May 22: Saturday Rundown

I.D. at the Pipe Building: It takes two to tango. Prime Minister and assassin. Corpse and culprit. Man and tapeworm. On September 6, 1966, Hendrik Verwoerd, the Architect of Apartheid, was stabbed to death in the South African House of Assembly by Demetrios Tsafendas, a parliamentary messenger.This epic play is a portrait of the mad old South Africa and of two individuals, the Prime Minister and his killer, both searching for the same thing - identity.

Venue: The Pipe Building
Date: Saturday, May 21, 2005
Time: 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Ticket price: $22-$26; $15 student (limited availability)
Ticket contact info: 412-394-3353

Showcase of Rock: Veronica's Veil Players holds a benefit Showcase of Rock, 3 to 8 p.m., 44 Pius St. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students through college age. For more information or tickets call 412-431-5550.

Venue: Veronica's Veil Players
Date: Saturday, May 21, 2005
Time: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Ticket price: $10 for adults, $8 for students through college ages

Forever Plaid: The New York musical comedy hit Forever Plaid is the deliciously funny and charming story of “The Plaids,” a classic 1950s all-male singing group, who were killed in a car crash on their way to their first big gig! Audiences will be rolling in the aisles and tapping their toes as “The Plaids” are miraculously revived to perform the concert that never was in this hilariously nostalgic musical%2

Art on Display: Master Visual Artists V

Glen Brunken’s “Horse.” Justin Merriman/Tribune Review

Exhibit: 'Master Visual Artists V'

Mission: Pittsburgh Center for the Arts fosters a vibrant contemporary art scene in Southwest Pennsylvania by encouraging more people to create, see, support, and learn about visual arts.

What: Works by Paul Binai, Charlee Brodsky, Glen Brunken, Douglas Cooper, Ron Desmett, Akiko Kotani, Ron McNeish, Kathleen Mulcahy, Diane Samuels, and Harry Schwalb.

When: Through Aug. 21. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Admission: $5.

Where: Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, 6300 Fifth Ave., Shadyside.

Details: 412-361-0873 or www.pittsburgharts.org.

Kennywood is Open!

That's right - you can now print your Kennywood tickets online before you get to the park! Avoid those pesky lines.

The Lowdown:

Kennywood: America's Favorite Traditional Amusement Park is proud to be a National Historic Landmark. Click here to learn more about Kennywood’s history.

Dates and Prices Go to the Dates and Pricing page for information regarding opening/closing days and times and also FunDay admission rates.

OPERATING HOURS The entrance gates open daily* at 10:30 am, and the rides begin to open at 11:00 am. Closing times vary depending upon weather and crowd conditions, but generally occur around 10 pm.

* -Kennywood opens at 5 pm Monday, August 29-September 2, 2005.

LOCATION/DIRECTIONS: 10 miles from downtown Pittsburgh (southeast of downtown Pittsburgh) on PA 837 along the Monongahela River. Take Interstate 376 to Swissvale Exit #7 and follow the arrows to Kennywood. Click here for directions.

WHAT IF IT RAINS? The forecast may say '30% chance of rain', but there's a 100% chance of FUN! An overcast or rainy day means shorter lines and just as many thrills! Plus, if the majority of rides are inoperable for a continual two-hour period, we will gladly offer a return visit ticket at Guest Relations – just show your receipt. Please note, Kennywood does not offer cash refunds.

PARKING: Preferred parking is $5 per vehicle. Free parking is also available. Handicap parking is near the front gate. (A handicapped entrance is available at Gate 2, except during Fall Fantasy Parade Days.)

RIDES & GAMES: The park features thirty-one major rides, including three water rides, three classic wood coasters, the Phantom’s Revenge steel coaster, and a one-of-a-kind indoor coaster, the Exterminator. Kiddieland offers 14 “just for kids” rides. Click here for ride restrictions. Plus, with approximately 40 games, seven gift shops and two arcades, Kennywood’s action isn’t limited to rides!

