This week in Pittsburgh, the Three Rivers Arts Festival kicks off on June 5, but that’s not all that’s happening around the city. Let yourself explore what other institutions have to offer from throwback film showings to eating your way around the world.
The Best Events in Pittsburgh June 1-7
Taking Back Sunday and Bayside
Monday, June 1, Stage AE
If you came of age during a very specific span — say, the late ’90s through the early ’10s — a certain style of pop-punk is almost certainly nostalgic for you. Yet bands such as Taking Back Sunday and Bayside, who’ll team up at Stage AE this Monday night, are able to retain a fresh and rebellious sound despite their veteran status. Punks may grow up in age, but never in attitude. Leave the pit to the younger crowd, but feel free to dress like it’s 2001 at this indoor show.
North by Northwest
Tuesday, June 2, Row House Lawrenceville
Many cineastes consider North by Northwest, the tense masterpiece by Alfred Hitchcock, to be the prototype for the James Bond franchise: A dashing leading man on an unexpected, careening adventure with a beautiful love interest and a cadre of conspiratorial villains. I’d argue, though, that the comparison doesn’t do North by Northwest justice — it’s better than the Bond films. (All of them.) See Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason and a scene-stealing Martin Landau in this stone-cold classic; it’ll be on the big screen at Row House Lawrenceville this week, along with a trio of other Hitchcock flicks.
Batman at Flashback Cinema
Wednesday, June 3, Various Theaters
Is Michael Keaton the best Batman? Arguments can be made … but this is Pittsburgh, so we’ll just go ahead and say yes. His performance — and more vitally, Tim Burton’s inventive and stylish direction — set the tone for decades of superhero cinema with 1989’s Batman. The film will screen at several local multiplexes this Wednesday (as well as Sunday, May 30) via the Flashback Cinemas series. Now, is Jack Nicholson the best Joker? Too heated a debate, we’ll set it aside for now.
Javi Benitez
Thursday, June 4, Liberty Magic
At Liberty Magic, there’s nowhere for a magician to hide. The closest seats (which you can purchase, along with a post-show reception, as part of the VIP “Skeleton Key” package) are mere feet from the performer — and there are up-close views to the right and the left of the magician, as well. To pull off a feat of deception, then, the performer has to be world-class. Fortunately, Javi Benitez is just such an expert — Penn & Teller called him “the best sleight-of-hand artist we’ve ever seen.” This week, he’ll begin a residency at Liberty Magic with his show Handmade Miracles.
Disco Divas with the PSO
Friday, June 5, Heinz Hall
This isn’t just a disco show: It’s a disco evening. You’re encouraged to get into the spirit before you even leave the house; wear your best dance-floor duds, as competitors for the Best Dressed Disco Contest will be selected before the show begins. Long before the musicians take the stage, the party will begin in the Grand Lobby for DJ sets, trivia and a glammed-up pre-show soiree. Then, of course, the music will begin, as lauded vocalists Crystal Monee Hall, Kelly LeVesque and Shayna Steele join the PSO for an evening of hits by Donna Summer, Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross and many more. The music continues through the weekend, as this show will be performed Friday and Saturday nights and at a Sunday matinee.
The Pharcyde
Saturday, June 6, Three Rivers Arts Festival
The annual celebration of art and music kicks off Friday, bringing the festival back to the Cultural District — for the first time, using the brand-new Arts Landing (and its dedicated stage) as home base. Great music and events are scheduled throughout the 10-day event, but make this show a priority: The Pharcyde, whose 1992 album Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde was ranked among the best in hip-hop history by Rolling Stone, will headline Saturday’s music lineup. The group’s innovative blend of soul, psychedelic sounds and alternative production was key to the genre’s early-’90s evolution — and will undoubtedly provide feel-good vibes for the festival.
Bites & Pints Festival
Sunday, June 7, Kennywood
Pittsburgh’s answer to the beloved Food & Wine festival at EPCOT Center combines high-end food, beer and wine with Kennywood’s signature charm. This is the one time of year that we may actually recommend you skip the Potato Patch; grab a tasting card (available in 8- and 12-bite packages) and opt for Mojo Shrimp ala Plancha, Filet of Boeuf en Croute, Short Rib Ragu, Baklava Cheesecake and dozens of other options across eight stations. Bites & Pints continues Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through June 28.
Plus, check out our calendar for other events for the week and beyond!
Story by Sean Collier
Photo Courtesy of Kennywood
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