Arts-Music

The Pittsburgh Playhouse of Point Park University has reopened in its new downtown location, and it’s beautiful.

Downtown Pittsburgh has a creative new retailer, as PG&H recently opened its doors at 536 Smithfield St. This home goods store is particularly unique because all products are handcrafted by local makers.

Kalie Frisky is from Linesville, one of those tiny towns in Pennsylvania some kids can’t wait to leave when they grow up. After a move to California, though, she started to feel like she was missing out on the story at home.

Downtown alleyways aren’t looking too much like alleyways, are they? The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is working to enhance passages frequently traveled by pedestrians.

Are you ready for music to your ears? How about a night of free entertainment? Downtown Pittsburgh Sound, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s (PDP) newest initiative is bringing high-quality, live music to workers, visitors and residents of Downtown.

If you’re a fan of Pittsburgh’s punk music scene, Punchline is no stranger to you. Twenty years, eight albums and 150 songs later, Punchline has a long list of fan favorites.

‘Tis the season for blockbuster movies, where the viewing experience can make or break the fun. For those who prefer a theater with character, these Pittsburgh spots won’t disappoint:

‘Tis the season for being outdoors. Did you know you can catch an outdoor movie any night of the week at one of Pittsburgh’s public parks?

Do you want to explore the local music scene this summer? Head to Downtown Irwin’s Music in the Streets, featuring local performers like American Idol contestant Aubrey Burchell, up-and-coming country singer Katelyn Rose and several jazz artists.

You’ve probably heard of Amsterdam, but how about Amsterdam Island? Located in the South Indian Ocean and discovered in 1522 by the Dutch, it is one of the most remote places on earth. It was claimed by the French in 1843 and is now inhabited by 25 French climate scientists.

If you have doubts about the Pittsburgh music scene, head to Millvale. With music festivals all summer long, it’s important to remember the events in our own backyard, including the Millvale Music Festival on May 12.

We may not be in Hollywood, but Pittsburghers can walk like stars on the red carpet on Oscar night: Sunday, March 4. For the 18th year, the Pittsburgh Film Office will host “Lights! Glamour! Action!,” a gala attended by hundreds of local celebrities, entertainment professionals and business leaders. You can purchase tickets here.

March is historically associated with green, but if you’re tired of the green that comes with leprechauns, check out the Wild & Scenic Film Festival — the nation’s premier environmental and adventure film event.

Aaron Kleiber, a well-known face in Pittsburgh comedy, will record his latest special at the Carnegie Library of Homestead. His performance will be filmed and produced entirely by local talent.

Rachel B, Billy Castle and Dinn Winnwood make up Little Good Bad, a local band that blends soul, pop, punk and dance music.

The Rivers Club Wednesday Night Live finishes Black History Month with a slate of Grammy greats:

Cultural experiences can come with a hefty price tag. But during February Free Days, members of any of several cultural organizations can experience the other attractions for no additional cost at all.

Pittsburgh’s history is one of cultural diversity. Several local dance clubs celebrate this heritage. They also provide a good aerobic workout.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre revives the love story “Swan Lake” with the PBT Orchestra Feb. 16-25 at the Benedum Center. And Pittsburgh 100 subscribers receive a 30 percent ticket discount!

Pittsburgh’s comedy scene is growing. And it’s more than performances by national comedians. We’re talking about local open mic nights with an emphasis on comedy. We all need a good laugh once in a while, so what better place to “LOL” than at the local watering hole? On the flip side, if you’re a wannabe comedian looking to test out new material, here are a few open mic spots:

Pittsburgh’s downtown entices you with sights, sounds and tastes. It can also satisfy your sense of rhythm, if you put yourself out there and start moving.

Pittsburgh’s comedy scene has mainstays, including Arcade Comedy Theater downtown and the expanding Improv at The Waterfront in Homestead. It also has Club Café, a South Side venue that’s making a name for itself with a combination of local and national comedy acts.

Tabor McLeod and Noah Myers, born on same day in 1999 and 2,700 miles apart, have music in their blood. The two young men joined with Matt Reese to form Kaelber, an up-and-coming band that has been building a steady buzz in Pittsburgh and the region.

It’s a Picksburgh thing, don’t yinz know? Are yinz going upstreet or dahnstreet? For Arcade Comedy Theater, the answer was one block dahnstreet to new digs.

Closing January 14 at the Senator John Heinz History Center is the Art of Facts | Uncovering Pittsburgh Stories, featuring 53 works of art by members of the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators (PSI).

The original “Star Wars” film debuted in 1977 and the franchise’s eighth installment (nine if you count 2016’s “Rogue One”) proves the appetite for more adventure “in a galaxy far, far away” is as strong as ever.

Share in the excitement of a film premiere while supporting the Arts for Autism Foundation.

Spark your holiday creativity at the Pittsburgh Glass Center. Glass is diverse in technique and design. Take a workshop or give a gift certificate to someone who’d love a class. Call 412-365-2145. The PGC is closed Dec. 23- Jan. 2, but there’s still time to shop.

Pittsburgh boasts plenty of live music on New Year’s Eve. Here are some shows to consider.

Since 1892, “The Nutcracker” has been delighting audiences all over the world. So how does the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre make Tchaikovsky’s most memorable work its own? By adding a distinctive Pittsburgh flair.