JoAnne Klimovich Harrop stories, Page 77
Music of West Deer’s John Vento inspires play
The music inspired the play. Songs written by John Vento, a Penn Hills native who lives in West Deer, for the album “Love. Lust. And Other Wreckage,” became the foundation for a stage production written by Pittsburgh playwright Amy Hartman. Hartman’s previous plays have been nominated for the American Critic’s...
City puts fresh coat of paint on the Blue Slide ahead of Mac Miller memorialVideo
There is a fresh coat of paint on the Blue Slide in Frick Park. It’s ready for the Friday memorial for late rapper Mac Miller as the one-year anniversary of his death approaches. Fans will share stories and the music of the Pittsburgh rapper from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday...
Warriors Rock concert to benefit Westmoreland County Veterans monument
This concert is about raising voices — and money — for a good cause. Gary Racan and Studio E Band will take the stage at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Seton Hill Performing Arts Center in Greensburg. The Greensburg-based group hosts Warriors Rock concerts to help with funds for veterans...
5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Sept. 6-8
This weekend in Pittsburgh includes two events celebrating 50 years and another marking a 175th anniversary. A walk in the park Celebrate 50 years of “A Fair in the Park” Friday through Sunday at Mellon Park in Shadyside. This artist-run fine arts festival is presented by the Craftsmen’s Guild of...
Mac Miller life celebration at Blue Slide Park rescheduled
The Blue Slide Park tribute to Mac Miller has been moved to Friday. The Mac Miller Memoir posted the date change on Twitter. “Due to circumstances beyond our control, the memorial will occur on Friday, September 6, instead of the 7th.” Due to circumstances beyond our control, the memorial will...
Pittsburgh’s Market Square to host international celebration
Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh will be known as “World Square” three Fridays in September. On Sept. 6, 13 and 27 from 5 to 10 p.m. the square will be full of sights, sounds and tastes of the international and immigrant communities of Pittsburgh. Attendees can shop, taste a variety...
Mexican War Streets House & Garden Tour celebrates 50 yearsVideo
Deborah Israel and Dan Hosier plan to invite 1,200 people into their home Sunday. The couple’s house is part of the 50th annual Mexican War Streets House & Garden Tour, held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The oldest such event in Pittsburgh will showcase self-guided tours of homes and...
Mummies exhibition coming to Carnegie Science Center
You might get wrapped up in this exhibition. The largest collection of real mummies and related artifacts ever assembled is coming to the Carnegie Science Center on Pittsburgh’s North Side. “Mummies of the World: The Exhibition” features 125 real mummies and related artifacts. It opens Oct. 5 in the science...
Behind the scenes at Heinz Field Rib Fest: Ohio chef defends titleVideo
Chef Kevin Gift is back to defend his title. The owner of Pigfoot Barbecue in Mentor, Ohio is vying for his second-consecutive championship for best ribs this weekend at the Heinz Field Kickoff and Rib Fest. The chefs are competing for a People’s Choice Award chosen via social media. A...
Book tells about Tarentum native’s Vietnam War rescue mission
Allen Ellis Weseleskey says he would do it all over again. In the same way. Facing the same imminent danger. Weseleskey, who was born in Tarentum, lived in Springdale and currently resides in Virginia Beach, Va., is a retired Navy captain. On March 9, 1968, in Vietnam, he rescued a...
Forest Hills celebrates 100 years with 5 local centenarians
Forest Hills is celebrating its 100th birthday this weekend along with five residents who have lived to be 100 or older. Isabel Dering, Nellie Enterline, Mary Gast, Albina Scrock and Anna Srdoch will be in the spotlight so they can be applauded for their long, amazing lives. “We’ve been trying...
Heading to Heinz Field Rib Fest? We sampled a fewVideo
By Monday afternoon, more than 60,000 pounds of ribs will have been sold — and eaten — at the Heinz Field Kick Off and Rib Fest on the North Shore. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend this weekend. Hours are noon to 11 p.m. Friday through Monday. That’s...