Note: Paddle Boats and SkyCoaster are separate charges.

WEATHER CONDITIONS: For safety reasons, rides may shut down due to lightning or other severe weather. Rides will re-open when severe weather passes.

ENTERTAINMENT: Live entertainment all day, at two stages and strolling around the park. The Celebrate America Festival provides old-fashioned fun from June 30th through July 5th, with craft booths, parade, and fireworks. Fall Fantasy Parades wind around the park each evening from August 16th thru September 3rd. Click here for calendar of events.

ALSO: ATM machines and rental lockers are located within the park. Sorry, pets are not allowed.

Kennywood
4800 Kennywood Boulevard
West Mifflin, PA 15122
412-461-0500

Saturday Afternoons at The Leaf and Bean

Bill Toms is in the final stretches of what sources tell us is a rocking new release with his band, Hard Rain. The guitarist says he hopes to have it out as early as July. In the meantime, he and Hard Rain's own Tom Breiding will be going unplugged, with occasional guests dropping in. Thanks to The Post-Gazette for the head's up.

Check out the band's official website here.

The Lowdown:
every Saturday
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Leaf and Bean,
2200 Penn Ave., in The Strip
412-434-1481

May 20: The Yards at The Rex

According to The Post-Gazette, local alterna-rock heroes The Yards are reportedly finishing work on a full-length album, due out soon. In the meantime, you can catch them live Friday night at The Rex with Exit 11, Liquafly and Looseleaf. The show begins at 9:30. There's a $5 cover.

The Lowdown:
http://www.rextheatre.com/

address [map it]
1602 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

May 19: Damaged Pies Hit the Southside

Damaged Pies with guest Brad Wagner CLUB CAFE
Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 7:30PM Damaged Pies Jim Shag McCabe (bass) Stephen Bodner (guitar, vocals) The Pies latest CD, Live at Sun Studio Memphis. The cd was engineered and co-produced by James Lott (Billy Swan band guitarist). The cd features new versions of many of The Damaged Pies, best. Damaged Pies have just finished writing material for a yet to be released CD, to be called “In Such A Silent Place As This.” The CD will feature all new material, including a new mini operetta by the same name. The band also has upcoming national dates at Cubby Bears at Wrigley Field in Chicago and the Galaxy in Washington, D.C. Steve just recently played the U.K in the fall, including a showcase gig at the Cavern Club in Liverpool England with former Prestons/Critics guitarist Steve Adams. A note from the Cavern- "October saw Steve Bodner of the Damaged Pies promoting the CD he recorded in Sun Studios Memphis at The Liverpool Cavern Club. The historic transatlantic trip Steve made connecting the home of Elvis's first studio productions with the venue that hosted The Beatles early performances will be the envy of any musician who is interested in retracing the steps through the origin of their music. We look forward to having Steve back at The Cavern on his next trip to the UK." Pete Smith host Afterwork Acoustic at The Liverpool Cavern Club. The Damaged Pies have played all over the country including shows at such legendary venues as CBGB’s in New York City, The Whisky A-Go-Go in Los Angeles, The Ratskeller in Boston, J.C. Dobb’s in Philadelphia, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, and the Graffiti Rock Challenge in Pittsburgh. The Pies have released seven cds independently, including the operetta, “Trying Desperately to Look Famous.” The Pies helped to form Pittsburgh Musicians for Hunger Relief releasing the charity single, “No Reason.” Steve, along with Steve Adams and Amy Withrow, released the all-original song cycle, “The Nightwatch.” The music is described as “Garage Folk Punk”. Brad Wagner Brad Wagner-singer, songwriter, guitarist, bandleader, solo acoustic performer, showman. sand and glue, a lyricist unrivaled, a voice from the heartland by way of the big city. Brad Wagner has done it all over his career. He started as the front man for the seminal Pittsburgh band, The Boilermakers. This shot and a band unit was one of Pittsburgh’s most respected and hardest working of the 1980’s. A regular staple on the scene they twice made it to the finals of the storied Graffiti Rock Challenge. This band’s guitarist, Leo DeLeo also spawned the 1990’s Bogus recording artist Planet Leo. After the explosive parting of ways of the Boilermakers, Brad went solo. Playing as a solo act, Brad went on to such career highs as his first solo release “Karaoke Must Die” on his own Emma Records label and the post break-up “Brad Wagner and the Boilermakers” career retrospective also released on Emma Records. Brad also participated in the Pittsburgh Musician’s for Hunger Relief’s “No Reason” single and video and appearance on the globally syndicated “Light Music” program. Brad has showcased in clubs in New York City’s Greenwich Village and in Chicago. To appreciate Brad Wagner’s talents is to see him live.
Doors Open At 6PM $5 Cover Charge Tickets available through TicketMaster Charge by phone 412-323-1919. Call Club Cafe at 412-431-4950 for more details.
www.damagedpies.com

