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Collier’s Cuts: Nate Bargatze Tries to Conquer Cinemas with ‘The Breadwinner’

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
A man picks up scrambled eggs out of a pan and looks at them disgustingly in The Breadwinner.
Nate Bargatze stars in The Breadwinner.
Nate Bargatze stands with his three children in the movie The Breadwinner wearing overalls.

The stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze has become one of the most in-demand comics in the world, regularly selling out arenas; he’s on a nationwide tour right now, in fact. He’s also been memorable in small-screen performances, including viral sketches from SNL. As with every rising comic, though, a jump to the big screen is a major test … particularly when that jump involves wading into a pair of struggling genres: broad comedy and live-action family fare.

One Man and Three Babies in The Breadwinner Movie

In The Breadwinner, which is co-written by Bargatze and Dan Lagana and directed by The Office and Brooklyn Nine-Nine helmer Eric Appel, Bargatze plays a hapless dad tasked with caring for his three daughters when his wife (Mandy Moore) launches a business. It’s familiar comedic territory, dating back to any number of ’80s and ’90s comedies: a clueless father must learn to appreciate and accomplish the innumerable tasks of modern homemaking, with mishaps and gender-stereotype jokes aplenty.

Unfortunately, The Breadwinner is neither wacky enough to escape its ho-hum concept nor realistic enough to say anything noteworthy. Yes, there are a handful of laughs generated by Bargatze’s witty rejoinders (as well as the efforts of supporting players Will Forte and Kumail Nanjiani), but the script is locked into a modicum of reality. Any approach that amplified the zaniness would’ve been helpful — and might’ve actually generated some laughs for the younger viewers clearly targeted by the film’s overall tameness.

What’s a Family Comedy If No Families Go to See It?

The core problem, though, is that families have largely abandoned this mode of entertainment. For decades, movies targeted at younger audiences have almost exclusively been the territory of animation; the few all-ages comedies that have made it into production lately have wound up on streaming services.

Blame whatever you like for this development — the fact that the price tag for a family trip to the movies has risen considerably is certainly one potential culprit — but it’s unlikely that many will find The Breadwinner worth putting on those crowded weekly activity calendars the film takes time to skewer. (One sign of trouble: major multiplex chains have already offered substantial discount codes for purchasing tickets to The Breadwinner. That’s never a sign that the box office looks promising.)

Bargatze is as personable and charming here as he is on stand-up stages and the small screen, but his obvious enthusiasm for this project hasn’t translated into anything memorable. There’s nobility in an attempt to make a movie the whole family can enjoy together; the execution here, however, is lacking.

Journey Into the Backrooms, or 20th-Century History, at Cinemas

The concept of mysterious, liminal Backrooms is an internet invention. Arising from message boards and copied collections of text and uncanny images, the idea is as alluring as it is unsettling: Round the wrong corner, and you’ll slip out of our dimension and into one where things don’t make much sense … and go on forever, or seem to. It’s the sort of thing that can be truly terrifying when encountered online, particularly late at night; will it translate to a narrative feature? A24 thinks so. Online creator Kane Parsons, who helped propagate the idea via viral YouTube clips, directs Backrooms for the indie distributor; he’s got a strong cast, led by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve.

In somewhat more traditional fare: The wartime drama Pressure concerns a quirk of World War II history: The successful execution of the D-Day landing depended largely on the weather forecast, and weather forecasting wasn’t all that great back then. Andrew Scott, Brendan Fraser and Kerry Condon lead a cast of sturdy performers in this film from director Anthony Maras. Screenwriter David Haig adapts his own play (with help from Anthony Maras); the production was well-received in the West End.

Story by Sean Collier
Featured Photo Courtesy of Frank Masi / CTMG, Inc.

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Your May 2026 Horoscope for the Full Moon in Sagittarius

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
A full moon in a blue sky with orange-ish red clouds.

This month you get not one, but two horoscopes with May’s second Full Moon in Sagittarius. Before you dive into what May 31’s Full Moon brings, be sure to check out your first May horoscope.

Taking a Look at Your Second May 2026 Horoscope for the Full Moon in Sagittarius

The May 31 Full Moon falls in Sagittarius, a word which traces back to the Latin sagire – to seek out, to perceive by tracking, in the way a hunter reads broken branches or tests the wind before committing to a direction. This archer is a centaur, a sign that blends animal instinct and human rationality.

We tend to see a bit further afield during Sagittarian Full Moons, as the sign describes environments of long sight-lines and open ground. Traditional sources connect the sign with high hills and elevated ground – terrain that rewards those who can read it from a distance, and with this sign we are rewarded for trying to get a better view of things. In astrology of nations and dynasties, this sign governs frontier administration, long-range strategy, and institutions devoted to the pursuit of knowledge – all of them requiring the same quality: the ability to aim at something far away and trust the training that gets you there.

Manilius, a Roman astrologer writing in the first century, described the centaur as someone who imparts “strength to limb and keenness to the intellect, swiftness of movement, and an indefatigable spirit.” Trusting too much to luck, or simple overreach, are the risks with this sign. The weeks surrounding a Full Moon in Sagittarius tend to reveal whether our pursuits are disciplined or merely energetic, and whether the object of our hunt is capable of being reached.

Deborah Houlding’s overview of Sagittarius at Skyscript goes further into the historical record than this horoscope can, covering what medieval astrologers said about the sign’s character and how those meanings were derived.

Venus Square Saturn: A Question of Endurance

Venus is in Cancer this month, oriented toward home and the emotional security of being known and cared for. Saturn is in Aries and will stay there for a few years yet – a more demanding placement, as Saturn here is less willing to let sentimentality pass as substance. The square between them runs through the weeks surrounding this Full Moon, and it puts pressure on anything held together by warmth and goodwill rather than by honest accounting.

In relationships, this aspect surfaces the gap between affection and authenticity. A connection that has been running on familiarity may find that Saturn in Aries is requiring something more: a clearer account of what each person is offering and receiving, a willingness to measure the relationship against a standard that comfort alone can’t satisfy. That scrutiny is uncomfortable and may even be hostile, as Saturn squares push things to their limit and Venus doesn’t tend to go in for such tests. This square may not manufacture new problems, but you can count on it to make visible the ones already present.

The same logic runs through financial matters. Venus in Cancer gravitates toward spending on comfort and on people; Saturn in Aries is more of a miser and auditor. Expect in all areas of life for arrangements that looked reasonable when goodwill was running high to get a harder look. There is an air of austerity in this square that you’ll want to reckon with.

Sun Sextile Saturn: Effort With a Bit of Payoff

The sextile between the Sun in Gemini and Saturn in Aries works differently from the square – it opens a channel for productive developments without the sense of pressure and intensity. This sextile connects the mental agility and determination of the Sun in Gemini with Saturn’s appetite for follow-through. Even still, this aspect needs a little ‘push’ to get started, and requires full engagement to deliver on its potential. It’s particularly suited to work requiring both analytical flexibility and committed sustained effort. Classic interpretations of this sextile will also point to communication, a Gemini mainstay, but these two planets are more precise than others and so this might benefit plans that have been forming in the idea stage and are ready to become concrete.

