NEXTpittsburgh: 10 things to do this weekend, from BRIGID to ‘Jazz Radio America’ and winter hiking
“Armida” runs at CAPA Theater Downtown on Jan. 31 and Feb. 2. David Bachman Photography for Pittsburgh Opera.
10 things to do this weekend, from BRIGID to ‘Jazz Radio America’ and winter hiking
Also don’t miss barebones productions, ‘My Sister’s Lipstick’ and a native plant conference.l
By Jennifer Baron
January 29, 2025
Thursday, Jan. 30: Kelly Starling Lyons at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
6 p.m.
For its next installment of its Words & Pictures series, Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures welcomes award-winning writer Kelly Starling Lyons. The event coincides with the 125th anniversary of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a hymn written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900. Inspired by the song’s historical significance, Lyons’ new book “celebrates the Black National Anthem and how it inspired five generations of a family.” Illustrations by artist Keith Mallett help tell the story of families who gained hope and strength from the song’s lyrics. A founding member of The Brown Bookshelf, Lyons is a teaching artist and author of 30-plus books for young readers. Copies of her book, “Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations,” are available from City of Asylum Bookstore and online. Tickets.
Image courtesy of City of Asylum.
Thursday, Jan. 30: A.J. Johnson’s “Jazz Radio America” at Alphabet City
7 p.m.
Musician and professor Aaron J. Johnson shares insights from his new book, “Jazz Radio America,” during this free program presented by City of Asylum. In conversation with Chuck Leavens, president and CEO of WZUM Jazz Pittsburgh, Johnson will discuss his work examining “jazz radio from the advent of Black radio in 1948, to its near extinction from the commercial dial after 1980.” Johnson will also perform some soul and jazz tunes highlighted in the book, joined by Pittsburgh musical luminaries Mark Micchelli (piano), Dwayne Dolphin (bass), James Johnson III (drums) and Erik Lawrence (saxophone, flute). Chair of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Music, Johnson plays trombone, tuba, bass clarinet and conch shells. Register.
Thursday, Jan. 30, & Friday, Jan. 31: “My Sister’s Lipstick” at the New Hazlett Theater
8 p.m. & 10 a.m.
If you look forward to your CSA box deliveries filled with local produce, then you’ll love this New Hazlett CSA Performance Series based on a similar model, but replacing the agriculture with art. The unique series invites emerging and mid-career performing artists to present new works in development. The North Side venue kicks off its CSA 12 season with an “intimate play inspired by isolation, queer repression and a Judy Garland obsession.” Created by playwright and actor Anna King Skeels, the premiere production follows “two siblings as they navigate their relationship with each other and the outside world,” while exploring how seclusion impacts self-expression and the choices people make to survive. Tickets.
Friday, Jan. 31, & Sunday, Feb. 2: “Armida” at the CAPA Theater
7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
The age-old duality of love and war takes center stage in Pittsburgh Opera’s first performance of “Armida.” What will unfold when the enchanting Armida is ordered to destroy heroic knight Rinaldo, but the two fall in love? Duty and desire converge in Joseph Haydn’s most significant work — and the first-ever staged performances of “Armida” in Pittsburgh. Multiple composers and librettists throughout history have produced versions of the opera based on Torquato Tasso’s poem, “Gerusalemme liberata (Jerusalem Delivered).” In the Pittsburgh premiere starring Lauryn Davis, the libretto was taken from Antonio Tozzi’s 1775 opera, “Rinaldo,” as amended by Nunziato Porta. You have only two more chances to catch the production, with a Friday evening show and a Sunday matinee. Tickets.
Quantum Theatre’s “The Return of Benjamin Lay.” Photo courtesy of Jason Snyder.
Friday, Jan. 31, & Saturday, Feb. 1: “The Return of Benjamin Lay” at Braddock Carnegie Library
8 p.m.
