The August Wilson Center is transforming its Cafe space every Thursday this summer to present some of the most dynamic live entertainment in the Pittsburgh region and beyond. Come out every Thursday to inhale an atmosphere filled with art and exhale entertainment right after work and into the night. Free every Thursday. Cash bar and food available for purchase.

First to grace the offCenter stage, July 8th, is the critically acclaimed Pittsburgh-natives, Joy Ike and her sister Peace Ike, of The Peace Project.

Joy Ike

5:30 – 8 pm

Joy’s fans have compared her vocally to Corinne Bailey Rae and Norah Jones, stylistically to Fiona Apple and Regina Spektor, and have said that her ambiance is much like that of India.Arie and Lizz Wright. “… a voice and talent beyond her years. The depth of subjects she tackles in her poetic lyrics are perfectly complemented by a unique blend of neo-soul, with just the right dash of pop.” - NPR

Watch Video!

The Peace Project

9 – 10:30 pm

The band, launched by lead singer/songwriter and keyboardist Peace Ike, came together in 2009 to create a style that has yet to make an impact on the Pittsburgh music scene.
The Peace Project combines piano with rhythmic bass, smooth sax and rocking drum beats and electric guitar to create a rhythmically driven fusion of soul/jazz/R&B/rock and funk.

Watch Video!

Want to be a perform at offCenter? Watch the video for more information or visit our site!

Deadline is July 4th so get your entries in today!

If you have children, or know where you can get some I encourage you to secure your tickets–better yet–secure your day passes for the August Wilson Center’s International Festival of Children’s Films held March 6, 13 and 14.

Now I know you will take a look below and watch our fun festival “infomercial” of sorts, but let me make it very plain: By purchasing a $15 single day pass, your child will be entertained for basically an entire day. The films selected in this festival are films from around the world and will be sure to captivate your special little ones.

Some of the films in the festival include: Gettin’ Grown, Speedy Delivery, Gentle Planet, The Red Jacket and also  Maharal which is co-sponsored by the Pittsburgh Jewish Israeli Film Festival.

Space is limited, so purchase your tickets today! This is perfect for your nieces, nephews, godchildren, children in your local church or other youth groups in the community. Come out and explore what your August Wilson Center has to offer your family.

Visit AugustWilsonCenter.org to:

• DOWNLOAD or browse through a FULL Festival guide.
• WATCH snippets of several movies in the Festival

Visit pgharts.org to buy tickets today!

The International Festival of Children’s Films is made possible through the generous support of the Alcoa Foundation, Allegheny Regional Asset District, the Buhl Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, McAuley Ministries, the Richard King Mellon Foundation, Pennsylvania Council on theArts, The Pittsburgh Foundation and Margaret Ritchie R. Scaife.

Sensuous and sassy. Bold and brilliant. Earthy and ethereal.

Phyllis Hyman was all these things and more.

As a singer she was nearly unmatched in her ability to convey the depths of the pain and heartache of lost love. Phyllis, Philly-born and Pittsburgh-raised, could tackle pop and jazz standards as well as up-tempo R&B with equal aplomb. Yet it was the vulnerability of her ballads that most endeared her to fans, who took the journey with her to those lonely, dark places of which she sang.

The August Wilson Center is paying tribute to the late singer Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20 by producing a full concert of Phyllis Hyman tunes: 16 songs, 7 voices selected from an open audition and a 7-piece band led by the awesome Alton Merrell. Friday’s show sold out in just a couple of weeks–here’s a tip:

Get your tickets now for Saturday’s show!

Shay Wafer, the Center’s Vice President of Programs, and director for this event, took a few moments to talk with KQV’s Elaine Effort about the Tribute to Phyllis Hyman.

The interview is in three parts. Take a look!

Also–Don’t miss out on this free educational event!