Saturn in Aries isn’t the most patient, but the Sun in Gemini has ideas and the energy to move them. Their sextile makes them cooperative rather than competing, and the window it opens is yours to take advantage of. No contact with Saturn is going to produce a feeling ease, per se, but you can find your efforts come to life.

Saturn is a pretty prominent planet this Full Moon. The same planet pressing on close relationships for honesty is also making productive capacity available in work and communication. Saturn doesn’t distinguish between domains: it applies the same standard of honest effort everywhere, which means this lunation is both more demanding and more generative than it might look from a single aspect in isolation.

Moon Trine Saturn: Feeling That Has Somewhere to Go

The Full Moon’s trine to Saturn – Moon in Sagittarius to Saturn in Aries – is the aspect that makes the emotional charge of this lunation workable rather than overwhelming. A trine to Saturn can either give your emotional reality a recognizable shape, or encourage you to withdraw a bit while you sort out where you’re head and heart are at, later to be released. Whichever way you choose to take this, the Moon’s intensity is actually headed somewhere this month.

This trine keeps the Venus square Saturn from being too harsh and punishing. The feelings surfacing in close relationships are allowed to carry information, and the trine means that information can be received and worked.

Taken together, the three Saturn aspects describe the same planet working on multiple fronts at once. By the end of this lunation, most people will have a clearer sense of where Saturn is working in their day to day lives.

The Moon Conjunct the Fixed Star Antares

The Moon at this Full Moon sits almost exactly on Antares, a fixed star at 9° Sagittarius. The name derives from the Greek anti-Ares – rival of Mars, or equivalent to Mars – a reference to the star’s red color and its martial character. Antares was one of the four Royal Stars of ancient Persia, known there as Satevis, and later identified with Oriel, Watcher of the West – one of the four archangel stars that marked the cardinal directions. Babylonian records called it Kak-shisa, the Creator of Prosperity; in Chinese tradition it was the Fire Star, honored in worship for protection against fire. Across cultures it occupied a position of elevated significance: a guardian, a marker of a season’s turning, a star at which celestial attention gathered.

Astrologically, Ebertin describes Antares as conferring mental alertness and the courage to act on it – Mars-natured qualities, but with something of Jupiter’s capacity for enlargement added in. It inclines toward decisiveness and bold engagement. Ptolemy classified it as Mars and Jupiter in combination, which captures the quality well: the drive and heat of Mars directed by a sense of something larger than personal impulse alone.

Conjunct a Full Moon in Sagittarius, Antares amplifies whatever the lunation is already illuminating and pushes it toward direct resolution. An archer doesn’t hold an arrow extended indefinitely – it finds its mark, reads the conditions, and releases. Under Antares, hesitation is often the more costly option.

The Constellation of Words entry on Antares covers the full historical record across ancient astronomical traditions from Babylonia to China – including lunar mansion associations and the complete range of traditional astrological interpretations. For readers who want to understand why this star was so important to ancient astronomers and astrologers, primary sources are there.

Seasonal Wellness Guidance for Late Spring 

Gemini season is now well underway, so we come to late spring. In late spring, heat continues to build and moisture begins to recede – the first sign of the drying quality that defines summer. For those who run cool or cold, the warmth has been an asset and energy tends to remain good. For those who run warm, accumulated fatigue from an active spring may be making itself known, and timing of movement matters: morning and evening are preferable to midday as the heat builds.

These suggestions are drawn from an ancient tradition of thinking about how the body’s constitution responds to seasonal change. They’re offered for consideration, not as rules to follow to the letter – take what applies to your circumstances and leave the rest.

To learn more about the theory behind this guidance, see Medieval Temperaments, an article by astrologer Ryhan Butler, which explains the historical framework in accessible terms for readers who want to understand the reasoning behind these recommendations.

Fire Signs – Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Accumulated fatigue from an active spring tends to become more noticeable for your constitution as the heat builds. Build in deliberate recovery: slightly longer sleep, a midday pause when possible. Shift toward cooling foods – cucumbers, berries, light fish, salad greens. Scale back alcohol; what felt moderate earlier in spring can push toward excess as the heat compounds. Emotional tension tends to amplify in this stretch, worth noticing before it builds.

Earth Signs – Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo

Late spring is one of the better physical windows of the year for your constitution – warmth loosens what cold stiffened, and sustained effort comes more easily. The diet can be fairly flexible; the season supports it. The main thing to watch is inertia: if regular exercise hasn’t become a habit by late spring, summer’s heat tends to encourage leisure rather than movement, and the routine is harder to establish once that settles in.

Air Signs – Libra, Aquarius, Gemini

As summer’s drying quality begins to enter the air, it works in your favor – moderating the moisture your constitution carries and bringing a steadier quality to daily life. Things that require sustained concentration tend to come more readily in late spring than they did a month earlier. Keep the diet light and fresh; there isn’t much adjusting to do.

Water Signs – Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Warmth continues to be an asset for your constitution – cold and damp is what challenges the water signs, and the building heat works against both. Diet can reflect the season more fully: fresh produce, salads, lighter proteins all work well. Exercise can become more vigorous as the warmth builds. The emotional heaviness that tends to accompany colder months has largely lifted by late spring, and that clarity is worth putting to use.

Sabian Symbol for 9° Sagittarius: A Theatrical Representation of a Golden-Haired Goddess of Opportunity

The image is an interesting one, equal parts mystifying and uplifting: a goddess promising opportunity, resplendent and radiant – but also staged. The emphasis on theatricality is a major part of the symbol, as this goddess is presenting something. Whether the presentation corresponds to anything of substance, the Sabian symbol itself doesn’t confirm.

What we can say confidently is that opportunity arrives under this degree dressed for maximum effect. It presents itself as obviously right – the obvious answer, the ideal fit, the long-awaited opening. A Full Moon at this degree, conjunct Antares and in the sign of the archer, poses a question for us: am I going after this target because I hoped to be seen accomplishing my aim? Is this for me, or for show?

That discernment is what the degree is offering. Whatever is presenting itself as an opportunity – in professional life, in personal relationships – deserves assessment at the level of substance rather than presentation or self-aggrandizement. 

Linda Hill’s Sabian Symbols site is the most thorough working resource for all three hundred and sixty interpretations, with extended commentary that goes considerably further than this column can. For readers interested in working with the Sabian system more broadly, or in exploring this and adjacent degrees in depth, it’s a suitable place to start.

What Might This Full Moon in Sagittarius Mean for Your Sign?

The themes of this Full Moon will play out differently depending on where Sagittarius falls in your chart. The readings below offer sign-by-sign guidance for working with the weeks ahead. For a more detailed picture of how this lunation engages your own chart, a consultation with a professional astrologer can help clarify what is personal and what is simply passing through.

