GOP incumbent Keith Rothfus to debate Democratic challenger tomorrow
If you’re living in the 12th congressional district, you might not know much about the U.S. House candidates you’ll have to choose from this November. Political neophyte Erin McClelland is mounting a challenge to Tea Party incumbent Keith Rothfus, a Republican with a record that includes votes against Superstorm Sandy relief and against re-opening the…
Interview: Zoë Randell of Luluc
Photo courtesy of Karl Scullin Luluc For Australian duo Luluc, the harmonies and juxtaposition of disparate elements exhibited on Passerby, the band’s second album and international debut, are a reflection of the circumstances that brought the pair to their current state. On the album, vocalist Zoë Randell’s throaty, haunted vocals belie a confidence, that is…
Paul Collins releases new album, plays Get Hip HQ Thursday night
Photo Courtesy of Derek Davidson Paul Collins is back in town as part of the new Sound Series “Get Hip — Get Art” held on Thursday, October 16th at Get Hip Recordings’ headquarters in the RJ Casey Industrial Park. Former member of groups the Beat and the Nerve, Collins has been dubbed as one of…
American Football reunite, play New York’s Webster Hall
It finally happened. After years of wanting and waiting, American Football fans finally got what they so eagerly asked for: a reunion. The band played two shows prior to its three-night sold-out engagement at New York’s Webster Hall (plus a secret show Saturday in Brooklyn). As the band walked out onto the stage Friday night,…
Fleur d’Orange’s Identity at The Alloy Studios
Last Friday and Saturday, this original dance work from Moroccan dancer and choreographer Hind Benali’s troupe came to town courtesy of the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater. Photo courtesy of Alice Dufour-Feronce Hind Benali Saturday’s performance filled the Alloy Studios with live and recorded sounds by musician and composer Mochine Imrharn. The soundscape backed Benali herself and Moroccan…
Lynn Cullen Live 10/14/14
Video Archive Headlines in the news today vs. 100 years ago. “It was ever thus.” Louisiana enacts restraining order to keep possessions of Ebola victim from being buried on it’s soil. Four years later, parrot returns speaking Spanish. Sexist commentary from a Republican about female candidates for Congress. Good luck to the new police chief…
MP3 Monday: The Redlines
Photo Courtesy of Oolaa Designs Welcome the work week with this track from The Redlines’ new self-titled album. The group was formed in 2011 and is dedicated to providing listeners with what they call “American rock & roll,” a mix of classic rock, blues, alt-country, and Americana. Download link expired!
Lynn Cullen Live 10/13/14
Video Archive President “Ebola” and the ridiculous logic of why Limbaugh thinks he wants us to suffer. Speaking of contagious disease, LA county’s most affluent areas have a high rate of children who aren’t vaccinated. Development continues in East Liberty but the roads aren’t ready for it. FSU football team, The Seminoles, go on a…
Big day for concert announcements: Dylan this fall, The Who next
In a banner day for old white guys coming to town, we’ve learned of two huge concert announcements this morning: Bob Dylan and The Who. (Not together.) Dylan brings his band to Heinz Hall soon: Thu., Nov. 20, for what’s sure to be a unique show in the old concert hall. Tickets for that show…
Squonk Opera returns to Pittsburgh to release album
Photo courtesy of John Altdorfer Scene from Squonk’s “Pneumatica” performance Squonk Opera, a performance-art-and-music troupe based in Pittsburgh, is proud to release its ninth album, Pneumatica. Despite the group’s long track record, this album is the Opera’s first purely instrumental CD in over 20 years, and boasts the addition of electric bagpipes made in Spain.…
The Carnival of Death rolls through Pittsburgh
With any tour whose title’s nominative is “Carnival” you have, at least, the assurance of an interesting time. You might not enjoy yourself. If brutal slam tech death isn’t your cup of tea — which of course it couldn’t be, as said cup of tea, no matter where you held it, would be moshed out…
Lynn Cullen Live 10/10/14
Video Archive Who are the real heroes? 200,600 Americans have volunteered for possible deployment in the fight against Ebola. Cuba sends an “army of white coats” to assist in the medical effort. You get what you pay for when it comes to American government. A caller from Canonsburg volunteers a voice of reason. Look for…
Lynn Cullen Live 10/09/14
Video Archive Tom Sokolwski joins Lynn today for a lively show where there is much debate over the chronicling of history, ancient paintings, the ethical care of parrots and the politics surrounding the Nobel Peace prize. Audio Only Archive Listen to the Audio Archives on with our new Apple and Android Apps or the computer…
Free vinyl at Jerry’s this weekend
Jerry Weber never met a record he wouldn’t buy. So this weekend, he’s giving away as many as 25,000 of them. For free. The catch? You’ll have to accept a sealed box of 100 records — limit one box per person — and take whatever you get. Now that the boomers are dying,”I just get…
Correction: AAP show at Mine Factory opens Sat., Oct. 11
Today’s edition of City Paper mistakenly lists the opening reception for this Friday. The show is a group exhibit curated by Tom Sokolowski, former head of The Andy Warhol Museum. The free opening reception runs 6-9 p.m. at the Mine Factory, 201 N. Braddock Ave., in Point Breeze. The exhibit runs through Oct. 25.