African American Mental Health Forum
Saturday, February 20, 2 to 4 pm
August Wilson Center Education Center, Free

African Americans are at high risk for mental illness, but less likely to receive mental health services, diagnosis and treatment, says a 2002 Surgeon General’s report. This panel discussion explores the history of mental health issues in the African American community and provides steps you can take to assist others in their well-being. Panelists include: Dr. Charma Dudley, Clinical Director - Family Resources, Dr. Daniel Hall, Dr. Nelson Harris, Jeannie Hyman (sister of Phyllis Hyman) and Marguerita Matthew. For information, call 412.258.2700.

Innovative composer, performer, band leader, artist Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) is not just passionate about the music he births out of his marriage to classical, funk, hip-hop and rock music–this Haitian American violinist is passionate about the country that holds his heritage. Much of Haiti’s Port-Au-Prince has collapsed from the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that ripped through the region January 12, leaving 200,000 and counting feared to be dead. Since then, DBR, like so many others, has been working feverishly to do whatever he can to help his Haiti.

DBR and the queen of Haitian pop, Emeline Michel, wrote the following post, and wanted us to share it with you.

Our Haiti

At this moment, in this desperate hour, I am overwhelmed with grief for all of those lost, suffering, and struggling with the realities of this deepening disaster. I am not at all certain what my response should be, and I’m gripped by a feeling of helplessness.

Emeline Michel and I are determined to do all that we can for our Haitian brothers and sisters, and we’re grateful that an array of musicians and artists are joining together in a journey of hope towards Haiti’s recovery and rebirth. We are providing websites and links for you to respond immediately, and planning concerts and other special events that will be a march towards the reconstruction and resurrection of our island-nation-one that has given us so much while never asking for anything in return. We will rebuild, we must rebuild, and in doing so, we begin the process of helping and healing those who now need us the most, now, and in the coming months and years.

Nothing is as powerful as the will of a nation to survive, the strength of people to believe, and the miracle of the individual boldly acting towards world-wide change.

–Daniel Bernard Roumain and Emeline Michel

DBR at the August Wilson Center 2/6

EDITOR’S NOTE: DBR will be in concert at the August Wilson Center 8 pm Saturday, February 6. In our response to the earthquake, $3 from every ticket sold for this concert will be donated to Brother’s Brother Foundation for Haiti relief efforts.

Also, during hours of operation, the Center is accepting brand new personal items, including baby wipes, non-liquid soap and toothpaste, among other things that Brother’s Brother send to the country.

Happy New Year!

Many of you are returning back to work after a week or two of family fun, festive feasting or just plain old much-needed solitude.

Whatever the case may be, it’s 2010–a new year, for a better version of you. Well, statistics show that many people tend to fade off of their new year’s resolutions within the first 3 months of the new year, never reaching their goals. I know someone who has denounced the phrase “New Year’s Resolution” and instead has vowed to make “lifestyle adjustments.” How refreshing.

What is your lifestyle adjustment? Okay–beyond the typical “exercise more” and “stop smoking/cursing/etc.”–what is your goal?

I overheard an interesting conversation between two middle-aged women. One woman pointed at an advertisement for an event going on in the Pittsburgh Cultural District, and encouraged her friend to come along. The friend, scrunched her face and said “I’ll pass, thanks,” citing the fact that she had never heard of the performer and never had been to that type of event before. Clearly it wasn’t her style. Out of her comfort zone. Foreign.

LINES Ballet @ August Wilson Center Jan. 15-16

As the conversation progressed, the first woman expressed how she had made a promise to her family that in the New Year they would go to more cultural events in the city. To myself, I thought, what a great “lifestyle adjustment.” After some coaxing, the second woman agreed to go.

As we begin the second half of our Inaugural Season in the brand new August Wilson Center, I encourage you all to explore the unknown. In examining the Center’s impressive and aggressive schedule of events, I realize there may be more unfamiliar than familiar names on the lineup. Also, for many performers, Pittsburgh may be unfamiliar to them. Admittedly, a few performers are indeed alien to me, a self-proclaimed cultural enthusiast.  However, I consider it a good thing, for I find it challenges me to traverse deeper into the plush rainforest we call arts and culture.