Want to see a professional astrologer? I offer birth chart consultations that explore dominant life themes through your present circumstances – whether you’re looking to align your actions with what’s ahead, get a sense of near- and mid-term timing, or simply understand your chart more deeply. Get a sense of what we can accomplish together.

Aries

Your mind is running fast and the calendar is filling with local plans and conversations that seem to generate more of themselves. The more pressing story is in the bank account: Mars in your financial house is pushing hard on income and material security, and the drive it brings can turn constructive or combative depending on what it’s aimed at. Venus is drawing you toward domestic comfort and ease, which makes the gap between acquiring and spending worth watching carefully over the coming weeks.

Taurus

The Full Moon lands in your 8th house, which means the emotional charge this period runs through your closest connections – what you and another person owe each other, financially and psychologically. Mars in your 1st has you running on high physical energy, which intensifies whatever is surfacing rather than smoothing it over. Venus’s activity this month keeps immediate conversations warmer than the underlying dynamics might suggest. The difficult exchanges are worth going through rather than around; you’ll find the energy for the passage.

Gemini

Partnerships and close relationships, both romantic and professional, are a big part of your astrological story this month. The Full Moon in your 7th brings emotional clarity about what these connections require from you, and you may have accumulated a bit of emotional debt. Mercury in your 1st gives you plenty of words, which is useful but can run ahead of feelings and misrepresent you – slow down and feel a bit. Good news: Jupiter continues in your 2nd, is steadily improving the financial picture. The material ground under you is growing ever more solid as we head into summer.

Cancer

Venus in your 1st house makes this a period when your presence reads as warm and approachable – people are likely to respond to you well in the coming weeks. The more demanding story is at work: Saturn in your 10th is pressing on professional responsibilities and the longer arc of what you’re building in your career. That pressure rewards seriousness and requires your full attention. The recent square between these two may suggest you’ve recently been squeezed or rapped on the wrist – take it on the chin and move forward with grace.

Leo

Career is the arena with the most charge this period – Mars in your 10th brings strong ambition and drive toward professional recognition, along with the willingness to absorb the pressure that comes with being out front. The Sun in your 11th lights up your social sphere and keeps your eye on longer-term goals. The complication is Saturn, which is stress-testing your guiding philosophy and longer-range vision. But the Sun is in sextile to Saturn and takes off some of the edge, so consider how your friends can support you this month.

Virgo

The Full Moon lands in your 4th house, pulling your emotional attention toward home – i.e., what your domestic life looks like versus what you want it to look like. Family matters and unresolved household responsibilities are close to the surface, as is your own need for a sense of peace and security. The Sun in your 10th means professional life is simultaneously demanding your attention, too. You may be leaning on your friends a lot as you deliberate this month as to the right way forward.

Libra

Close relationships are doing the serious work of this period – Saturn in your 7th is pressing on the integrity of your significant partnerships, which makes building something new and refreshing a bit challenging. Some bonds deepen through the kind of scrutiny you’re under right now, but many wither – so don’t be so hard on yourself or others. A joint vacation may be just the ticket to enlivening a stifled dynamic. Venus in your 10th brings professional ease and social finesse, which makes public life feel smoother than the personal work.

Scorpio

The Full Moon in your 2nd house makes money and material security the emotional center of this period – a clearer look at where you stand financially and what you’re holding onto. Mars in your relationship house brings intensity and forward momentum into close partnerships, running toward passionate engagement or friction depending on what’s already in motion. If those feel tense, Venus in your 9th is offering a welcome pull toward broader horizons, often pointing to travel and encounters that expand your frame of reference.

Sagittarius

This Full Moon is in your sign, which means the emotional charge is a bit more personal – you’re more sensitive to how others are reading you, and your self-image is more exposed than usual. Saturn in your 5th is putting a damper on areas that usually feel playful. That could be creative projects or romantic entanglements that are requiring more effort than usual. Jupiter in your 8th is deepening your understanding of what you share with others and improving access to joint resources, however that might be applicable to you and your situation.

Capricorn

Saturn in your 4th has been pressing on home and family for some time, and this Full Moon pulls those demands back to the surface – domestic responsibilities and unresolved family matters are asking for your attention rather than deferral. Parents may become a bit more of a responsibility in this period, too. Venus in your 7th is offering warmth in close partnerships, which is a resource worth drawing on, and Mars in your 5th brings energy and appetite to creative work and romance, so you’re not without uplift this Full Moon.

Aquarius

Saturn in your 3rd is likely throwing up all sorts of questions about how you communicate. This transit often means the patterns in your daily thinking are being restructured, which can feel like a block before it becomes second nature. Mars in your 4th is adding intensity at home, and the friction there needs addressing directly rather than being worked around. The Sun in your 5th keeps creative life and the lighter pleasures available as a counterweight, so lean into a bit of leisure if you can.

Pisces

The Full Moon in your 10th house puts career and public life at the emotional center of this period – professional ambitions and how you’re being seen are both carrying more importance than usual. Jupiter in your 5th is expanding creative life and the pleasures you pursue for their own sake, which offers a welcome counterpoint to the professional pressure. Saturn in your 2nd is pressing on financial self-sufficiency, but this is a slow-burning transit so steady pacing is the trick, and you’ll benefit from long-range thinking on this topic.

Horoscope Author

Wade Caves, based in Brooklyn, NY, is an astrological consultant and educator specializing in problem-solving applications of astrology. He teaches astrological divination and astronomy at the School of Traditional Astrology. Wade also publishes his work on world astrology through Skyscript’s In Mundo publishing desk. He even hosts the World Astrology Summit. A conference dedicated to the advancement of astrology for global problem-solving. Website: wadecaves.com • skyscript.co.uk/inmundo. Email: hello@wadecaves.com.

Story by Wade Caves
Photo Courtesy of Pietro Battistoni

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Pittsburgh Pride Month Events for Everyone

By
Kylie Thomas
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Two men in rainbow outfits and sunglasses stand in front of pride flag colors on a stage.

Pride Month in Pittsburgh isn’t one-size-fits-all. Honestly, isn’t that the whole point of pride? Whether you want to dance until 2 a.m., march through the streets in full rainbow glam, connect with community in a quieter setting, or bring the whole family along, there’s an event waiting for you this June and beyond. We’re taking you to drag shows, bar crawls, community summits, and sensory-friendly celebrations that let you choose what Pittsburgh Pride events to put on your calendar based on your personality and your comfort level.

From Bar Crawls to Marches: Pittsburgh Pride Events for Every Vibe

The Partier

Pride at Stonewall Inn PGH: Live Drag Experience

June 1, Stonewall Inn PGH

One of the best ways to party for pride is by attending drag performances and what better place for a performance than Pittsburgh’s drop-in space for gender-affirming care? Hosted by Ciora D. L’Oreal and Jezebel D’Opulence this is a line-up you won’t want to miss with queens from Pennsylvania and beyond. All shows even include a meet and greet after each set.