It seems both fitting and timely that this “story of a radical abolitionist” is making its U.S. premiere within the walls of the newly renovated Braddock Carnegie Library. Always pushing boundaries far beyond the stage, Quantum Theatre’s next site-specific production “brings to light the true story of a fiery revolutionary fighting the injustice of slavery.” Written by acclaimed playwright Naomi Wallace and award-winning University of Pittsburgh historian Marcus Rediker, the play explores freedom, injustice, strength and more. Directed by Ron Daniels, the play stars Mark Povinelli as Lay, whose “unrelenting calls for emancipation ultimately cost him a place in the Quaker community he loved.” Don’t miss Quantum’s public program series illuminating the production. Tickets.
Photo courtesy of barebones productions.
Friday, Jan. 31- Sunday, Feb. 2: “Unreconciled” at Barebones Black Box Theater
8 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Launching its 22nd season with “authentic theater and unparalleled storytelling,” barebones productions presents this true story of an adolescent actor cast as Jesus in a school play directed by a priest. Starring Jay Sefton, “Unreconciled” follows “a survivor’s journey as he confronts his past, navigates a victims’ reparations program set up by the Catholic church and discovers the courage to use his voice.” Exploring themes of family, reconciliation, humanity and place, the powerful play is directed by acclaimed actress and director Geraldine Hughes, who portrayed Mary Todd Lincoln in “Killing Lincoln,” and has also appeared in “Duplex,” “Rocky Balboa” and “Gran Torino.” Written by Sefton and Mark Basquill, the play marks the first one-man show staged by barebones. Before or after the show, enjoy a meal at the new Braddock Public House located next to the theater. Tickets.
Photo courtesy of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Saturday, Feb. 1: Native Plant and Sustainability Conference at Phipps
9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Before the spring planting season arrives, make time to attend this one-day forum highlighting sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship. Landscape professionals, home gardening gurus and anyone interested in making better choices to support the environment will gather to participate in an exciting lineup of talks and presentations led by local and national experts. Sessions will explore native plants, wildlife and pollinators, fungal conservation, managing deer, urban parks, local ecosystems and more. Attendees can also get inspired by seeing the winners of the 2024 Sustainable Garden Awards. Register. While you’re there, check out Phipps’ Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show.
Photo courtesy of Venture Outdoors.
Saturday, Feb. 1: Winter Hike in North Park
2-4 p.m.
Ready to reboot your winter recreation routine? Gently step out of your comfort zone, build confidence and enjoy the company of other nature lovers during this moderate 2-mile hike. Experienced trip leader Mara, from Venture Outdoors, will create an inclusive experience for outdoor adventurers of all abilities. Find inspiration every step of the way as the group explores sections of the Blue and White Trails in scenic North Park. Meet the group at the Pie Traynor Field parking lot. Tickets.
Saturday, Feb. 1: BRIGID at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center
2-8 p.m.
Women, whiskey and light converge at this unique celebration of the Celtic goddess and patron saint of Ireland. Marking Imbolc, the beginning of spring in Ireland, this year’s festival debuts exciting new elements. The revelry starts at “Women and Whiskey,” a curated pre-show tasting experience spotlighting women-owned distilleries. Visit the “Blazing a Trail” exhibit to explore the lives and legacies of 21 Irish diaspora women trailblazers in all fields. Event headliner is Grammy-winning fiddle player Eileen Ivers. Attendees will be treated to diverse cultural entertainment, from bagpipers, dancers and harpists, to singers, songwriters and storytellers. Tickets.
“Life of Pi.” Photo by Ellie Kurttz.
Sunday, Feb. 2: “Life of Pi” at the Benedum Center
1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
If you devoured the bestselling novel by Yann Martel and were glued to the Oscar-winning film directed by Ang Lee — then you can’t miss Lolita Chakrabarti’s stage adaptation of this global phenomenon. Follow the epic tale of 16-year-old Pi who “survives on a lifeboat with four companions — a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan and a Royal Bengal tiger” — following a shipwreck in the Pacific Ocean. Starring powerhouse actor Taha Mandviwala, the Tony-winning production showcases stunning visuals, innovative puppetry and breathtaking stagecraft. Read more about the show in NEXT. Tickets.