5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Aug. 30-Sept. 2
It’s Labor Day weekend, which often signals the unofficial conclusion of summer. Here are some ways to spend that three-day holiday weekend. Laboring The 38th annual Labor Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. Monday. The route begins at PPG Paints Arena and concludes at the United Steelworkers Building, Downtown. It...
ScareHouse to create Scream District in Strip District
Pittsburgh’s popular haunted attraction ScareHouse is transforming. The creators of ScareHouse, formerly housed on Locust Street in Etna, will present a new attraction called “The Scream District” in a new temporary home in the Strip District. An exact location has not been revealed. The new iteration of the ScareHouse will...
One step at a time: Greensburg man with cerebral palsy on journeyVideo
Bobby Mihalko makes his way across the uneven pavement behind Piff’s Power and Fitness in Youngwood on a hot July day in 90-degree weather, wearing a weighted vest and pulling a tire along uneven pavement. The bumpy gravel road and the sweat across his forehead are symbolic of the way...
Heinz Field, Rivers donate smart boards to Pittsburgh Manchester PreK-8Video
Students at Manchester PreK-8 in Pittsburgh started the school year on Monday even smarter. Heinz Field, the Steelers and Rivers Casino Pittsburgh donated eight smart boards to the Pittsburgh public school. The large electronic screens, linked to a computer and operated by touch or with a special pen, cost $5,000...
Squirrel Hill woman, 95, performs at Piano Day of PittsburghVideo
Her 95-year-old hands glide across the keys with ease. Listeners sing along to her tunes. Her smile is contagious. Rose “Rosie” Mervis Wyner has been playing the piano for more than nine decades — since age 4. It’s her passion, her love of making music, which she’s shared with thousands...
5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Aug. 23-25
Sunny skies and cooler temperatures are on the way this weekend. Here are some suggestions for how to spend your time. Art appreciation Head over to Walnut Street for an art extravaganza. The 23rd annual Shadyside … The Art Festival on Walnut is Saturday and Sunday. The event features 150...
Pittsburgh Piano Day literally drives music to the cityVideo
Peter Stumpf is Pittsburgh’s “piano man.” He and a group of other musicians will take to the road Saturday and Sunday to bring music to the streets for “Piano Day Pittsburgh.” Stumpf, a piano technician, launched the annual event in 2016. They will strap an 800-pound, seven-foot concert semi-grand Steinway...
Smiles From Sean brings emojis to UPMC Children’s Hospital
These emojis are aimed at creating real smiles. Bright yellow pillows, cinch bags, stress balls and key chains decorated with smiling faces will be given to kids at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville. Sean Rovers, 11, of Bethel Park came up with the idea to create happiness for...
Groceria Merante celebrates 40 years in OaklandVideo
The atmosphere hasn’t changed much in four decades at Groceria Merante, nestled at the corner of Bates and McKee Place in Oakland. The popular Italian grocery store turned 40 this month. A big celebration is planned for Saturday. There will be food and sweet treats, street vendors, cooking demonstrations, bocce...
Shadyside Arts Festival features creative twist on animals, food, boxes
One artist paints endangered animals. Another’s work showcases Pittsburgh through images of food. And a third transforms vintage crates. The trio will be part of the 23rd annual Shadyside … The Art Festival on Walnut, Aug. 24-25. The event features 150 local, regional and national artists and includes an array...
Vigilance Theater Group produces immersive theater
There is a theater experience where guests become part of the show. “Welcome to Moonside” is a production of the Vigilance Theater Group where there is no stage, no curtain. You, who attend, will be asked to assist evil spirits who are from a place called Moonside. Some of them...
‘Short Edition’ dispenses words of wisdom at Carnegie Mellon UniversityVideo
This vending machine dispenses food for thought. “Short Edition” is based on the concept of pressing a button and, instead of drinks or snacks coming out, the user receives a story or a poem. It prints quickly. The paper is biodegradable. It’s available 24 hours a day. There is no...
Traditional procession held at Bloomfield’s Little Italy DaysVideo
The tradition continued on Sunday. After an Italian Mass was celebrated at St. Maria Goretti Church in Bloomfield, the statue “The Madonna della Civita” was carried from that worship site to a sister church on Liberty Avenue. Members of the congregation formed a procession behind men carrying the statue of...