Decades Kiki Ball

June 5, Blumcraft

Do you love to dance? Does the DJ call you to kiki at every bar? Then this ball is for you. Show off your skills or watch and vibe from the sidelines with Icon VJ the DJ Supreme. The party starts at 11 p.m. and goes all the way till 2 a.m. so grab a drink and get ready to dance the night away.

Pittsburgh Pride Bar Crawl

June 20, South Side

If there’s one thing you do this Pride Month, let it be the Pittsburgh Pride Bar Crawl with those you love the most. Grab your friends to get free entry into over four different venues in the South Side. Your ticket includes exclusive drink specials, pride themed drinks, food specials, and even live music at certain venues. You’ll support the city’s local bar scene while living your best life.

The Loud and Proud

2026 LGBTQ+ Unity Summit: Building Bridges: Strength in Unity…

June 5, Kamin Science Center

Are you an LGBTQIA+ leader in the community or are simply looking for ways to bring support to your workspace? The LGBTQ+ Unity Summit provides resources to build up inclusivity and strength during such political unrest. You’ll learn about fostering a supportive workspace, how to bring in policy to promote equity, and gain other tools to make any space you’re in as inclusive as it can be.

Dyke Bash and March

June 6, Bloomfield Bridge

For those who identify with the word “dyke,” the Dyke Bash and March lifts up the lesbians in our community. Start your day off by participating in the Dyke March where signs and flags are more than encouraged. Then, party under the Bloomfield Bridge to live music, browse local artists, and cheer on speakers fighting for our rights every day.

Pittsburgh Pride March and Parade

June 7, Line-Up at Liberty Avenue in the Strip District

Do you want to show up and support your community at Pittsburgh’s biggest Pride March? Rather than standing on the sidewalks as an observer, take part in the parade in your best rainbow gear. Bring your flags, your signs, and celebrate all that makes you your fine self with the rest of the Pittsburgh community.

The Baby Gay

Pride Bingo: The Babadook

June 2, Bottlerocket Social Hall

Not sure how to get involved with the community on a large scale? No worries, more intimate events like this Pride Bingo from Bottlerocket give you a chance to celebrate pride in a more private space. Head out with friends or even go alone for your chance to win cash prizes and watch a special performance from drag queen Indi Skies.

ASCEND Climb with Pride

June 13, ASCEND Point Breeze

If you’re new to Pittsburgh’s LGBTQIA+ community, getting out to pride events is a great way to meet those in your area. ASCEND’s Climb with Pride event invites those of all backgrounds to enjoy activities like Climbing Bingo, drag performances, free food from Condado, and so much more. It’s like a mini-pride for those not quite ready for the big festival.

Pride Millvale

June 20, Millvale

Going to Pittsburgh Pride for the first time whether you’re fresh out of the closet or new to the city can be a little intimidating. But, there are plenty of other local pride festivals on a smaller scale that are perfect for your first pride celebration. The Pride Millvale festival provides vendors up and down the blocks of Millvale, drag and musician performances, crafting activities, and even a sensory-friendly experience at the library.

The Ally

UNSTOPPABLE by Pittsburgh Pride Choir

June 6, PPU Pittsburgh Playhouse

Find inspiration and passion in the Pittsburgh Pride Choir’s UNSTOPPABLE show, celebrating Pride Month and all it means. For their set, the choir will take you through powerful songs that make you feel and also represent the strength of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Drag Brunch in the Grand Ballroom

June 7, Fairmont Pittsburgh

Head to the bank to pick up your dollar bills, you’re going to need them for this killer selection of local queens. Outside of the high energy performances, you’ll also enjoy a brunch buffet with options like pancakes with berry compote, scrambled eggs, a chipotle chicken salad wrap, fresh fruit, and so much more.

Pittsburgh Black Pride Family Day

July 25, 116 South Highland Avenue

Pittsburgh Black Pride invites you and your entire family out to experience pride in action. Kids can spend the day playing basketball, participating in the talent show, and trying out other family activities while you browse health and job resources. Participate in health and wellness screenings, explore the job fair, and look forward to plenty of giveaways.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo From Pittsburgh Pride

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Pittsburgh Restaurant Favorites from Hungry Jess: June 2026

By
Kylie Thomas
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Hungry Jess sits on a grey couch at Esquina Cantina in Pittsburgh in a long dress.

June marks many things: the halfway point of the year, the month where summer begins, and, for me personally, the month I was born. I am truly a Gemini through and through: I love changing my mind, I love having a lot of opinions, and I have high taste for the things that I like. 

Speaking of which, as you probably noticed throughout this series, I have a long list of favorites that have a few hurdles to jump over. My recommendations for ambiance need great lighting and seating. My favorite bites? Those need to “WOW!” me, which is hard to do. My birthday is always a great excuse to combine all of the above and turn it into an endless celebration. 

While I treat most days like a celebration (and, of course, it’s my job to dine out often), this is a unique hotlist that combines many of my favorite specific bites, seatings, and spaces in the city. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or not this month, this list will serve as a great guide for any night out on the town. 

Highlighting Hungry Jess’ Favorite Pittsburgh Restaurants to Explore in June

Hungry Jess’ Favorite Bites

Mexican Street Corn Hand Pie

350 Bakery, South Side

If I could eat one of these a day, I would. Don’t even get me started on their breakfast sandwiches… 

Miso Torched Salmon Nigiri 

Umami, Lawrenceville

While these are only available during happy hour, I think I could easily eat 20 of these as a meal and be beyond happy. 

Rectangular bites with caviar on top on a wood plate.
Caviar at Balvanera

Caviar

Balvanera, Strip District 

It wouldn’t be a birthday without a little caviar, right?! These fried potato cakes topped with a heaping of caviar, crème fraîche, and dill live rent-free in my mind. 

Gotabki

Polska Laska, Sharpsburg

This is one of the most pleasantly surprising dishes I’ve had, ever. I think of it often and will use my birthday as an excuse to order it (along with all the pierogi). For those not familiar, this is a dish of beef, pork, and rice stuffed into cabbage, topped with tomato gravy and sour cream. DIVINE.  

A series of white plates with European food on them in thick sauces.
Gotabki at Polska Laska

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese with a Hashbrown

Dad’s Dog & Burger, Bloomfield 

On a roll? And a side of hashbrown? Already dreaming of this combination for my post-birthday celebrations recovery meal. 

Speaking of Celebrations… Jess’ Favorite Venues for Dining in Pittsburgh

Hungry Jess sits on a grey couch at Esquina Cantina in Pittsburgh in a long dress.
Round Corner (Esquina) Cantina

Cabana at Round Corner (Esquina) Cantina

Lawrenceville 

You already know I will be outside this year for my birthday, starting with my favorite outdoor bar! This is truly the spot to celebrate everything and anything. 