Daniel Bernard Roumain @ the August Wilson Center Feb. 6

In about two weeks, Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet will grace the August Wilson Center stage. They are performing a piece, Signs and Wonders, celebrated by The New York Times as a work that “remains unpredictable and inventive, right up to its dazzling, fast-moving finale.” The piece, which was originally commissioned by Dance Theatre of Harlem, has toured around the world to critical acclaim and will be at the August Wilson Center January 15-16.

Then during Black History Month, the Center is presenting Daniel Bernard Roumain–a classically trained composer, performer, violinist, and band-leader noted for blending funk, rock, hip-hop and classical music into an energetic and experiential sonic form. My musical thirst (especially) is very comprehensive, and since DBR was foreign to my ipod, I decided on a whim to purchase his latest project, etudes4violin&electronix. I am actually listening to it now for the first time, and have yet to be disappointed and find myself looking forward to his February 6th performance at the Center.

Here are a few more events the Center is presenting in 2010:

Feb. 19

• Tribute to Phyllis Hyman - You may remember this Pittsburgh native’s sultry R&B voice by the remake she did of The Stylistics’ “Betcha by Golly Wow!” or from singing “Be One” in Spike Lee’s memorable 1980s movie “School Daze.” Either way, get reacquainted with the late singer’s music as local and national artists will pay tribute to her on February 19.

• Habib Koite - An internationally-known Malian musician who sings and plays the guitar, integrating jazz, blues, flamenco, samba and diverse sounds from his native land.  Koite was donned “Mali’s biggest pop star” by Rolling Stone. In the same article, country/blues-star Bonnie Raitt compared Koite to Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn. He will be at the Center March 13.
  

  May 21

• Rennie Harris Puremovement - If you can appreciate dance and pure athleticism seeing this performance will definitely be worth your time. Known as the international hip-hop ambassadors, this Philly-based dance company strives to provide audiences with a sincere view of the essence and spirit of hip-hop, rather than the commercially exploited stereotypes most often presented by the media. Rennie Harris Puremovement will be at the Center May 21.

To see a complete list of all of the August Wilson Center’s upcoming events, click here!

Here’s to exploring the unknown in 2010–HAPPY NEW YEAR!

CHEERS!

The following is a guest-post from arts and cultural enthusiast Carmen Ramsey Ellington. Carmen, an avid supporter of the August Wilson Center, attended the Regina Carter concert in December. Internationally acclaimed jazz violinist Regina Carter and her quartet performed pieces from her Paganini project along with music from Mali, Senegal and Uganda. Carter brought sold-out audiences to their feet with a musical style Time magazine called “probingly intelligent” and “breathtakingly daring.” This concert was presented in partnership with MCG Jazz. Carmen wanted to share her experience at the August Wilson Center with you.

Regina Carter

Breathtaking.

That single word has reverberated in my mind since my mother and I had the pleasure of seeing Regina Carter and her band in concert at the August Wilson Center on December 12^th.  Neither of us had ever seen Carter perform and in fact knew almost nothing about her or her music.  We were attending the concert primarily to support the Center.  Carter’s talent drew the two neophytes in, and quickly.

She opened her show with a lush, romantic piece by Habib Koite, who, coincidentally, will be performing at the August Wilson Center in mid-March 2010.  My first thought was that the song belonged on the soundtrack of a sweeping romantic epic, set somewhere like Mozambique or Cote D’Ivoire.  My second thought was that she should come back to the Center in March and perform the song with Koite.  She had my undivided attention from the very first note to the very last.

Regina Carter

I felt as though I was being treated to an auditory travelogue.  The music took me to places I’ve never seen:  Uganda, Mali, Madagascar.  The melodies were at turns serious and cheeky.  The band’s 20-minute tribute to post-Katrina New Orleans was so rollicking, I had to remember that I wasn’t in the midst of Mardi Gras and had to remain in my seat.  The band also played a song in tribute to the arts and supporters of the arts.  It was a wonderful piece that made me think of all the reasons why arts education is so important.  Music truly is a universal language, one that should be cultivated and taught at an early age.

