What’s going on this week in Pittsburgh, September 13-19? Find out here. Be sure to pack your mask and visit each organization’s website and social media for updated Covid safety protocols. Know of a cool event? Email us.

Monday, September 13: Black Lives in Focus at Pitt
Various times
Black lives and voices will be amplified all week long during a new university-wide initiative launched with four inaugural projects. The ongoing project includes a multimedia exhibition, the “Say Her Name” Memorial Gown, an interactive tour of historically significant sites of Black history throughout Pitt’s campus, and the establishment of an online hub for the events and programs that are putting Black lives in focus. The free public events run through Sept. 26.

Tuesday, September 14: Norihide Nakajima Quintet
7 p.m.
City of Asylum’s monthlong Jazz Poetry Festival is underway so don’t miss a beat. Tonight marks the first time the event reaches Japan, with a concert filmed inside Kyoto’s Rag Jazz club. Featuring Utako Yamauchi (vocals), Tsutomu Takei (saxophone), Kiyoshi Takeshita (piano), Norihide Nakajima (bass) and Takehiro Shimizu (drums), the free online program features original compositions, poetry and Japanese jazz standards.

Tuesday, September 14: Legends in the Limelight at Carnegie Music Hall
7:30 p.m.
One of contemporary opera’s most sought-after baritones is making his hometown debut when this Pittsburgh Festival Opera series continues. Acclaimed for his “warm, rich tone,” Avalon native Michael Chioldi has performed at opera houses and festivals around the globe. After the performance, opera lovers can mingle with the performers at a reception. Buy tickets.

Bianca Del Rio. Photo by Matt Crockett.

Wednesday, September 15: Bianca Del Rio Comedy at Carnegie Music Hall of Oakland
8 p.m.
Prepare to get unsanitized with famed drag queen, comedian, actor and author Bianca Del Rio. Season 6 winner and a fan favorite on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Del Rio is bringing her “all-new set of snark” on a national tour, with many shows already sold-out. Dubbed “The Joan Rivers of the Drag World,” the New Orleans native made history by becoming the first drag queen to headline Carnegie Hall and Wembley Arena. Buy tickets.


Thursday, September 16: Black & Solid Gold: The Hits of Magnificent Motown
5:30 p.m.
Enjoy a late summer evening of music, art and community celebration when the Kelly Strayhorn Theater kicks off its fall season of IRL programming. Attend a discussion with Women of Visions, shop for handmade local goods at the ORIGINS Marketplace and then groove your way into autumn with live music by The BGV’s, Hakim Rasheed, Wayne Barber and Dwayne Fulton. Buy tickets.

Thursday, September 16: 412 Food Rescue’s Yinz Citizen Virtual Concert
8 p.m.
Did you know that 1 in 7 people goes hungry every day and 40% of food produced is wasted? Helping end food waste and hunger is just a click or a text away. Join Pittsburgh’s only food rescue organization to make a difference during Hunger Action Month. Coming together to rock for a cause will be Joe Grushecky + The Houserockers, Derek Woods Band, Bill Toms Band, the PSO, Driving While Black Records, Leigh Solomon Pugliano, Rock Reggae and Relief and many others. Between performances, viewers will hear from 412 Food Rescue volunteers and be treated to appearances by Wiz Khalifa, Baron Batch and others.

Friday, September 17: 18+ Night: Rock and Roll at Carnegie Science Center
6-10 p.m.
See why science rocks during this no-kids night out on the North Shore. At the relaunch of Carnegie Science Center’s 18+ series, you play classic rock riffs on a guitar, rock out to live music by Barnacle Feet and check out the “Sounds Like Science” show to see how a Rubens Tube device visualizes sound waves in flames. Cap off the night with a Pink Floyd Laser Show in Buhl Planetarium. Buy tickets.

Artwork by John Miller courtesy of Pittsburgh Glass Center.

Friday, September 17: Art on Fire Meltdown Online Auction
8 p.m.
If you weren’t lucky enough to score tickets to Pittsburgh Glass Center’s sold-out signature gala, don’t worry — you can still get in on the bidding. It’s a terrific opportunity to buy cool, handmade glass art (like a glass cheeseburger?!) at a great value while supporting the artists and the center. More than 100 breathtaking glass objects by internationally renowned artists are featured in the silent and live auctions. Anyone can participate online.

Friday, September 17: Chaka Khan at the Benedum Center
8 p.m.
The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival is back and the one and only Queen of Funk is here to get things going. Don’t miss 10-time Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan when she performs tonight at the Benedum center as the Cultural Trust swings open its doors to resume in-person programming and ushers in the festival’s impressive lineup, which continues this weekend at Highmark Stadium. Buy tickets.