Pitt’s Stop Kiss
STOP KISS continues through Thu., Oct. 12. Henry Heymann Theatre 4301 Forbes Ave. Oakland. $12-25. 412-624-7529 or play.pitt.edu In a case of unfortunate synchronicity, University of Pittsburgh Stages presents Diana Son’s Stop Kiss — in which two women meet, fall in love and then get attacked — shortly after news hit about that gay-bashing in…
An amendment to Pittsburgh’s panhandling ordinance should remind us how wrong it was in the first place
Back in 2006 when the city of Pittsburgh decided to crack down on “aggressive panhandling,” I really struggled to see the point. Despite coming from a small town, I have never felt hassled by people who approach me on the street for money. If I have some extra to give, I gladly hand it over.…
ScareHouse’s The Basement returns
Heavy darkness, thick air. A black bag over your head. Shrieking, moaning, growling. Then, you’re pulled into a room by a hand at your throat, and you’re the one screaming. It’s just a normal night in ScareHouse’s haunted attraction known as The Basement. This marks the second year for The Basement, a uniquely terrifying experience.…
Savage Love
I’m 25, I’m a virgin, and I find it quite difficult to relate with girls. My main problem is I can’t accept my sexuality. I’m into fetish SM. But it seems like there are two parts of me. The first part of me wants to lick women’s feet and be humiliated. The second part of…
Reel Q: The Pittsburgh International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival
The 29th annual Pittsburgh International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, now known as Reel Q, runs Fri., Oct. 10, through Oct. 18. It features: 13 narrative and documentary films, three programs of shorts and opening- and closing-night parties. The opening-night film is Blackbird (7:30 p.m. Fri., Oct. 10), a coming-out dramedy from Patrik-Ian Polk that…
Short List: October 8 – 16
SPOTLIGHT: Fri., Oct. 10 — Dance Moroccan-based dancer/choreographer Hind Benali’s new work, Identity, began as a solo journey of self-discovery after the deaths of her two grandmothers in the same year. Both were of Algerian decent, and both lived with her. “All the traditional parts of my identity came from them,” Benali said recently by…
The Guest
In a small New Mexico town, a handsome stranger (Dan Stevens) comes knocking on the Petersons’ door. He says he’s David, that he served with their dead son in Afghanistan, and that he’s dropping by as requested. The family is touched, and invites David to stay. Why not? He’s polite, clean-cut and helpful, as adept…
Annabelle
Remember that freaky doll “Annabelle” from last year’s The Conjuring? John R. Leonetti’s horror thriller fills in her backstory in this prequel, set in Los Angeles in 1970. The very pregnant Mia (Annabelle Wallis) is given a doll that then proceeds to haunt the family. That’s it, really, filled out with jump-out scares; nods to…
Stuff We Like
Transparent. A binge-worthy original series now streaming from Amazon. It’s the story of a father (Arrested Development vet Jeffrey Tambor) coming to terms with his transition to womanhood, an identity he’s never shared with his three excruciatingly self-centered adult children. Pitt Women’s Volleyball. There’s plenty of talk about Pitt’s football team this time of year,…
The Green Prince
Nadav Shirman’s documentary about the troubled relations between Israel and Palestine during the late 1990s and early 2000s is primarily composed of footage of two men, each seated in a medium shot but filmed separately, simply relating their shared story. But it’s a fascinating narrative, troubling in its truth even as it resembles an improbably…
The Price of Labor
A stitched horseshoe tag above a back pocket that once held thousands in cash and credit receipts, the Dickies workpants — collect dust and lint in the dim-lit basement. Polyester and cotton blend, they’re more grey now than black. Scratchy and stiff when bought, relaxed after a hundred washes to sheer pajama texture, cuffs ragged,…