Carter was, of course, the evening’s focal point, but her band was amazing as well. I loved how well they meshed, and how Carter gave each plenty of room to shine.  Each one of the gentlemen in her band brought something unique to the evening, but surprisingly, the one who sticks out in my mind the most is Will Holshouser, the accordion player.  I never imagined that accordion music could be romantic and a bit sexy.  And Yacouba Sissoko, the kora (West African harp) player, was simply captivating.

Capitvating.  Sexy.  Romantic.  Breathtaking.  Regina Carter and her band were all that and then some.

–Carmen Ramsey Ellington

The following is a guest-post from Norma Thompson and Charlene Foggie Barnett — two of the six women who had the opportunity to act out their life stories on the August Wilson Center stage in “The Women of the Hill.” The stage piece, produced and directed by Ping Chong and Talvin Wilks, embodied the legacy of the strong women at the heart of African American culture–specifically Pittsburgh’s historical Hill District. Norma and Charlene wanted to share their experiences with you. The play and the women were the featured cover story in the Pittsburgh City Paper on November 19, 2009.

Forever Changed

Norma Thompson

One of the greatest experiences of my life was working in the production of The Women of the Hill. The producers, Ping Chong and Talvin Wilks, were excellent. Our technical staff, stage manager, and all others who worked with us had so much spirit and understanding.

Each of our stories was unique in their own way, but they wove a tapestry of the similar experiences of our lives and the history of the Hill District. The play set us on a journey together through the years -where we shared our ups and downs, triumphs and failures, hopes and fears - from the oldest to the youngest in the cast. The audience also traveled in the journey with us, and I am constantly hearing how our stories touched their lives. The audience shares in our bond with their hope for all good things to come to the Hill.

The six of us formed a bond that I hope will never be broken. Kimberly, Marlene, Phillis, Brenda, Charlene, and I have a sisterhood that looks forward to all the wonderful things the future will bring to the Hill District.

–Norma Thompson

A Wonderful Sisterhood

From the moment I became aware of the play, “The Women of the Hill,” I felt magnetically drawn to the process. Simply put, I feel that my being cast in this play was a dream come true, and I will always cherish how seamlessly my “worlds” came together.

The thought of performing was not frightening to me, because I was a theatre major in college and have performed many times since, but never for anything as personal, nor historically significant as this. I gulped each time I remembered that this play was to be included in a celebration of the great playwright, August Wilson and his homage to the strength of the black women he encapsulated in the character, Aunt Esther, of his historic Pittsburgh Cycle of plays. The thought of being a performer in this beautiful theatre, in its inaugural season, was at times, unfathomable to me.

Once confirmed that I was indeed in this play, I couldn’t wait for the rehearsal process to start and to meet the other ladies chosen. The evening finally came when I walked into the August Wilson Center, and we were introduced to one another. Immediately, we started filling in connective links as to how we might know each other, and our family and friends. Talvin Wilks, our writer/director, gave us a script overview, and discussed the next phases of the production. We did our first reading of a portion of the play, and it started to come clear to us, how this unique presentation would be performed. We all left filled with anticipation for the next meeting, and a sense of sisterhood and camaraderie began to unfold. Talvin brought treats for us to nibble on for each session, as many of us were coming from work for rehearsals, but then one cast mate made us some tasty chili one evening, and that set the tone for all of us to take turns bringing something to keep our energy up for the two weeks of rehearsals, prior to the show. One thing that stood out about our cast was it’s strong faith in God, and we prayed before each rehearsal and performance, for His honor and glory. We gave cast and crew members rides and helped each other in any way, necessary.

Charlene Foggie Barnett

In the course of these weeks, we had rewrites, and script changes everyday, as things had to be tightened for the pace of the show. It was often quite hard to relinquish a beloved storyline, but we came to understand and appreciate the stride we needed to allow the performance to take. Along with rehearsals came television, radio, and newspaper interviews and photo sessions. We made our costume selections, which basically was to be any outfit in which we felt comfortable and most like ourselves.

In addition, Ping Chong always includes a potluck dinner with the cast and crew, prior to the production of his shows. I was privileged to host the potluck in my home, which was like having our own Thanksgiving with our new “Women of the Hill” family. We even celebrated two birthdays.