Back Patio at Cafe Du Jour

South Side

If you want a space that transforms you without ever leaving the city, this is IT. I can’t put into words just how special this place is. 

Front Wine Bar at Senza

Etna

One of my favorite moody spots: the front wine bar at Senza: the candlelight, the wines, the food… ideal for birthday dessert. 

Two wine glasses on a table with a plate in between them and candlelight.
Senza

The Bar at Floor 2

Downtown

If you’re looking for an iconic birthday photo with an equally as iconic martini list, this is your spot. 

And… Jess’ Favorite Cocktails

Martinis

The Vandal, Lawrenceville 

While the Post-Kiss Martini is one of my favorite drinks ever, you can’t go wrong with anything you order. 

Two pink martinis with dark cherry garnishes on a white candlelit table.
Martinis at The Vandal

Martinis (Again)

Jillian’s Restaurant, New Kensington 

The Pickle Martini lives rent-free in my head (can you sense a theme here?!), and I’d gladly make every birthday cheers with one. 

Bartender’s Choice

Acacia, South Side

A speakeasy with stellar cocktails is always calling to me, but especially on a birthday. Plan to stay awhile (and try a few different cocktails). 

A dark bar with plenty of bottles behind it and a pink drink sitting on the wood bar.
Acacia

Paloma

Kelly’s, East Liberty

Straightforward and no frills, plus a solid food menu if you find yourself needing a snack.

Plus, learn about Jess’ opinion on Pittsburgh pizza in her best of the best round-up.

Story and Photos by Jess Iacullo (Hungry Jess)

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Pittsburgh’s 2026 Summer Concert Lineup

By
Kylie Thomas
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Kesha stands in a white bodysuit corset in front of a white screen.
Kesha

There’s something about summer concerts that makes Pittsburgh feel different. Maybe it’s the chaos of fighting Star Lake traffic with a car full of friends, hearing an entire crowd scream the lyrics to a song from your youth, or realizing halfway through a set that live music really does hit harder outside. This year’s concert lineup brings a little bit of everything. Look forward to nostalgic pop-punk, massive pop tours, legendary rock acts, indie favorites, and artists that have completely taken over everyone’s playlists lately. If your wallet’s already nervous, don’t worry, ours is too.

Bruno Mars, Kesha, Bob Dylan, Yellowcard, and More on Pittsburgh’s 2026 Summer Concert Lineup

June Concerts

Teddy Swims

June 7, Peterson Events Center

Between his naturally raspy voice and warm-and-fuzzy personality, Teddy Swims’ Lose Control is a song the whole world knows by now. His blend of R&B, soul, rock, and pop deserves to be heard in person. See him on the big stage as he introduces opener Marc Scibilia. 

5 Seconds of Summer

June 11, PPG Paints Arena

One of the biggest boybands of the 2010s (other than One Direction) is 5 Seconds of Summer. This group of Australian boys brought rock music with live instruments to the boyband scene. Now, hear them all grown up with a fully developed sound and opener The Band CAMINO, too. 

Mumford & Sons

June 14, The Pavilion at Star Lake

The folk melodies and rhythms of Mumford & Sons live on through generations both young and old. Hear them play songs like Little Lion Man and I Will Wait as you dance in the grass law of Star Lake. Plus, they’re bringing along country singer Dylan Gossett from Austin. 

Yellowcard

June 15, UPMC Events Center

If you had any type of emo or pop-punk phase in the 2000s/early 2010s then Ocean Avenue is like an anthem to you. Relive your teen years with the band Yellowcard and their openers New Found Glory and The Plain White T’s. Who would pass up a chance to hear My Friends Over You and Hey There Delilah in the same night?

Violinist and guitarist for Yellowcard playing a concert on stage in Pittsburgh.
Yellowcard

The Aquabats!

June 20, Roxian Theatre

The Aquabats! are the superhero band that you didn’t know you needed in your life. These crime-fighting heroes in blue spandex put on one energetic show full of laughs. They’re a little ska, a little new wave, and plenty entertaining. 

Young the Giant

June 23, Stage AE

With a series of 2010s hits like Mind Over Matter and Cough Syrup, Young the Giant is a rock band most will recognize. They’re taking their new album Victory Garden on the road alongside Cold War Kids and almost monday. 

July Concerts

Jack Johnson

July 3, The Pavilion at Star Lake

After over 20 years in the industry, Jack Johnson makes music for everyone. He dabbles in pop, rock, folk, and even surf rock, forming a discography of eight albums. Outside of music he also has a history in surfing which he recently brought to life with his documentary SURFILMUSIC. Joining him is special guest Hermanos Gutiérrez. 

Benson Boone

July 7, PPG Paints Arena

Possibly better known for his backflips, Benson Boone is the pop-star who took the world by storm with his songs Beautiful Things, Mystical Magical, and Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else. He’s kicking off his new tour in Pittsburgh and plans to bring plenty of tricks along with him.

Bob Dylan

July 12, Stage AE

Whether you know one song or hundreds, there’s no way you’ll want to miss out on seeing Bob Dylan at a smaller venue like Stage AE. Come see the Like a Rolling Stone legend with openers Jimmie Vaughn & The Tilt-A-Whirl Band as well as Brittney Spencer for a show you’ll never forget.

Djo

July 14, Stage AE

You may not recognize the name Djo but we’re sure you’ll recognize his face as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things. If you know Joe Keery’s acting, we recommend you get to know his pop-indie music too. It’ll make you feel things deep in your soul as will his opener POND. 

Mötley Crüe

July 17, The Pavilion at Star Lake

If you missed The Carnival of Sins tour the first time around, don’t worry, this 80s hair metal band is back with The Return Of The Carnival Of Sins tour. Eventually one of these tours will actually be their final, so just in case it’s this one you better buy your tickets now. Plus you’ll get to see Tesla and Extreme as openers. 

Dave Matthews Band

July 24, The Pavilion at Star Lake

It wouldn’t be summer without a Dave Matthews Band concert. Rocking out since 1991, this band is a classic to get to see and a must if you’re a fan of jam bands as each show is just a bit different. So even if this is your tenth time seeing them, you’re sure to hear something new. We recommend making our Crush Cocktail before the show for the ultimate experience.

August Concerts

“Weird Al” Yankovic

August 1, The Pavilion at Star Lake

Amish Paradise? Polka Face? Like a Surgeon? Only one man could write parodies like these: “Weird Al” Yankovic. This accordion playing comedian hits up The Pavilion at Star Lake as a part of his Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour. He’s also bringing alongside America’s Got Talent contestant Puddles Pity Party the singing clown. 

The Psychedelic Furs

August 11, Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead

For those who love the synths of 80s music or simply love that one dancing scene from Call Me By Your Name, The Psychedelic Furs feel like home. Their big hit Love My Way is still an earworm to this day but they have plenty of other songs to groove to as well. See them perform with Cult of Personality band, Living Colour.