Kill the Messenger
“National security and crack cocaine in the same sentence — does that not sound strange to you?” Michael Cuesta’s provocative docudrama about Gary Webb asks and answers this question. Webb was a journalist at the San Jose Mercury News who in the 1990s uncovered a connection between secret CIA funding of the Nicaraguan Contras in…
Eighty Acres Kitchen and Bar
Eighty Acres Kitchen and Bar 1910 New Texas Road Plum. 724-519-7304 Hours: Tue.-Thu. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. 4-11 p.m.; Sun. Brunch 11 a.m.-2:30 pm, Dinner 3:00-9:00 p.m. Prices: Small plates and salads $5-13; entrees $12-25 Liquor: Full bar The name of Eighty Acres Kitchen and Bar — and its address, on…
My Old Lady
The peculiar French real-estate deal known as a viager is the catalyst for Israel Horovitz’s dramedy about life, love, forgiveness and, well, fabulous Parisian apartments. It’s complicated, but suffice to say that when a dissolute American (Kevin Kline) turns up in Paris to sell the fabulous flat he inherited from his father, he ends up…
A new pocket guide tours you through local booze-makers
It’s the perfect time of year to gather some friends and hit the trails. Sure, you could lace up your hiking boots and tread a nature trail … or you could celebrate Pittsburgh booze-producers by following the new Allegheny Libation Trail. Thirteen distilleries, wineries and breweries near the Allegheny River are featured in a handy…
Film Kitchen
The series for local and independent artists hosts an evening of mostly Halloween-themed shorts. Highlights include “Fursonas,” Dominic Rodriguez’s empathetic — in fact, rather cuddly — documentary about furries. A couple dogs, a couple foxes, a raccoon: The humans inside the costumes tell why they love being animal characters and convening at events like the…
Grow Pittsburgh opens a lending library for gardening tools
For many city-dwellers, the prospect of urban gardening sounds nice on paper … until you realize your apartment’s linen closet is a terrible place to store compost and shovels. But local urban-agriculture nonprofit Grow Pittsburgh is trying to solve that problem using principles of the sharing economy. “I’m at community gardens all the time where…
Local punks The Bad Genes reunite after 17 years
THE BAD GENES with SURROUNDED BY IGNORANCE, THE SICKS. 9 p.m. Fri., Oct. 10. Belvedere’s Ultra-Dive 4016 Butler St. Lawrenceville. $8. 412-687-2555 In the ’90s, Pittsburgh music had its moments: In the mainstream “alt-rock” world, Rusted Root hit it big, and The Clarks and The Gathering Field flirted with national audiences. In the punk world,…
Patrick Joseph keeps his Pittsburgh roots while operating out of Los Angeles
PATRICK JOSEPH with CRYSTAL LEE MORGAN 6 p.m. Sat., Oct. 11. Club Café 56 S. 12th St. South Side. $8. 412-431-4950 or clubcafelive.com Patrick Joseph grew up in Pittsburgh, cut his teeth playing shows at local venues and then left for Los Angeles. The singer-songwriter makes a living there as a musician, splitting his time…
J Mascis remains delightfully obscure on new album
J MASCIS with LULUC. 7 p.m. Wed., Oct. 15. Club Café 56 S. 12th St. South Side. $49.50. 412-431-4950 or clubcafelive.com Jumping into the world of J Mascis, in or out of Dinosaur Jr., might seem like an intimidating prospect. After all, he’s in his fourth decade of a prolific, sprawling career. Newcomers who manage…
RACE, at the Carnegie, is essential viewing
RACE: ARE WE SO DIFFERENT? continues through Oct. 27. Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. 412-622-3131 or www.carnegiemnh.org Without thinking about it much, Americans have long considered race a matter of biology — something as scientifically real as gravity. So if the exhibition RACE: Are We So Different? did nothing beyond demolishing…