Finally the day came to hold our first rehearsal on the main stage. The script, lighting, music, props, and costumes - everything was coming together. We were all very excited, and at times edgy, because changes come fast in live theatre, and adapting quickly is essential. The full production staff, from our director’s, and stage manager all the way to the wardrobe mistress, was all wonderfully accommodating and supportive of any thing we needed. Before each actual show, Talvin and Ping led us in “theatre games” on stage, which cemented the vibrations of everyone’s feelings, and created a sense of trust between we six actors.

The performances felt magical, and although we were nervous, we gained strength from each other and through the response of the audience. It was very difficult to do our last show. We had only done one weekend together, but it felt like saying goodbye to a season long run! Many of the “professionals” commented on our positive attitude, and I can attest that I have never felt so connected to both cast and crew, in any other show I’ve ever done. I’ve had countless emails of praise from friends and audience members who attended the show. I was also stopped at the grocery store by a new couple to the Pittsburgh area, who said the piece taught them so much about the Hill District’s rich history, and they are even more proud to call Pittsburgh their new home.

My gratitude for this opportunity knows no bounds. The spirit of the August Wilson Center staff is as beautiful and impressive as the facility they work in. Ping Chong and Talvin Wilks brought the best of our collective pasts to light, and patiently gave us the confidence and poise to reveal our stories. In turn, we were honored to bring a positive view of our beloved Hill District, to the world. My thanks to my fellow cast mates, for their respect, love and friendship. I am truly blessed!

–Charlene Foggie Barnett

Regina Carter’s Reverse Thread

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Click image to hear Regina Carter perform

Times: Shows at 7 & 9:30 PM
Tickets: $28-$43.50
Call 412.456.6666 / pgharts.org / Visit the Box Office at Theater Square / Groups of 10+: call 412.471.6930

Traverse the globe with internationally acclaimed jazz violinist Regina Carter as she and her quartet perform pieces from her Paganini project and music from Mali, Senegal and Uganda. Carter brings audiences to their feet with a musical style Time magazine called “probingly intelligent” and “breathtakingly daring.” This concert is presented in partnership with MCG Jazz.

The presentation of Regina Carter’s Reverse Thread is made possible through the generous support of the Alcoa Foundation, Allegheny Regional Asset District, The Heinz Endowments, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s Mid Atlantic Tours program, National Endowment for the Arts’ American Masterpieces: Presenting initiative, National Endowment for the Arts’ Regional Touring Program, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ Preserving Diverse Cultures and The Pittsburgh Foundation.

The Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra
A Holiday Jazz Concert

Thursday, December 17, 2009
6 pm Pre-concert Reception and Concert / $50
A private reception with members of the orchestra and Sean Jones, artistic director
8 PM Concert only / $22.50

Call 412.456.6666 / pgharts.org /Visit the Box Office at Theater Square / Groups of 10+: call 412.471.6930

This festive holiday celebration for the entire family blends the talents of the August Wilson Center’s resident big band, Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra featuring trumpeter Sean Jones, with the extraordinary sounds of a guest vocalist. Enjoy new and traditional holiday favorites that add to the magic of the season.

Click image for ticket information!

The August Wilson Center for African American Culture announces its first theater event in the new center, “The Aunt Ester Cycle,” running November 10 - 22, 2009.

Beginning next week, the August Wilson Center celebrates August Wilson through the exploration of his legendary character, Aunt Ester, with passion, commitment, style and sacrifice. For 10 days, the August Wilson Center stage will be graced with established veterans, emerging brilliance and grand community women new to performance in four of the 10 plays in Mr. Wilson’s Century Cycle.

St. Louis Black Rep

GEM OF THE OCEAN BY AUGUST WILSON

Tuesday, November 10 / 8 pm
Wednesday, November 11 / 1 pm
GET TICKETS

Considered one of the oldest and largest African American theatre companies in the country, the St. Louis Black Rep first premiered Gem of the Ocean in 2007 and enthralled audiences at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Directed by Andrea Frye, the all-star cast returns with Ron Himes, Linda Kennedy, Erik Kilpatrick, A.C. Smith and Deidra Starnes.