Deja Vu: It's Happy Hour on Penn Avenue

It's Happy Hour in the 'Burgh! Do you find yourself always heading to the same local hangout for a drink after work? Looking to try something new?

Check out Deja Vu in the Strip District! I know, I know. People avoid the Strip because of the parking situation. Every problem has a solution. Hop in the car on a weeknight to check out these drink specials, and avoid the mayhem.

Happy Hour - Monday Thru Friday 5 - 7 PM$2 Mixed Drinks & $2 Domestic Beer
Monday$3 Finlandia Vodka Drinks & Special Martinis 9 - 11 PM
Tuesday$4 Turi Vodka 9 - 11 PM
Wednesday$3 Coronas & $4 Bacardi Drinks 9 - 11 PM
Thursday$2 Michelob Ultra & $5 Cosmos 9 - 11 PM
Friday$2 Coors Light All Day And $5 Martinis - Also Enjoy Half Price Appetizers 5 - 7 PM

The Lowdown:
Dejavu Lounge And Restaurant
2106 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412.434.1144

Wood Street Galleries: Video Killed the Radio Star

Art with a twist! So, you've been to the Frick Museum, and you've checked out what the Warhol has to offer. Where to next? Head on over to the Wood Street Galleries. According the Gallery, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust operates Wood Street Galleries, which features multi-disciplinary artists from all over the world. Located above the T-Station at Wood Street and Sixth Avenue,

Wood Street Galleries also houses the Trust's shared office space program which provides a home and tools for small arts organizations.

This isn't your mom and dad's art. Check out what the museum has to say about its latest exhibit:

Music Video: 1982 - 2000

with guest curator Ed Steinberg/ ROCKAMERICA.
April 22 - June 18, 2005

Know anyone who doesn't like music videos? Thought not.

Given that many of us/the current generation grew up watching music videos, one could argue that they constitute the most influential and popular art form of the last two decades. They have permeated (even saturated) our daily reality, influencing all contemporary visual and entertainment media, including film, fashion and design. Since the 1986 debut of Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer video, artists working in new media, especially animation, have taken many cues from MTV. Despite music video's evolution outside of art traditions and venues, it is now thoroughly integrated in the contemporary art world with many artists straddling the high/low culture realms. For example, one of the successful directors in this exhibit, Chris Cunningham (director of Bjšrk's All is Full of Love), is represented by a New York gallery and exhibited in the 2001 Venice Biennale.

In blending both commercial and artistic agendas, music videos reflect the impulses of Broadway productions. They are driven by both sales and music. However, Broadway musicals luxuriate in performances of up to three hours. Music videos approach three minutes in length and must meet a variety of criteria to succeed. Strategies of the instantaneous, such as non-linear and rapid editing are often employed, borrowed from the advertising industry. Like ads, music videos must forge an instant connection with audiences, but also withstand the repetitive play endemic to the entertainment industry and essential to its success. Numbing is inherent to any repetition, so the challenge is to sustain those instant connections through content and quality.