The Bats — featuring a young Michael Chabon — get a reissue
Sure, he wrote The Mysteries of Pittsburgh and later won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. But to me, Michael Chabon will always be known, initially, as the guy who used to sing in The Bats. Not to denigrate his other accomplishments, but that band — Pittsburgh’s The Bats, not the band from New Zealand or…
Its reputation climbing, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet returns
ASPEN SANTA FE BALLET 8 p.m., Sat., Oct. 11. Byham Theater 101 Sixth St. Downtown. $19-55. 412-456-6666 or www.trustarts.org The last time Aspen Santa Fe Ballet performed in Pittsburgh, four years ago, the company was just becoming a staple on the U.S. touring circuit. Now, having built its stalwart reputation on new contemporary-dance works by…
Critics’ Picks: Oct. 9 – 15
[FOLK] + SAT., OCT. 11 As local folk music goes, The Early Mays are a bit of a supergroup: The trio consists of Judith Avers, Ellen Gozion and Emily Pinkerton, all well known in their own rights. Together, they literally make beautiful music — a play on the Appalachian folk all three are steeped in,…
The Book of Ezra at Pittsburgh Playwrights
THE BOOK OF EZRA continues through Oct. 25. Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Co. 937 Liberty Ave. Downtown. $15-25. 412-687-4686 or pghplaywrights.com If you experience Book of Ezra moment to moment, it might seem like an unmysterious show — but considered in its entirety, the writing is more enigmatic. Written and performed by Leslie “Ezra” Smith, this compelling…
State police documents show intelligence-sharing network between law enforcement and Marcellus Shale drillers
Anti-fracking activists protesting a natural-gas conference in Philadelphia last fall were being monitored by a private security company that sent a photo of a demonstrator to the Pennsylvania State Police, according to an email obtained by Pittsburgh City Paper. A few months earlier, at another industry-led conference, state trooper Michael Hutson delivered a presentation on…
Seven Guitars at Carnegie Mellon
SEVEN GUITARS continues through Oct. 11. Philip Chosky Theater, CMU campus, Oakland. $28.75. drama.cmu.edu The School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University jumps into its second century with both feet in an exciting yet moving production of August Wilson’s Seven Guitars. The 1996 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award-winner for best play — it was…
Do Tell: NPR’s Peter Sagal on Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me’s return trip to Pittsburgh
For just the second time in the show’s nearly 16-year history, National Public Radio’s Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me is coming to Pittsburgh, on Oct. 16. The program began in January 1998 as a Chicago-based comedy news-quiz show. Current host Peter Sagal, a frequent panelist, began hosting duties a few months later and has…
Lynn Cullen Live 10/08/14
Video Archive One Indiana cop is “policing for Jesus”. Brutality runs rampant in the police force. Govt. in Madrid moves to kill Ebola victim’s dog, backlash ensues. Turkey ignores war on their doorstep and who should intervene. Home health care workers cause for fair pay is delayed by legislature for another six months. Audio Only…
MP3 Monday: Troxum
Photo courtesty of Gregory Neiser Hi there, this week’s MP3 Monday features Troxum, whose self-proclaimed spacesynth music is inspired by alien rainforests, sub-atomic dance parties, and terraforming planets. Troxum plays the main event of the VIA Festival on Sat., Oct. 4 at Downtown’s Union Trust Building. (Download link expired, sorry!)
MP3 Monday: The Feel-Good Revolution
Photo courtesy of Steph Cozza The Feel-Good Revolution Hey everyone, our MP3 this week comes from The Feel-Good Revolution, an up-and-coming duo with pleasant harmonies and light acoustic sound. (Download link expired, sorry!)
