Get your hot tickets in Pittsburgh for every day of the week June 8-14. Two very different mid-’90s movies return to the big screen this week — then, a lovely evening in the park and a great reason for a quick road trip await this weekend.
Get Your Hot Tickets for Shows and Performances Around Pittsburgh June 8-14
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me at Row House Lawrenceville
Monday, June 8, Also Showing Tuesday-Thursday
Ask a dedicated fan of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks about the series’ big-screen installment, Fire Walk With Me, and they’ll likely describe a beguiling yet lingering meditation on violence. Ask … well, anyone who isn’t a dedicated fan, and they might offer a less glowing opinion. Even if you don’t walk away thinking Fire Walk With Me is a classic, you’ll likely be haunted by its ethereal, uncanny atmosphere and imagery. It’s playing at Row House Lawrenceville as part of the excellently named Bleak Weak, featuring “devastating and powerful films” including The Piano Teacher, Requiem for a Dream and more.
Ben Folds at Carnegie of Homestead
Tuesday, June 9
I’ve seen the piano virtuoso and lauded songwriter Ben Folds a number of times, but no show was more memorable than a certain night in 2004 at the bygone I.C. Light Amphitheatre. After a complicated cross-brand prank from fellow performers Guster, Folds ended up improvising an epic ballad about the time he and some friends climbed Mt. Washington — a real incident that supposedly happened in the ’90s. I, and many others I’ve spoken with who were in attendance that night, can still sing the chorus of that improvised tune more than two decades later. Folds returns to Pittsburgh for a gig at the Carnegie of Homestead; improvised epics aren’t guaranteed, but are always possible.
The Birdcage via Fathom Events
Wednesday, June 10, Also Showing Sunday, June 7
One of the greatest comedies of the ’90s, The Birdcage stands as an inspiring and uniting piece of queer representation from an era where many were still trying to force LGBTQ people into the closet — a topic that the film deals with directly. More importantly, it’s hilarious, with brilliant and uproarious performances from an all-star cast that includes Robin Williams, Nathan Lane and Hank Azaria (“I’m a combination of Lucy and Ricky”). Fathom Events presents the beloved comedy in honor of its 30th anniversary; locally, it’s playing at select multiplexes.
Buffalo Rose at the Three Rivers Arts Festival
Thursday, June 11
The playful and melodic band Buffalo Rose is Pittsburgh-based but well traveled, having toured nationally and internationally with artists including Billy Bragg, the Wood Brothers and Lake Street Dive. While their original tunes are formidable, particularly owing to their three-singer harmonies, expect a few fun covers; their recent EP All You Can Eat features interpretations of tunes including Kiss From a Rose and Go Your Own Way. Buffalo Rose headlines a lineup of Pittsburgh favorites at the Arts Festival; the show also features Coltt Winter Lepley and the Briar Valley Rangers, Caleb Kopta and more.
Parks on Tap Beer Garden
Friday, June 12, Continuing Select Fridays Through Sept. 25
Few hours are happier than the early evening on a summer Friday, with a warm and relaxing weekend stretching out before you. Happier still is any excuse to kick off the weekend early — and there’s no better place to do so than Schenley Park when the Parks on Tap Tour rolls in. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy teams up with Eleventh Hour Brewing for an outdoor tasting and concert on select Fridays throughout the summer; the Lawrenceville-based brewery is even preparing a custom brew for the series. This Friday’s event also features live music from Turkeyfoot and food-truck fare from Revival Chili.
Play Ball! The Art of George Sosnak
Saturday, June 13, Continuing Through April 2027
If you’re going to paint about baseball, why not paint on a baseball? Self-taught artist George Sosnak created more than 750 portraits of ballplayers and the national pastime — drawn on baseballs themselves, painstakingly rendered with India ink. 60 of those balls are currently on display at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art; it’s a passionate and creative ode to summer’s favorite sport. While you’re there, be sure to drop by Steel Valley Visions: An American Legacy, a breathtaking collection of paintings depicting the region’s industrial legacy. (Don’t miss the hypnotic and evocative immersive element to the exhibit.)
The Eras Drag Brunch: A Swifties Celebration
Sunday, June 14
Never has Bad Blood been presented in such fierce fashion. Drag Queen Lola LeCroix presents The Eras Drag Brunch, a Taylor-filled afternoon of cocktails and performances by and for the Swifties. And don’t think it’ll be all pop anthems — word is a particularly tenacious performer may be attempting to tackle All Too Well. Head to City Winery for a drink, an a la carte brunch menu and some stunning looks.
Plus, check out our calendar for other events this week and beyond!
Story by Sean Collier
Featured Photo Courtesy of Westmoreland Museum of American Art
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