The guest curator of this exhibit, Ed Steinberg, has chosen music videos produced since 1982, the year following an explosion in budget and distribution with the growth of cable television and MTV. The typical budget grew exponentially, from the low tens of thousands to nearly half a million dollars with Michael Jackson's Beat It. Despite their economic ramifications and impact, Steinberg based his selection of music videos on their creative qualities and innovation. To provide the fullest exposure, the 14 DVDs in this exhibit are projected continuously on large screens on a rotating basis.

Steinberg gravitates toward works that do not conform to the formulaic. They span a variety of productions by both industry directors and artist directors. The former include F. Gary Gray, Michel Gondry, Hype Williams, Mark Romanek, Anton Corbijn, Chris Cunningham, Jim Yukich and Spike Jonze, while the latter include Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol and Doug Aiken. Remixed dance videos, spotlights on particular recording artists (such as compilations of Madonna and Bjšrk) and "random cool" videos also add to the mix. Steinberg is open about trusting the opinions of practitioners in the field - the artists, themselves.

The Lowdown:
Wood Street Galleries
View official Web site
601 Wood St
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-471-5605
Hours:
Tue.-Wed. 11AM-6PM
Thu.-Sat. 11AM-7PM
closed Sun.-Mon.

Food Finds: Eleven in the Strip District

So, you've been dying to try out Eleven in the strip district, but fear that it's a bit steep for your wallet? Take advantage of the time the kids are in school, or spice up your lunch hour. Head on over to Smallman Street during the daylight hours. That's right, Eleven is open for lunch!

Check out Executive Chef Greg Alauzen and Chef de Cuisine Derek Stevens' new 4 star bar menu:

Eleven Bar Menu Cheese fried housemade mozzarella, cacciatore Seafood Platter littleneck clams, oysters, poached shrimp, Dungeness crab, and Maine Lobster classic mignonette, ELEVEN hot sauce Smoked Baby Back Ribs Spicy, dried cherry barbeque sauce Spicy Deviled Eggs smoked paprika Tuna seared rare, grilled baguette, aioli, fresh slaw, shoestring potatoes Whole Wheat Flatbread roasted mushrooms, spinach, caramelized onions, Cypress Grove Midnight Moon Eleven Burger Angus beef, braised veal, Kaiser Roll, applewood-smoked bacon, onions, fries choice of Widmere cheddar, Point Reyes Blue, Roth Kase Gouda, goat cheese Lobster Club Sandwich lobster salad, bacon, sweet onion roll, fresh slaw, french fries Caesar Salad hearts of romaine, white anchovies, pesto croutons, Kalamata olives choice of hanger steak, chicken, shrimp, portabello, jumbo lump crab English Pea Risotto housemade duck prosciutto, toasted pine nuts Herbed Pappardalle spring vegetables, grilled chicken, caramelized fennel, parmesan-herb broth

They also offer a full lunch menu.

Reservations are recommended, so be sure to call before you drop by!