MP3 Monday on Tuesday: The Shameless Hex
The Shameless Hex Sometimes Monday comes, and your staff is shorthanded, and you’re trying to keep up with copy, and you forget to post MP3 Monday. Who hasn’t been there before? So, you take care of it on Tuesday, because the track in question is a sweet, upbeat bluegrass song from locals The Shameless Hex.…
MP3 Monday: Killing Thing
Photo courtesy of Michael Lynch Killing Thing This week’s free track comes Killing Thing. Earlier this year, the Pittsburgh hardcore band released a four-way split with Native Wildlife, Glass Lungs and Aviator; Killing Thing’s contribution was “Weathered.” Now you can stream and, for a limited time, download the brutal track here. Enjoy! (Download link expired,…
MP3 Monday: Chris Stowe
Chris Stowe I try to say goodbye and I choke. Try to walk away and I stumble. These Macy Gray lyrics are brought to you by my last MP3 Monday as music intern. Thanks for reading. Anywhoozle, this week’s MP3 Monday comes to you from Chris Stowe, A-F Records label manager and member of White…
MP3 Monday: Paint31
Photo by Elena Dee Photography Paint31 Heeeeeeeeeeellllo from CP headquarters on this beautiful August day. Hope everyone had a great weekend filled with leisure, summer shandies and professional wrestling. Brock Lesnar is your new WWE World Heavyweight champion and that should make everyone’s Monday better (except Cenation). What will also make you feel better is…
MP3 Monday: Us
Us I’ve run out of clever things to say to introduce MP3 Monday. So let’s get to the music, man. There are some bands that can’t be slotted into a genre or even a few. Us is one of those bands. In a case such like this, the best way to describe the band is…
MP3 Monday: Skull Kid
Skull Kid July is gone and August is here. I am one year older and my approval rating is plummeting (Nobody likes you where you’re 23, you know?) While we’re on a sad note, this week’s MP3 Monday comes from the sad/rad guys in Skull Kid. The band released its first EP, I Promise That’s…
MP3 Monday: MH the Verb
Photo by Crystal Engel MH the Verb Hey, itsa Monday. Here we go… This week, we have a special MP3 Monday. One that pulls at the heart strings and makes you feel like you’re watching Finding Nemo for the first time (it’s that touching). Marcus Harris, aka MH the Verb, is a hip hop artist…
MP3 Monday: The Danzas
The Danzas Hey hey! As you well know, each week, we bring you a new MP3 from a local band. This week? We’ve got The Danzas! Their album is, of course, called We’re the Boss, and they’ve got a show this Fri., July 25, at the Smiling Moose. (It’s the late show, at 10:00, with…
MP3 Monday: Save Us from the Archon
Save Us from the Archon This week, we spice things up for MP3 Monday. BOOM! That’s what that Emeril guy used to say, right? The spice comes in the form of Save Us from the Archon. This band sounds like The Fall of Troy, sans vocals. SUFTA released their latest album, Thereafter, via Seizure Man…
MP3 Monday: Melinda
Photo by Kelli Beavers Melinda Happy belated Day of Independence to you all! Hope your celebrations were safe and very American. This week, we feature Melinda Colaizzi, better known as just Melinda. She released her new album, Witness, June 10 and as noted on her Bandcamp page, “This recording should be played loud.” No argument…
MP3 Monday: Heather Kropf
Photo by Ashley Dru Heather Kropf As this summer heats up, it seems somewhat fitting to bring you a MP3 Monday that would help you cool off. Dehydration and heat exhaustion are serious, guys. This week’s offering comes from singer-songwriter Heather Kropf. Kropf released her fourth LP, Chrysalis, June 17 and had a release show…
MP3 Monday: Grand Piano
Photo by Jake Reinhart Grand Piano Sometimes we miss deadlines. Sometimes the U.S. Men’s National Team breaks your heart by conceding a goal in the last minute of a World Cup match against Portugal. Things don’t always go according to plan. But at least new music is here to get us through the day, right?…
MP3 Monday: Murder For Girls
Murder for Girls Time keeps a rolling by and this week’s MP3 Monday keeps things moving, in a good way. Murder for Girls, formed earlier this year, describe itself as a rock band. Their new EP does sound as such, but it also has a ’80s punk vibe. The band, with three of its four…
MP3 Monday: Shaky Shrines
Shaky Shrines Hello world….OK, Pittsburgh. Releasing multiple albums in a year-span is an accomplishment. But releasing four in a year? That’s a feat. This week’s MP3 Monday band Shaky Shrines did just that and lived to tell the tale. The psych-rock band released HOCUS BOGUS in late May with a release show at Thunderbird Cafe…
MP3 Monday: Brightside
Brightside Hey party people! It’s that time of the week again where new music is made yours, with a just a few clicks. What a deal! This week’s MP3 Monday comes from Brightside, an indie/emo band whose latest album Now and Loud is worth a listen (and it’s pay-what-you-want on bandcamp). The band’s latest album…
MP3 Monday: Londona
Londona Welcome back music aficionados! This week’s MP3 Monday comes from a new Pittsburgh project from a veteran of the local scene. Chip DiMonick, of the band of the same name, and Jenn Neish make up Londona, self-described as “pop rock” band. The band released a self-titled EP, their first release, earlier this month. Check…
MP3 Monday: Nevada Color
Photo courtesy of Alex Papke Nevada Color Well, May is coming to an end. Pretty soon it will be summer. Nothing goes better with summer time than some frosty beverages, lawn chairs and summer jams. That’s where Nevada Color comes in. The indie rockers just released the physical version of their new LP, Adventures, on…
