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

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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!

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.

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