The Lowdown:
Eleven is located at 1150 Smallman Street
412-201-5656

May 18: Lend an ear in the Southside

	Anthony Rankin EARLY SHOW Special Guest - Brooke Annibale
	Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 7:30PM Anthony Rankin writes, plays, sings, produces and performs his own songs of guitar-driven, melodic pop rock. He released a well-received debut CD last year and performs regularly at venues in and around Pittsburgh, such as Borders bookstores, Buffalo Blues, Metropol, Moondog's and Nick's Fat City, to name a few. The Forest Hills resident is only 19 years old and is not new to the music scene. Rankin has been performing in clubs since he was 13, five years after receiving his first electric guitar at the age of 8. He also plays piano and drums, but the guitar really captured his imagination. "Something about the guitar was very instinctive." He became proficient on the instrument so quickly that he played at Nick's Fat City and Buffalo Blues while in junior high school. "It was intimidating," says Rankin. "When I was 13 that was huge." The audiences liked the prolific, young musician, and from that moment on, he was hooked on making music and performing. "There's something you get with an audience that's irreplaceable." As a performer, Bruce Springsteen is Rankin's biggest influence because of the intensity of his live music. The soft-spoken, contemplative young man becomes intense when performing and, like Springsteen, he strives to leave his audience emotionally and physically exhausted. "A lot of people tell me I'm a different person on stage." The 2003 Woodland Hills High School graduate is able to keep his personal life separate from his public persona, but music is integral to everything he does. The biggest influences on his music include Peter Gabriel, Prince, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi and Journey. The last band is a good example of where he got his foundation in songwriting. Musically, he's often trying to reinvent something and expand upon an idea. His style is versatile, ranging from energetic rock songs to poignant balladry to intricate guitar work. Songwriting "is either very easy and comes naturally, or is something that takes a while," says Rankin, who always liked to write short stories while growing up as a means of expressing himself. Most of the lyrics are based on his own experiences, whether describing actual events or capturing how he felt at a moment in time. All of his material has to do with "love and life and emotions" because the subjects are universally understood. Rankin's soulful, raw voice adds to the intensity and energy of songs on his debut CD, "Every Part of Me." The title track and the cut "What I Live For" have together broken the record on the Top 10 Countdown Internet radio show on paXposure.com. Rankin has the most consecutive weeks on the Top 10, at 42, and he is the first pop artist to have two songs on the show in the same week. Rankin credits his father, Ned, for much of his success. His dad was his drummer when he started playing clubs as an adolescent and continued for many years to play in his band. His mother, Kathy, his "biggest fan," also encouraged him to pursue his dream. In the past year, Rankin has written about 60 songs. He is planning the massive undertaking of recording either a double album or two separate albums at the same time using 25 of the songs, which "fit really well together." Rankin hopes to begin recording this month with an expanded band, most of whose members are his classmates at Duquesne University, where he is a full-time student studying music technology. "It's a constant battle of balance," says Rankin, of juggling his career and studies. He is reluctant to give up any time at the university because he loves attending the school of music and getting the feedback and honest opinions of his peers. "It's the hub of my wheel, as far as audience and support." Rankin plans on doing more shows on campus that are separate from his music school curriculum, which is mostly jazz-related. Although his music is "not jazz music by any means," the influence has given his music a more unique tone and elements that aren't typical pop. His new band of five members has a keyboard and an added guitar to accommodate "the essence of the material, which is very dense," he said. "There are lots of layers and things going on." Rankin also performs regularly at public venues, such as the USX Tower Summer Series in Pittsburgh. But his recurring solo acoustic appearances at Borders bookstores have brought him the most acclaim. His "unplugged sessions" at the Borders in Monroeville on Oct. 8 and the South Hills Borders on Oct. 22 featured a more intimate and conversational style. The appearances were "more of a personal experience" for the audience and enabled them to really get to know the man behind the music. There's one thing that will be apparent to all who see Rankin or listen to his recordings. He will be leaving his mark on the music scene for a long time to come. "The wheels in my head are always turning." Anthony Rankin's CD, "Every Part of Me," can be purchased at local Borders bookstores, Forest Hills Coffee Co. and Enchanted Forest, also in Forest Hills, as well as online at www.anthonyrankin.com.
	Doors Open At 6PM $5 Cover Charge Call Club Cafe at 412-431-4950 for more details.
	www.anthonyrankin.com

To Do: May 15-May 22

8 Days a Week: More than just a weekly guide - From the Post-Gazette

Events from May 15 - May 22, 2005

2 Do 2 Day

Brad Sherwood, left, and Colin Mochrie, right, of the TV improv show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" will do their best to crack you up at Heinz Hall. It's at 7:30 this evening. Tickets are $29.50-$75. 412-392-4900.

Or pay nothing and count how many different versions of "Orange Blossom Special" you hear as The Fayette County Fairgrounds hosts an Old Time Fiddlers Jamboree from 2 to 5 p.m. And if you don't know "Orange Blossom Special," chances are you won't be going. Call 724-439-2465.