THE LEGEND OF AUNT ESTER: A SYMPOSIUM

Wednesday, November 11 / 7 pm

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette senior theater critic Christopher Rawson moderates a conversation with actors and directors who have helped to bring Aunt Ester to life, including Linda Kennedy, Ron Himes and Andrea Frye from St. Louis Black Rep’s Gem of the Ocean, Lou Bellamy from Penumbra Theatre Company, and the spectacular Michele Shay who portrayed her in three signature productions of Gem.

Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company

TWO TRAINS RUNNING BY AUGUST WILSON

Thursday, November 12 / 8 pm
Friday, November 13 / 1 pm
GET TICKETS

Hailed as a “runaway hit” by the New Pittsburgh Courier, and “engrossing, intimate and electric” by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, this stirring production moves to the August Wilson Center stage for two encore performances. The sensational Anthony Chisholm re-creates his starring role with a brilliant cast of local and guest artists, Jonathan Berry, Lonzo Green, Eugene Lee, Nailah Blu Lewis, Leslie X Smith and Alfred Wilson, under the masterful direction of Mark Clayton Southers.
RECONSTRUCTING KING HEDLEY II: A SYMPOSIUM

Friday, November 13 / 7 pm

Acclaimed directors Paul Carter Harrison and Eileen Morris explore new and innovative approaches to select scenes from August Wilson’s King Hedley II. Using local actors and a few surprise guests, the ensemble presents an open rehearsal of dynamic scenes and monologues, including a dialogue with the audience.

Penumbra Theatre Company

RADIO GOLF BY AUGUST WILSON

Saturday, November 14 / 8 pm
Sunday, November 15 / 3 pm
GET TICKETS

Regarded as one of the country’s foremost interpreters of August Wilson’s work, Lou Bellamy and his star company bring their rousing production directly from its October 2009 premiere. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, “what director Lou Bellamy has achieved with his production is something to sing about.” The dazzling cast features Terry Bellamy, James Craven, Abdul Salaam El Razzac, Austene Van and Kevin D. West.

Ping Chong & Company

THE WOMEN OF THE HILL

Friday, November 20 & Saturday, November 21 / 8 pm
Sunday, November 22 / 3 pm
GET TICKETS

Written and directed by Ping Chong and Talvin Wilks, this chamber piece of storytelling is a powerful new work created in collaboration with six dynamic women from Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District. Charlene Foggie Barnett, Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis, Phillis D. Lavelle, Marlene Ramsey, Brenda Tate and Norma J. Thompson share their personal experiences of shaping cultural identity out of rich and complex histories.

Tickets:

Adults: $28 per play
Children/Students: $18 per play
Seniors: 15% off adult ticket price
Symposiums: All seats $10
Festival Pass: $85.50 for 4 plays + symposia

To order tickets:

412.456.6666
pgharts.org
The Box Office at Theater Square
Groups of 10+: 412.471.6930

Special Offers:

Member Discount

August Wilson Center members receive a 20% discount on tickets. Not a member? Join on-line at AugustWilsonCenter.org or call 412.258.2700.

Matinee Deal

2 adult tickets for only $28; 1 adult & 1 child just $22.50

Dinner and the Show

Enjoy a fabulous dinner and drinks before or after the show at Little E’s Jazz Club and Restaurant or Mahoney’s Restaurant directly across Liberty Avenue from the August Wilson Center. Show your ticket for 20% off the entire bill.

The Aunt Ester Cycle is supported in part by generous contributions from the American Express Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, National Endowment for the Arts’ American Masterpieces: Presenting initiative, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ Preserving Diverse Cultures and The Pittsburgh Foundation. Ping Chong’s residency and The Women of the Hill received generous support from Artists & Communities, a program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, made possible by major funding from The Heinz Endowments, the William Penn Foundation and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Educational and public programs are made possible by a grant from the Buhl Fund and the Frick Fund of the Buhl Foundation.