Photo: Matthew Buchholz
Spring crafts and drafts
Thu, April 28
CINEMA • IRL
Tull Family Theater will attempt to prove that mushrooms are more than just eating in this educational screening. Directed by Louie Schwartzberg, Fantastic Mushrooms: The Mushroom Movie features scientists and mycologists who talk about what “the mushroom kingdom offers in response to some of our most pressing medical, therapeutic and environmental challenges”. The documentary is described as an “immersive journey through time and scale into the magical land beneath our feet, an underground network that can heal and save our planet.” 1:30 p.m. 418 Walnut St., Sewickley. $8.75-33.75. thetullfamilytheatre.org
THEATER • IRL
The stage adaptation of the 1992 Disney film News comes to the small lake theater. Inspired by the real newsboys’ strike of 1899, the musical follows Jack Kelly, the charismatic leader of a group of teenage “newsies”. Faced with rising publishing prices, Jack mobilizes his newspaper-seller buddies to protest the unfair conditions. Don’t miss Little Lake’s production of this hit family Broadway show. 7:30 p.m. Continues until Sunday, May 8. 500 Lakeside Drive South, Canonsburg. $15-25. petitlac.org
Fri, April 29
PODCAST • IRL
Last podcast left is heading towards the Benedum Center for a night dedicated to true crime, cults, and more. The long-running hit podcast features hosts Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks and Henry Zebrowski bringing a sense of humor to the fight against ‘all things horror’ including serial killers, cryptids and hauntings famous. The show is Mama Mia! Here we go again will cover much of the same, so grab tickets for what is sure to be an entertaining dive into the macabre. 8 p.m. 237 Seventh St., Downtown. $25-150. trustarts.org
MUSIC • IRL
Head to the Thunderbird Café and Music Room for a special evening of acts of tribute. the DJam: Grateful Dead Tribute and Benefit Show will feature Jeff Mattson and Lisa Mackey of Dark Star Orchestra. Proceeds from the event will benefit Just Harvest, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger in Allegheny County. There will also be an opening acoustic set from Pittsburgh jamband theCAUSE, so head over to Thunderbird to show your support for local artists and a good cause. 7:30 p.m. Doors at 6:30 p.m. 4053 Butler St., Lawrenceville. $20. www.thunderbirdmusichall.com
CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
Asylum City Bookstore in Alphabet City
Sat 30 April
BED • IRL
To celebrate Independent Bookstore Day to city of asylum with writer-in-residence Tuhin Das, who will be signing copies of his new book, Exile Poems. The day will also be filled with surprise discounts, blind dates with a book, free raffles and exclusive merchandise like an “Indie Bookstores Are My Jam” mug and pencil, tote bag and a keychain for Independent Bookstore Day. 12 p.m. to 6:40 p.m. W. North Ave., north side. Free. cityofasylumbooks.org
COMEDY • IRL
Horror movies have made legends of so many actors – Bela Lugosi, Christopher Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis, Colin Hanks. …Wait, Colin Hanks? Although the talented son of beloved star Tom Hanks may not be a horror icon, he will dive into the genre for The Colin Hanks Short Film Festival: Horror to Arcade Comedy Theater. Hosted by Hanks, the event is described as bringing together comedians to “create films that have never been seen before and will never be seen again”. 8 p.m. 943 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $10-15. 16 years and over. arcadecomedytheatre.com
EVENT • IRL
The Polish Hill May Day Parade returns after a two-year pandemic hiatus. In addition to celebrating the arrival of spring, May Day also pays tribute to international workers and immigrant rights. Put by the Polish Hill Civic Association, the parade will begin at Melwood Avenue and stop at West Penn Park, where the celebration will continue with a community barbecue. Attendees are encouraged to dress up and bring floats, banners, flowers or whatever looks festive. Masking and social distancing are encouraged for all attendees. 12 p.m. 610 Melwood Ave, Polish Hill. Free. facebook.com/phca.pittsburgh
Sun May 1
EVENT • IRL
Eastern Brewery will combine shopping with food and beer during Spring crafts and drafts. This open-air market will feature vintage merchandise and items from small businesses in the area. Check out Triple Moon Alchemy, a plant-based apothecary, screen-printed artwork by Vanessa Adams, vintage vinyl from Flipping Records and Tapes, sustainable clothing and accessories made by Otto Finn, and more. You can also enjoy an East End beer or a soft drink from Live Fresh Cold Pressed Juice. 2-6 p.m. 147 Julius Street, Larimer. Free. facebook.com/EastEndBrewing
Photo: Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress, Washington DC, courtesy of the Gordon Parks Foundation
Gordon Parks in Pittsburgh, 1944/1946 at the Carnegie Museum of Art
Monday, May 2
ART • IRL
Few photographers have captured Pittsburgh’s industrial past like Gordon Parksand now the public can discover his talent during a new exhibition at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Gordon Parks in Pittsburgh, 1944/1946 is described as presenting “an unexplored body of the acclaimed photographer’s work, capturing an indelible view of Pittsburgh during World War II”. The more than 50 photographs on display depict workers at the Penola, Inc. grease plant, a local facility that produced essential goods for US troops during the war. Continues until August 7. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. Included with museum admission. cmoa.org
Tue, May 3
ILLUMINATED • HYBRID
Despite progress, women’s working lives continue to be characterized by gender pay gaps, discrimination and lack of support, especially for mothers. Four women decided to remedy this problem by forming the “No Club”, where they “pooled more than 10 dollars worth of bottles of wine to master their professional lives”. Now the women will launch their book The No Club: Ending women’s dead-end work during Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures event at the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall. Get more information on what is described as a “practical and timely guide to bringing gender equity to the workplace”. 6:00 p.m. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. Free. Registration required. pittsburghlectures.org
Wed 4 May
MAGIC • IRL
Nathan Phan decided to win the title The polymath of magic, combining illusion with acting, singing, storytelling and improvisation, as well as vocal mimicry – he can even mix you a cocktail. See Phan at magic freedom as he demonstrates the wide range of skills that have led him to appear on TV shows such as Masters of Illusions and America’s Got Talent. This is the debut of Phan’s Liberty Magic, so be sure to check out this “multi-disciplinary tour de force by a passionate, sincere, and preeminent showman.” 7:30 p.m. Continues until Sunday, May 29. 811 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $40-65. trustarts.org