Billy Idol

August 20, The Pavilion at Star Lake

As Billy Idol coins this set of shows, “It’s A Nice Day To…Tour Again!” Whether we’re screaming along to Rebel Yell or White Wedding, Billy Idol always starts the party. There are even still VIP Meet and Greets available for those who are the biggest fans. 

TLC & Salt-N-Pepa

August 24, The Pavilion at Star Lake

Two of the OG girl groups from the 1990s are headed on tour together to bring you No Scrubs and Push It! Live a 90s daydream with plenty of bold makeup, crop tops, and plenty of accessories. They’re even taking girl group En Vogue on tour with them for a trifecta of strong women. 

Kesha

August 25, The Pavilion at Star Lake

Where are my Animals at? Starting out on the top of pop charts with songs like We R Who We R and TiK ToK, Kesha is still going strong in 2026 with her new single ORIGAMI! Break out the glitter and the animal prints because she’s going back on tour to take back her original music and share some of her new favorites with lifelong fans. 

Bruno Mars

August 29, Acrisure Stadium

Tickets are going fast to see one of R&B, funk, and pop’s greatest entertainers. Bruno Mars sticks with people for good reason, his songs are undeniably catchy and danceable. From Locked Out of Heaven to 24K Magic and even APT. you can catch us on our feet partying for this entire show. Just hurry because tickets are almost entirely sold out.

Story and Photography by Kylie Thomas

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Foodees Fest Rolls Through Pittsburgh with Local and National Food Trucks

By
Kylie Thomas
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A stack of empanadas from Red Rican food truck.

There are few things Pittsburghers love more than a weekend built around eating and enjoying the summer sun. Thankfully, Foodees Fest, a traveling food-and-craft vendor extravaganza, is parking over at South Hills Village Mall in Pittsburgh from June 12 through June 14.

More than just a few food trucks in a parking lot, this festival brings more than 40 food trucks and artisan vendors along with a fun family-friendly energy that makes waiting in line easy-peasy.

The festival is free to attend and runs Friday from 1 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Whether rain or shine, the celebration goes on so you can plan on getting at least one of your weekend meals at Foodees fest.

What Food Trucks Will be at Foodees Fest Pittsburgh?

The current vendor lineup already stacks up national and local cuisine. Cousins Maine Lobster brings lobster rolls for that East Coast summer energy while Gosia’s Pierogies is serving the kind of comfort food Pittsburgh collectively lives for. Then there’s Hot Ash Pizza with wood-fired slices and Double J’s BBQ with the brisket and pulled pork you desire in the summertime. Some food trucks close to home will even be making an appearance like Red Rican from Niles, Ohio as well as Pgh Halal Truck and Pgh Crepes from the ‘Burgh.

But don’t worry if you prefer festival classics like funnel cakes, lemon shakes, deep-fried Oreos, and other handhelds, there’s plenty available from stands like Kolar Concessions LLC.

Shopping at the Festival and Beyond

Beyond the food trucks, Foodees Fest will also feature artisan vendors selling handmade goods, crafts, jewelry, and gifts. So even if you arrive claiming you’re “just there for lunch,” there’s a very real chance you’ll leave carrying kettle corn, hot sauce, a candle, and at least one thing you absolutely did not plan on buying. But, that’s part of the charm.

Plus, South Hills Village is an especially fitting backdrop. This mall and the surrounding area remains one of the region’s busiest shopping hubs with national stores like Target, Old Navy, Macy’s, Five Below, and even a Trader Joe’s down the street.

The best strategy? Show up hungry, split dishes with friends, and commit to trying something you normally wouldn’t order. Tickets are free, though advance registration is encouraged online. Additional vendors are expected to be announced leading up to the event.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo From Red Rican

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After 7 Years, ‘Star Wars’ Returns to Cinemas With ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’

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Kylie Thomas
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The Mandalorian rides a Star Wars bot walker in the snow and mountains.
The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) in Lucasfilm's THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU. Photo by Francois Duhamel. © 2026 Lucasfilm Ltd™. All Rights Reserved.
A graphic depicting 3 out of 5 stars for The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Five separate films in the Star Wars franchise debuted in the 2010s, including The Force Awakens, which became the highest-grossing film of all time. A series of critical and commercial missteps, however, led to a nearly seven-year layoff; now, it’s up to a masked bounty hunter and a tiny creature (whose name is not Baby Yoda) to right the starship in The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Does The Mandalorian and Grogu Live Up to the Star Wars Hype?

The TV series The Mandalorian, a major hit for the Disney+ streaming service, proved that the Star Wars universe can work on television. Converting the appeal of that particular vehicle to a lavish and lengthy feature, however, is a much larger challenge — one that the filmmakers (mostly) meet.

The truism in Hollywood is that a big-screen adaptation of a television series should feel like a particularly good episode of the show; such is the case with the better Star Trek films and the improbably successful Simpsons Movie. Jon Favreau, the A-list director who launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Iron Man, seems to have followed that wisdom — albeit with a gargantuan budget.

The Mandalorian and Grogu feels like two pretty good episodes of its show; a bifurcated plot raises the possibility that this story was condensed from some previous pitch for a full season of action. The title character, a deadpan bounty hunter voiced by Pedro Pascal (and played in body by Brendan Wayne), is a reluctant soldier for the New Republic, a loose government mopping up the remnants of the fabled Empire. He’s tasked with locating a rogue former general (Jonny Coyne), with considerable complications along the way.

Dazzling Action Sequences, Dawdling Story

Somewhere around the one-hour mark, the movie switches to a familiar mode for the Star Wars series: Tying up loose ends from the series’ earlier chapters. In the case of The Mandalorian and Grogu, that involves the family of giant slug-villain Jabba the Hutt; the siblings of the alien kingpin have taken up the mantle and are trying to kill off Jabba’s son, a reformed alien named Rotta (voiced by Jeremy Allen White).

While it’s a bit disappointing to see the series rely once again on references to the original trilogy, it’s not over the top; there are no unexpected appearances from big-name characters, no promises of returning villains, no unexpected Skywalkers. (There’s not even a post-credit scene.) For the most part, The Mandalorian and Grogu plays it straight — with a bit of a mob-movie undertone, signified by the presence of Martin Scorsese, voicing a frantic food-service alien.

It’s the right move; this is a standalone tale that doesn’t require the audience to be familiar with the TV series. And there’s plenty of signature Star Wars fun here, from memorably weird aliens to thunderous battles between giant robots.

If it overstays its welcome a bit — and it does, with about three plot points too many — it’s still satisfying. After that seven-year layoff, it’s just nice to see some Star Wars action at the movie theater again. After all: Where would the multiplex be without Star Wars?

