McCandless Crossing hosting free outdoor piano recital, 1st ‘Makers Market’

The Town Green at the McCandless Crossing shopping center will be center stage for a pair of free events during the next two weekends.

The Fort Pitt Piano Co., which is located in the shopping center, is playing host to a free piano recital from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 22, featuring more than a dozen piano students from across the region.

Guests can bring their own lawn chairs and blankets and experience a wide variety of music played on a 9-foot Steinway Concert Grand Piano from the shop’s display floor.

The outdoor recital is a chance for student musicians to perform after missing out on the indoor events that were canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic during the past year, said Joe Ravita, Fort Pitt’s general manager.

“Our outdoor recital event was a success last year, and we welcome local performers returning again this year,” he said. “We are happy to work with local piano teachers to provide a venue for their students.”

Maker’s Mart

The Town Green will also be the site of the shopping center’s first Makers Mart featuring goods crafted by local artisans on Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Vendor fees for the Makers Mart will be used to help the local charity North Hills Community Outreach, which also will have a booth at the event.

Items on display and for sale will include paintings, woodworking, jewelry, natural skincare products and other handmade creations.

“The Makers Mart will be a wonderful platform for Pittsburgh’s local artisans,” said Amy Solomon, an artist and illustrator who pioneered the event.

“While many of us use online platforms as our storefronts, it will be even better for customers to see our handmade, one-of-a-kind items in person,” she said.

Participating vendors include Wren & Rita, a handmade soap creator and Mars Design Studio, which features fine art charcuterie boards and butcher blocks.