Thu., July 2 -- Film
One more sign that Pittsburgh is a two-wheel hot-spot: We're getting the Ninth Annual Bicycle Film Fest, an international celebration of bikes. It starts tonight with a screening of bike-related short films at The Andy Warhol Museum, with an after-party (featuring stationary-bike races) at The Over the Bar Bicycle Café on the South Side. Tomorrow, it's a feature documentary, Where Are You Go: Cairo to Capetown by Bicycle, at 6 p.m.; a batch of Urban Bike Shorts at 8 p.m.; and an after-party at the Brew House. Saturday, get outside -- there's bike polo and a picnic, plus a dinner-time group ride. Al Hoff 7 p.m. Also 6 and 8 p.m. Fri., July 3. 117 Sandusky St., North Side. Films are $8. www.bicyclefilmfestival.com
Fri., July 3 – Boats n' at
Whether you're into fishing, fireworks, boats, tightrope-walking, competitive eating, motocross or '70s pop-rockers Three Dog Night, the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta has got you covered. The three-day extravaganza kicks off today, with events held at Point State Park, Clemente Bridge and the North Shore. Today's highlight is Nik Wallenda's wire walk over the Allegheny at 7 p.m.; tomorrow at 11 a.m., it's the return of the popular Anything That Floats boat race. AH Through Sun., July 5. Downtown and North Shore. Free. www.threeriversregatta.net
Fri., July 3 -- Art
Highlights of tonight's monthly gallery crawl Unblurred include the opening of Seventh-Inning Stretch, the first Pittsburgh show of work by Seattle-based, internationally known glass artist Nancy Callan. Her Pop-inspired pieces draw on everything from bumblebees to superhero costumes. Also along Penn Avenue from Bloomfield to East Liberty are: new shows at Most Wanted Fine Art, ARTica ("An Exhibition of Little Art") and Garfield Artworks; DJs at Envy and Shadow Lounge; free live music at Tweek Clothing; and, starting at 10 p.m., at Brillobox, the Pandemic dance party. Bill O'Driscoll Most venues open by 6 p.m. Penn Avenue corridor, Friendship/Garfield/Bloomfield. Most venues are free. friendship-pgh.org/paai/unblurred/
Fri., July 3 -- Music
Musician Babatunde Lea was just a seedling when he journeyed to San Francisco's Bay Area in the midst of its polyrhythmic '60s. There he forged a sound that fuses the smoothness of jazz with the exotic textures of world music. Now a wizened old soul, Lea brings his mastery of tap drums and hand percussion to the Frick Art & Historical Center. While not a religious man, he claims to be deeply in touch with "spiritual essences" and uses his music in part to pay homage to the spirit world. Tonight's performance is part of First Fridays at the Frick. Andrea Bullard 7 p.m. 7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze. $5 (kids free). 412-371-0600
Sat., July 4 -- Brains
Think you're smarter than the rest of us? Here's your chance to find out for sure. American Mensa is holding its annual national convention here through Sunday (prepare for an influx of more than half a million extra IQ points in town). Wannabe Mensans can take a two-hour eligibility test today. Bring $40, a photo ID, and if you're age 14-17, a parent. After the test, prospectees can mingle with brainiacs and enjoy the day's programs which include the Mensa Marketplace, a how-to on making chain-mail, discussions on green buildings and pet acupuncture, and various meet-ups. AH 9:30 a.m. (arrive by 9 a.m.). Omni William Penn Hotel, Downtown. www.ag.us.mensa.org
Sat. July 4 -- History
It only seems like a century since the Pirates' last winning season. But two stadiums ago, the club had one of the more storied homes in baseball. The new Heinz History Center exhibit Forbes Field: A Century of Memories begins in 1909 -- when the Honus Wagner-led Bucs won the World Series in the brand-new venue. It hits on artifacts recalling Babe Ruth's final three homers; Roberto Clemente; the 1960 Series; the long-demolished Oakland stadium building itself; and much more. BO 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1212 Smallman St., Strip District. $10 ($9 seniors; $5 students and children 4-18). 412-454-6000
Sat., July 4 -- Outdoors
Stinging nettles! Poisonous snakes! Deer ticks! Here's a nature talk in which you'll want to skip the hands-on demonstrations. The folks at Beaver County's Raccoon Creek State Park present Nature's Nasties, an interpretive program about some of the villains of your backyard. From plants that prick to bugs that suck blood, park educator Shane Miller will walk you through the basics of what to avoid on your next hike -- and how to deal with the consequences if there's an unintended encounter. A short walk will likely be involved, but the program is mostly stationary. Andy Mulkerin 2 p.m. 3000 Rt. 18, Hookstown. Free. 724-799-3611
Sat., July 4 -- Music