Spooky Hitchhikers and More New Films This Week

A terrifying trailer built anticipation for Passenger, a road-trip horror flick by Norwegian filmmaker André Øvredal. In the preview, a bizarre figure stalks along the roadside before materializing in the passenger seat, leading to vehicular mayhem. The full film has a few similarly spooky moments and some decent visuals but can’t quite deliver on its promise. Øvredal, who did better with the Dracula-inspired period piece The Last Voyage of the Demeter, can’t seem to draw enough suspense from the film’s backroads milieu and instead relies on loud noises and spooky faces. It’s not an utter disappointment, but Passenger is far from a horror classic. If you’re going to see it, at least find a drive-in; all those brake lights and slamming doors will add some immersion.

In a limited release, writer/director Boots Riley — whose 2018 film Sorry to Bother You became a cult favorite — returns with a sophomore effort, I Love Boosters, about a madcap retail scheme. The loaded cast includes Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, LaKeith Stanfield, Demi Moore, Don Cheadle and the breakout star of last week’s Is God Is, Kara Young.

Meanwhile, on streaming, John Krasinski takes another turn as oft-portrayed spy Jack Ryan in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War, available on Prime. This is the same character played by the likes of Alec Baldwin in The Hunt for Red October and Harrison Ford in Clear and Present Danger; Krasinski has been handling Ryan duties in a Prime television series since 2018.

And on Netflix, the gender-reversal comedy Ladies First pits Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike against one another in an alternate, matriarchal universe. Reviews are not yet out, but the film … doesn’t exactly look subtle.

Story by Sean Collier
Featured Photo Courtesy of LucasFilm

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Stylish Melamine, Enamelware, and Paper Plates for Summer Picnics

By
Kylie Thomas
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A stack of green paper plates on a pattern tablecloth with a glass of orange juice above it.
Table Two

For those who love a well-plated table — and who here doesn’t? — we are happy to report that outdoor dinnerware is having a moment. Think artisan paper plates, richly toned enamelware, as well as melamine in vibrant patterns for the perfect summer picnic. Here are a few sources to dress your summer table in style; many are available only online.

Dress Your Summer Picnic with Stunning Paper Plates, Melamine, and Enamelware

Paper Plates 

Table Two

Former Pittsburgher Gabby Amato paired up with Carolyn Hakansson while living in NYC to open Table Two. Their aim is to elevate outdoor gatherings, with fashion-forward plates that look like ceramic but can be tossed away like paper. Plates are designed to mix and match. Style inspirations include ocean waves, Mediterranean motifs, coral reefs and floral wreaths, and kitchsy lobsters. The artwork is handprinted and the plates are 100% recycled paper. Table Two will take you picnic game up a notch, or maybe even two. 

A variety of pink and yellow pattern plates on a green table.
Photo From Meri Meri

Meri Meri 

In 2026, this UK-based company has landed some sweet collaborations. A partnership with the luxury department store Liberty London resulted in a collection featuring delicate melamine floral platters and plates with scalloped edges and colorful combos. For those who embrace a Boho ethos, Meri Meri partnered with British printmaker Molly Mahon to produce paper plates and napkins (and paper lanterns, if you are so inspired) with repeating block print patterns. And for the gingham crowd, Meri Meri offers paper plates in pastel shades, as well as red and white with a cheery blue border.  

A stack of plates in florals, orange colors, and blue stripes at the bottom.
Photo From Caspari

Caspari 

Making statements on tables since 1945, it’s no wonder Caspari is has been the well-heeled mom’s choice for paper plateware for decades. Inspired by art, textiles, and ceramics, Caspari’s designs are the fine art of the paper plate world, showcasing artistic replications from their partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Royal Horticultural Society, and French design house Pierre Frey. In Pittsburgh, you can source their cocktail napkins at Penn Hollows in Shadyside. Their fern garden pattern is spot on for a garden party, and then the mahjong napkins are perfect for your favorite player or for your next game.  

Melamine Dinnerware

A set of white plates with hand painted peonies on them.
Photo From John Derian

John Derian

If you are new to world of John Derian, welcome. It’s like an artistic fever dream, with pieces inspired by the mind of an archivist, no maybe a botanist, or perhaps a cartophile, or is it a 19th century French artist— or is it all of these? Melamine plates feature lush watercolors of magenta peonies, with each size plate featuring a different take. An intriguing option is the faïence à la corne plate, rich with cornucopias, birds, butterflies, and florals depicted in jewel tones of cobalt, teal and sunflower yellow. But Derian’s affection for garden florals infuses all his designs with élan.

A blue table setting with white stacks of plates on the table.
Photo From Juliska

Juliska 

For those who like to do their shopping IRL, Juliska is the brand to look for, as it’s sold in Pittsburgh at Glassworks, Molly Singer Design, Contemporary Concepts, as well as Apropos. Plates come in solid colors such as coral, seagrass, sunshine, and ocean — or in a cabana-style striped variety. 

A white plate with a red grid pattern.
Photo From Hawkins New York

Hawkins New York 

Hawkins embraces a more minimalist vibe that skips the florals in favor of a simple-yet-unexpected lines in grid, wide stripe, or madras patterns, each in a variety of colors. The melamine-bamboo plates come in sets of four.  

Enamelware 

A white plate set with a blue crab on it.
Photo From Golden Rabbit

Golden Rabbit

Since 1977, Golden Rabbit has done one thing: made enamelware. This family-owned company reports it offers the largest selection of enamelware in the world, so if there’s a style or design you’re looking for, chances are you’ll likely find it here: swirled, marbled, coastal motifs, and seasonal patterns such as a fresh produce line with images of artichokes, pears, and asparagus. Not only do they have plates, Golden Rabbit runs the gamut of table and kitchenware in their eco-friendly enamelware. 

A table of baby blue plates with peaches on them.
Photo From East Fork

East Fork 

The colors of East Fork’s enamelware give a hint to their audience about inspiration: bluegrass, robin, campfire, chive. It’s a steep upgrade from the blue-and-white speckled enamelware found around campsites for the past fifty years. The colors are deep, rich, and made to mix and match; the design is pleasingly simple with one base color and a rim to differentiate the look. Dinnerware come in a variety of bowl, plate and cup sizes, as well as mugs, tumblers, pitchers, and bakeware. East Fork founder Alex Matisse is the grandson of Henri Matisse. 

A stack of green and pattern plates on a green plaid cloth.
Photo From MacKenzie-Childs

MacKenzie-Childs 

If you like fun Palm Breeze colors like melon pink, lime green, and lavender in a Harlequin pattern or if you like unexpected designs, like their mash-up of checks and a swirl — like you painted a pink checkerboard and before it dried, swirled in a swath of yellow — then MacKenzie-Childs might be appearing on your patio soon. The photo above is of their melamine Palm Springs pattern, but their Courtly Check pattern (see below), invented by the company’s founders, is the creme de la creme of enamelware.

A stack of black and white checker plates and other tableware.
Photo From MacKenzie-Childs

Plus, fill out the rest of your picnic supplies with our list of essentials.

Story by Lauri Gravina
Featured Photo From Table Two

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Plan Your Week: The Best Pittsburgh Events May 25-31

By
Kylie Thomas
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A dog lays on the grass of PNC baseball park at a pup night event with a baseball in his mouth.

