The forecast for this weekend of August 3-9 in Pittsburgh is smooth, with two nights of mood-boosting music to keep your summer rolling as long as you have tickets in hand. Before we make it to Saturday, though, fill your week with movies, theater and more — including, if you dare, a chance to re-evaluate one of the 21st century’s most divisive movie franchises (are you Team Jacob or Team Edward)?
Fill Your Week With Tickets to These Events Around Pittsburgh August 3-9
Acousticafe at Mr. Smalls
Monday, August 3, Also Weekly on Monday Nights, Funhouse at Mr. Smalls
The world contains two kinds of open-mic nights: Practice sessions best suited to performers only, and professionally run evenings that will actually entertain a civilian. Acousticafe is definitely in the latter category; one of the longest running open-stage events in the city, the Monday tradition at the Funhouse at Mr. Smalls offers professional sound, a house band and a rotating lineup of guest hosts. If you’re looking for Monday-night entertainment, it’s a good bet — and if you’re looking for a stage, you’re in good hands. (Also keep an eye out for the comedy open mic, held most Tuesdays in Mr. Smalls Cafe.)
Boyz n the Hood
Tuesday, August 4, Lindsay Theater
Criterion calls the landmark 1991 drama “a harrowing and compassionate immersion into the lives of three Black teenage boys grappling with the uncertainty of their futures.” The film launched the career of John Singleton, netting the auteur a pair of Oscar nominations; see it as part of the Nine on ’90s series at Sewickley’s Lindsay Theater.
Twilight: New Moon
Wednesday, August 5, Various Theaters
Now that Robert Pattinson has become a Hollywood darling known for bold and nuanced performances — including his villainous turn in megahit The Odyssey — and Kristen Stewart has emerged as a fascinating indie director and performer … are the Twilight movies worth re-evaluating? Dismissed either as uncomplicated pulp or romantically irresponsible bad influences upon their release, the series has plenty of longtime fans who will gladly argue their merits. See for yourself: New Moon, the chapter that established the series’ oft-debated love triangle, returns to select theaters as part of the Flashback Cinema series.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd at Carnegie Stage
Thursday, August 6, Carnegie Stage
Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, which celebrates its centennial this year, is a quintessential whodunit: a small village, a dead bigwig and a list of suspects to be unraveled by Hercule Poirot. Mark Shanahan’s stage adaptation of the novel makes its local professional premiere in a production by Kinetic Theatre Company, who have assembled their own murderer’s row of performers, including Helena Ruoti, David Whalen, Sheila McKenna and Sam Tsoutosouvas.
Camp Carnegie
Friday, August 7, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Want to enjoy all that Carnegie Museum of Natural History has to offer without any kids getting in the way? The dinosaurs, gemstones and much more are all yours at Camp Carnegie, a themed evening of events and activities exclusively for grown-ups. Grab camp-themed snacks and beverages — including a s’mores cocktail — and explore a bevy of programming, including soccer instruction from Pittsburgh Riverhounds players, a massive scavenger hunt and much more.
Yacht Rock Revue
Saturday, August 8, Stage AE
Ever since yacht rock — that smooth, late-’70s rock sound best typified by acts like Steely Dan and (the latter phase of) the Doobie Brothers — entered the lexicon, game musicians across the nation have been grabbing their captain’s hats and putting on tribute shows. Not all evenings of yacht are created equal, however, and Yacht Rock Revue has emerged as one of the top touring purveyors of smooth sounds. Expect familiar hits including Ride Like the Wind, Steal Away and — with any luck — Rosanna.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Sunday, August 9, Hartwood Acres
Here’s a different genre with just as much musicianship — and perhaps a bit more energy. Swing-revival standouts Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, known for upbeat hits like You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby) and Go Daddy-O, will play a free show at Hartwood Acres. Fun fact: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy are, officially, former Super Bowl Halftime Show performers. (It used to be different.) The Penna Players will open up the show; it’s part of the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series.
Plus, check out our calendar for other events this week and beyond!
Story by Sean Collier
Photo From Jay Pharoah
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