Chicago's Bloodshot Records has had a storied 15-year span: Since the label's founding in 1994, it's hosted some legendary artists (Jon Langford, Exene Cervenka) and helped some up-and-comers (like the Old 97's) cut their teeth. Tonight, the label kicks off its Bloodshot Beer-B-Q tour, a celebration of its birthday, at the Smiling Moose. In addition to free food and cheap beer, attendees can expect to see some top artists from the label's current roster: The Bottle Rockets, Bobby Bare Jr., Deadstring Brothers, Ha Ha Tonka, Dex Romweber Duo and Scotland Yard Gospel Choir. They'll be occupying both stages at the Moose. AM 5 p.m. 1306 E. Carson St., South Side. Free. 412-431-4668 or www.smiling-moose.com
Sun., July 5 -- Art
The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts looks like (and once was) a big old house. It'll likely feel pretty natural, then, to stroll its parking lot for today's Yart Sale. Individual artists, plus staff from the Center and sister organization Pittsburgh Filmmakers, will offer original works, prints, decorative arts, art books, art supplies and more. Also for sale are new ceramic pieces by artist members; proceeds will defray the cost of kiln repairs at the center. There's even a bake sale (to benefit teaching artists). BO 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 6300 Fifth Ave., Shadyside. 412-361-0873
Mon., July 6 -- Music
There's little doubt that listening to Caboladies' electronic soundscapes in one's headphones could transform a morning walk from mundane to magical -- and that's not the only type of trip that could improve when augmented by the Kentucky duo's sounds. Beeps, tones and fuzz congregate in the band's catalog, which will soon include a split with the locals Tusk Lord, whom they appear alongside tonight at The Nerve. Veteran noise outfit Fuck Telecorps and the capable local ambient duo Sundogpeacehouse play as well. AM 6 p.m. 500 Dargan St., Bloomfield. $5. All ages. 412-951-0622
Tue., July 7 -- Stage
Les Miserables -- with its beloved songs "On My Own," "I Dreamed a Dream" and "Do You Hear the People Sing" -- comes to Pittsburgh. The musical, a longtime favorite of girls with hairbrush microphones, is based on Victor Hugo's novel about love and revolution in 19th-century France. Fred Inkley stars as Jean Valjean to Jacquelyn Piro Donovan's Fantine in this Pittsburgh CLO production, opening tonight at the Benedum Center. Enthuiastic fans prone to their own off-key renditions should leave the warbling to the pros. AB. 8 pm. Continues through July 19. 719 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $18.50-54.50. 412-456-2692
Tue., July 7 -- Music
With nearly a dozen members, Balthrop, Alabama is something between a band and a village, with music that seems a mix of folksy indie pop and musical theater. The New York City-based group has recently released two paired EPs, Subway Songs and Cowboy Songs, on the End Up label, and has earned praise from the likes of the Village Voice and The New Yorker. Balthrop, Alabama plays tonight at Howlers Coyote Café, accompanied by artist Michael Arthur, who projects his live drawings for each song. Aaron Jentzen 8 p.m. 4509 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield. 412-682-0320 or www.howlerscoyotecafe.com
Wed., July 8 -- Punk
A rite of summer since 1995, the Vans Warped Tour rolls through the Post-Gazette Pavilion today. The enormous slate of performers includes loads of new bands as well as veteran punks (NOFX, Bad Religion) and hometown heroes Anti-Flag, fresh off the release of The People or the Gun. But it's not just punk these days; there's also hip hop (P.O.S., Shad) and mellower pop-rock (Meg & Dia). As "ChloeeDiamonds" comments on the show's Web site, "im going, this should be fuckin syyykk!(:" For full lineup and details, visit www.warpedtour.com. AJ Noon. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown, Pa. $23.75 ($33.75 day of show). All ages. 724-947-7400
Wed., July 8 -- Art
The Silver Eye Center for Photography turns 30 this year. To celebrate, the nonprofit gallery and South Side institution asked its members worldwide to submit work on the theme of "self-portrait." Some took that charge literally, flipping the lens 180 degrees; others more metaphorically. In all, 104 artists responded, with everything from tintypes to inkjet prints. Self Portrait: Silver Eye at 30, opens for viewing today, with a formal reception July 11. BO 1015 E. Carson St., South Side. Donation requested. (Reception: 3-5 p.m. Sat., July 11; $5). 412-431-1810
Wed., July 8 -- Music
Composer Nathaniel Bartlett's music stand is actually a dual-display computer monitor named Atlas. His sheet music is an ever-evolving digital score that he integrates with live music in real time. Bartlett also uses a recording technique called Ambisonics to create "audio sculptures," immersing his audience in three-dimensional soundfields. Eight high-definition loudspeakers plus one subwoofer surround show-goers, as they witness his smooth navigation of a gargantuan modern marimba. Bartlett and his full electronic arsenal take on the Brew House tonight. AB 8 p.m. 2100 Mary St., South Side. $20 ($15 students/seniors). 412-381-7767
