Music in Highland Park

Who else was counting down the weekends until Pittsburgh's Reservoir of Jazz Concert Series continued?! Our family appreciates the outdoor venue at Highland Park. Here are a few pointers to better enjoy the concert experience:

• schedule enough time for parking unless you'll pedal to the park
• bring portable chairs or blanket
• prepare a picnic with dinner/desserts or support local food vendors (such as Franctuary!)
• arrive for part of the concert or a short duration
• remember scooping baggies if you're bringing a friendly canine 

Afterwards, check out the group line dancing led by Summer Soul Line Dancing located near by the water fountain. The energetic leader blasts music and his voice to explain the fun, dance moves. Apparently this is the 5th year running, without missing a Sunday in August during all of these years! The dancing begins at 7pm and we saw participants of all ages.

Any other tips to enjoy music in the park? 

Celebrating Black History Month

February is Black History Month. Local libraries, parks and television programs have a lot of options to help our families celebrate and become educated about black history. 
Carnegie Library created a list of children's books that help to create "what a wonderful world." Additionally WQED is airing phenomenal glimpses into Pittsburgh's history. I recently watched Wylie Avenue Days and learned about the development of Wylie Avenue, Hill District, and the intrusion of Mellon Arena. The Hill District hosted several places where musicians thrived. 
There are other events scheduled in the area, so check out the Trib's Listing and events sponsored by PNC, Citiparks' Exhibit: A City Of Rhythm: A Tribute to African American Music in Pittsburgh."


How are you celebrating Black History Month?

This Little Light

It was enjoyable spending the day with family and enjoying activities in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. One of the exciting events available in Pittsburgh was complimentary admission to the Carnegie Science Center. Other cool happenings included Many Hands, celebration at CMU, ideas from Sewickley's Patch, Events listed by CBS and visiting August Wilson Center on 1/17.


How did you remember MLK?

Summertime... Concerts

Pittsburgh is a thriving, cultural community. Below are links to schedules for summer concerts through out the city. An asterisk (*) denotes concerts without costs or charges. 

• 3 Rivers Arts Festival occurs June 3 - 12, 2011.

• Mellon Square Summer Concert Series* is in Downtown.

• Allegheny County Summer Concert Series* are at the County Courtyard, Hartwood Acres Park and South Park Amphitheaters.

• WYEP Concert Series vary by location.

• Jazz On The Steps: Jazz Workshop, Inc. 2011 Summer Concert Series* occur in Homewood.

•  The Trib Total Media Amphitheatre Concerts is located near Station Square.

• Jazz for Tots* music education classes occur in Homewood.

Please share if you've attended any of these concerts, or about others that you'd recommend!