Mic Harrison of Superdrag and V-Roys fame will do an early show at Garfield Artworks, kicking off at 5 p.m. with openers Dyslexic Hearts and Kevin Finn. Tickets are $7. 412-361-2262.

Monday

Spend a night at the operetta when the Budapest Operetta Theater invades the Byham Theater at 8 p.m. "Vienna-Budapest-Paris" highlights three works from Strauss' "Die Fledermaus," Lehar's "Merry Widow" and Kalman's "The Czardas Princess." Tickets: $30-$45. 412-456-6666.

A Swedish garage-rock powerhouse with roots in vintage Detroit punk, the Mainliners bring their maiden U.S. tour to Gooski's at 10 p.m., with locals Camera, in support of a raucous new album, "Bring on the Sweetlife." Tickets: $5. 412-681-1658.

Tuesday

If you only know of Andrew Bird through his work with the Squirrel Nut Zippers, chances are you won't know what to make of "Andrew Bird & The Mysterious Production of Eggs," a moody -- some would say death-tripping -- album of richly textured chamber pop with operatic backing vocals. Bird will be at Club Cafe at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $12, $14 at door. 412-323-1919.

Wednesday

Is Chewie still in "Star Wars"? Find out in a midnight showing of "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith." We hear this could be big, so get there early (or check online to see if your showing is sold out).

Scott Weiland, right, of Stone Temple Pilots, leads a bunch of guys from Guns N' Roses through an evening of head-banging stadium rock as Velvet Revolver blows the plastic tent-like cover off the Chevy Amphitheatre at Station Square. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39.50 in advance, $42 at the door (which isn't a door so much as a walkway). Call 412-323-1919.

Thursday

Local pop-punk heroes Punchline hit the Rex Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. 412-323-1919.

Quantum Theatre starts its new season with Karla Boos directing Anthony Sher's "I.D." It's in the Pipe Building, 3000 Liberty Ave., Strip District, through June 5. Tickets: $22-$26, and $15 for some student tickets. Call ProArts at 412-394-3353.

Kuntu Repertory Theatre presents Ben Tyler's "Sweet Thunder: The Billy Strayhorn Story," through June 4 at Wesley W. Posvar Hall, University of Pittsburgh campus. Tickets: adults, $15-$20; student and seniors discounts, $11-$13; Pitt students with ID, $5. 412-624-7298.

Friday

Sir Neville Marriner conducts the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra with featured violinist Andres Cardenes in a Heinz Hall concert titled "Marriner and Music From Two Worlds." The performance, which features a violin concerto by Brahms and Ralph Vaughn Williams' "A London Symphony," starts at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $19.50-$69.50. 412-392-4900.

It's the opening night of two John Waters exhibits, "Change of Life" and "John Waters Curates Andy's 'Porn,' " at the Warhol Museum. And what better way to get the party started than an evening of bubblegum pop as spun by Stephin Merritt of Magnetic Fields and DJ Satisfaction Pony. There's a preview for members at 6 p.m.; the public opening is at 7. Tickets are $15. 412-237-8300.

Support your local artists one of two ways: At the 31st Street Pub, the Legendary Hucklebucks are releasing an album with Lords of the Highway and Hellbound HonkeysLiz Berlin of Rusted Root is releasing a solo effort. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at door. 1-800-594-8499. opening at 10 p.m. 412-391-8334. And at 8 p.m. at Mr. Small's Theatre,

Mary Timony of Helium has a solo recording out on Lookout! Chances are she'll be doing songs from the album in her set at Garfield Artworks, with Medications (a D.C. band), Mommy and Daddy (from New York) and locals Housequake, who begin the show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10. 412-361-2262.

Saturday

Meet John Waters. Really. You could meet John Waters. He'll be signing copies of his books and DVDs in the Warhol entrance gallery at noon.

Next Sunday

If you missed Sir Neville Marriner conducting the Pittsburgh Symphony Friday because you were dancing to bubblegum pop at the Warhol, here's your second chance: a matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets: $17.50-$62.50. 412-392-4900.