester, MA          Hanover Theater 6/1     Waterbury, CT            Palace Theater 6/3     Albany, NY                 Palace Theatre 6/5     Red Bank, NJ             Count Basie Theatre 6/6     Red Bank, NJ             Count Basie Theatre 6/7      Lancaster, PA           American Music Theatre – 2 shows 6/8      Syracuse, NY             Landmark Theater  For additional publicity information, please contact: Renee Pfefer, On Tour PR 914-273-0007  Renee@ontourpr.com www.celticwoman.com www.facebook.com/celticwoman www.youtube.com/celticwomanvid