The week’s best Pittsburgh events from May 25-31 begins with cinema’s biggest icon and winds up with a poignant love story. (Admittedly, a bit of a journey.) Read on for our picks in theater, film, nightlife and more — including dogs at the ballpark!

The Best Events in Pittsburgh May 25-31

Godzilla Minus One

Monday, May 25, AMC Theaters

The surprise 2023 hit Godzilla Minus One might be the best film about the giant monster. Less a kaiju rampage and more a tale of trauma in postwar Japan, the modestly budgeted film upset offerings from major studios to win an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. A sequel is due out later this year; in the meantime, see Godzilla Minus One on the big screen, revived by AMC as part of its Asian American Heritage Month series.

Pirates Pup Night

Tuesday, May 26, PNC Park

If you’re a lover of both dogs and America’s pastime, you are likely well aware of PNC Park’s Tuesday-night Pup Night promotion, wherein a specially purchased ticket admits not only one human but also one dog to a reserved section of seats. (We already have our chihuahua, Peanut, booked for a game later in the season; we’re considering outfits.) But consider this opportunity as a fan: If the Pirates do well, it’s a great night at the ballpark. If the Pirates struggle, you can just look at all the nice dogs. It’s a win-win.

Toadies

Wednesday, May 27, Roxian Theatre

The alternative-radio mainstays Toadies, best known for the sinister yet irresistible hit Possum Kingdom, are the headliners at this midweek show in McKees Rocks. Don’t arrive late, however, as the full lineup is worth your attention. The band will also be joined by fellow post-grunge outfit Local H and the western-tinged Vandoliers; the latter band is a personal favorite of mine, with a delightful fusion of punk and country.

Walk With Me Screening and Reception

Thursday, May 28, Union Trust Building

The documentary Walk With Me offers a rare personal look at early-onset Alzheimer’s, as accomplished casting director Heidi Levitt steps behind the camera to capture the journey of her husband, Charlie Hess, who was diagnosed with the disease at 57. The film will receive its local premiere on Thursday night in a screening as well as reception benefitting the Clear Thoughts Foundation, a nonprofit that works toward treatments for dementia. The evening is a chance to see a powerful documentary — in an impressive setting, the stately Union Trust Building. (Since it’s a private space, all tickets must be purchased in advance, and include access to the reception.)

The Great Gatsby

Friday, May 29, Benedum Center

The 2025-26 Broadway in Pittsburgh season concludes with a local premiere — and a lush adaptation of a beloved piece of literature. The Great Gatsby, still running today on both Broadway and the West End, features a jazz-influenced score by Grammy winner (and frequent Broadway producer) Jason Howland. The production has become known for its Jazz Age aesthetics and spectacle; in fact, it took home a Tony for its costume design. Try to dress to match — and make a night of it, old sport.

Attack Theatre’s Thirty Ball

Saturday, May 30, Rockwell Park

The Dirty Ball, the annual fundraiser for cutting-edge dance and performance outfit Attack Theatre, has a reputation as one of the city’s most intriguing parties; in their own words, “a bold blend of elegance, energy, and just the right amount of mischief.” You can expect a major milestone edition — the aptly named Thirty Ball, in honor of the organization’s 30th anniversary — to be elevated even higher than the typically impressive standard for the event. Catch surprising performances and more, as the party takes over a floor of Rockwell Park in Point Breeze.

Talley’s Folly

Sunday, May 31, South Park Theatre

It’s an odd-couple love story in real time: Talley’s Folly, which won the 1980 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, takes place in 97 minutes with no scene changes or interruptions. (The title character promises as much as the play begins.) It’s an intriguing and rich challenge for actors and an unusually realistic depiction for audiences — perhaps explaining why companies have gone back to Lanford Wilson’s play for more than four decades. South Park Theatre presents this two-hander at their charming home base through Sunday. (And you can add a picnic lunch!)

Plus, check out our calendar for other events for the week and beyond!

Story by Sean Collier
Photo by Harrison Barden From Pittsburgh Pirates 

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Bridgeway Capital’s Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Grants Turn Artists Into Professionals

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
A bead bracelet with seashell charms on a crystal rock.

Kim Flurry was a retired educator with a passion for gemstone jewelry. Thanks to a Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Grant from Bridgeway Capital, she’s now a “serial entrepreneur” who turns her passions into vocations.

From Hobby to Business with Bridgeway Capital’s Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Grants

“I’ve always liked jewelry,” Flurry says. “Ever since I was a child. I can remember my first piece of jewelry.”

Flurry’s thoughts turned back to jewelry after an unexpected surgery sidelined her career as an educator. As she recovered from open-heart surgery — which required two months at home — she began putting her energy toward gemstone-beaded jewelry.

Kim Flurry rearranges her jewelry on a white table.

“It started out as a hobby,” she explains, “then people asked me where the jewelry I was wearing came from.”

The interest in her work convinced her that her jewelry could sell. Unfortunately, there’s a long path from a hobby to a business; fortunately, she found an organization that would facilitate that journey.

The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program Empowers Artists

The Creative Entrepreneur Program, an initiative of Bridgeway Capital and Pennsylvania Creative Industries, gives “business development services and financial support,” according to a release, to individual entrepreneurs and artists — including a focus on those living in low-income communities.

The program, which will relaunch statewide this fall, has already supported 30 artists with a total $3.2 million in loans.

Flurry says the support from Bridgeway Capital went beyond money. “They gave me a great foundation that I never would’ve been able to afford. There was a photographer that took professional pictures. We met weekly … a jewelry business can be a lonely business. It brought together other entrepreneurs that had solo businesses and shared experience and knowledge.”

The grant also facilitated an appearance at popular maker market Handmade Arcade — and, Flurry says, that led to community. 

“I got to meet all kinds of entrepreneurs … It was such a welcoming environment that we watched one another’s booths. We were total strangers when the day started, but if you had to go get something to eat, your neighbor would watch your booth. That was an experience I had never had.”

A woman picks a bead necklace off a crystal rock.

Becoming a ‘Serial Entrepreneur’

Flurry has since added a second business, selling homemade bone broth — and is developing a third, drawing on her previous professional experience to offer educational consulting. “I have to explain to people why these three businesses are connected,” she says, noting that the thread is in the name she’s chosen for her collected efforts: “A Kind, Loving World.”

“That’s the arching, overall thought for them. I feel as though, since the pandemic until now, we need that support that carries us through. The world has changed, and it didn’t give us any warning.”

Flurry’s website is being redesigned at the moment; for the time being, those interested in beaded jewelry (or bone broth) can reach out to her via email, at aklwbonebroth@gmail.com.

Successful and ambitious though she’s been, she says none of it would’ve been possible without the Creative Entrepreneur program.

“Bridgeway Capital has supported me in many ways over the years — and provided that structured knowledge that you don’t really get from it starting out as a hobby.”

Story by Sean Collier
Photos From Bridgeway Capital

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