Saturday, September 18: Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival at Highmark Stadium
11:45 a.m.-11 p.m.
Live jazz will flow again when the 11th annual festiveal takes the sounds outdoors to the South Side. Today’s must-see lineup features Jazzmeia Horn, Christan Scott Atunde Adjuah, Christian McBride’s New Jawn, The Baylor Project, Gregory Porter, The Kenny Garrett Quintet and Marcus Miller. There will also be a Jazz Time Musical for children and families. Buy tickets.


Photo of Jazzmeia Horn courtesy of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.

Saturday, September 18: Garbage Olympics throughout Pittsburgh
9-11 a.m.
Move over gymnastics, beach volleyball and water polo — it’s time to roll up your sleeves and compete in the Garbage Olympics. Join a neighborhood team and see who can remove the most litter, debris and garbage from our city’s streets in just two hours. Team captains will report the results to the Clean Pittsburgh Commission for final scores and judging. Register here.

Saturday, September 18: Water Festival at Buffalo Creek Nature Park
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Join the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania and the Buffalo Creek Watershed Coalition to explore the region’s newest natural amenity. Spend the day participating in family-friendly, educational activities exploring Buffalo Creek in Sarver — such as fishing, nature crafts and games. Register for free.

Saturday, September 18: Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Parade
10 a.m.
Nope, it’s not sleeting, but it IS halfway to March 17. Since the country’s second-largest St. Patrick’s Day parade was canceled two years in a row due to the pandemic, it’s making a much-anticipated return this weekend. Showcasing marching units, bands and floats, the 1.4-mile parade starts near the Amtrak Station and marches down Grant Street to the Boulevard of the Allies and down to Stanwix Street. In Market Square, attendees can enjoy performances from the Shovlin School of Irish Dance and live music from The Low Kings.

Saturday, September 18: Sound Series Block Party at the Andy Warhol Museum
3-10 p.m.
Forget potlucks and cornhole on your street and instead head to a block party with the best view in town. Launching its return to in-person performances, The Warhol Museum’s Sound Series Block Party will set up shop on Isabella Street along the North Shore. The varied musical lineup features Vieux Farka Touré, Pastor Deryck Tines & the Lemington Chorale, Cassandra Jenkins, Andy Shauf, Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips. The outdoor mini-fest will include food and beverage vendors along with T-shirt-, tote bag- and poster-making activities. Buy tickets.

Saturday, September 18: Symphony on the Plaza at Hazelwood Green
6 p.m.
Enjoy a concert under the stars when the Pittsburgh Symphony Brass performs classical favorites and Hollywood blockbusters, including music from “The Green Hornet,” “Superman” and “Star Wars.” The opening performance is by the Center of Life Jazz Band. Attendees can buy food and beverages from the Sips Mobile Bar and Secretos PGH Puerto Rican food truck. Register for free.

Saturday, September 18: Krish Mohan at the Irma Freeman Center for Imagination
9 p.m.
Pittsburgh-based nationally touring comedian Krish Mohan takes the mic to perform his first live show after a year of virtual shows. Mohan’s new show, “The Citizen Revolution,” uses humor to tackle progressive socio-political topics, including ruminating on his personal experiences after obtaining U.S. citizenship in 2019. Buy tickets.

Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Coffee Week.

Sunday, September 19: Pittsburgh Coffee Week
9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Calling all coffee lovers to Beansburgh. Organized around the block party concept, the seven-day festivities will highlight outdoor events and numerous local partners and vendors — from KLVN, Commonplace and Tonic to Trace Brewing, De Fer Coffee & Tea, and many others. There’s something for every coffee fanatic to taste, smell and discover with daily themed events such as a latte art contest, roasting class and a trivia night.

Sunday, September 19: Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival at Highmark Stadium
1:15-11 p.m.
Wrap up your weekend and help celebrate the culminating day of the Jazz Festival with a stellar lineup of jazz veterans along with stars on the rise. Sunday’s edition will feature performances by Dianne Reeves, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Lakecia Benjamin, Branford Marsalis, Patrice Rushen, and the Eddie Palmieri Afro-Cuban Jazz Septet. Buy tickets.

Photo courtesy of Hello Neighbor.

Sunday, September 19: Home Sweet Home at the Grand Priory Hall
3-6 p.m.
Welcome Pittsburgh’s newest neighbors at this celebration of culture, community and cuisine. Hosted by Hello Neighbor, the benefit will support refugee and immigrant families in Pittsburgh. Enjoy live music by Nigerian singer Jemiriye and interactive painting with Ebtehal Badawi, along with dance performances and kids’ activities. Savor cultural treats from refugee and immigrant chefs and local restaurants and bakeries and bid on silent auction items. Buy tickets.

For more events, read 13 September events not to miss in Pittsburgh — and most are outdoors.



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