International Festival of Children's Films
Saturday, March 6, 10 am to 3 pm
Saturday, March 13, 10 am to 3 pm
Sunday, March 14, Noon to 4 pm
From folktales, to coming of age dramas, to animated shorts, this festival of children's films - gathered from across the globe - has something for the young and the young at heart. The International Festival of Children's Films includes works from China, Canada, Germany, Scotland, Greece, South Africa and the United States. Elizabeth Shepherd, Director of Children's Programs, Northwest Film Forum, Seattle, WA, curated the festival.
Tickets: $6 general admission per screening; $15 Day Pass granting you access to all the films showing on one day.
Whistle Lesson
Jump!
Getting' Grown
Saturday Morning Breakfast and Pajama Party
Saturday, March 6, 9 am
Children can kick-start the day at the festival by grabbing free breakfast before the morning's first film. Wear pajamas to receive a surprise with your morning snack!
Habib Koite
Saturday, March 13, 8 pm
Transcend cultural boundaries with Malian guitar virtuoso/singer Habib Koité. Hailed for his magnetism and musical mastery, Koité integrates the sounds of the Western world, such as jazz and blues, with flamenco, samba and the diverse regional styles of his native Mali. As a griot or storyteller, he uses his three-octave voice and guitar skills to recount the ancient tales, legends and myths of the Malian people.
Tickets: $25-$35
Artist Talk
Join us for a post-performance discussion with Habib Koité.
Sweet Inspiration: In Collaboration with Dwayne Fulton & Kingdom People Productions
Saturday, April 10, 8 pm
Sunday, April 11, 6 pm
Renew your spirit with a joyous evening of inspirational music featuring various Pittsburgh-based singers and choirs. Curator Dwayne Fulton, minister of music and fine arts at Mount Ararat Baptist Church, will present an evening of songs that reflect life, love, inspiration, freedom and triumph.
Tickets: $20-$30
Artist Talk, April 10 Show
Join us for a post-performance discussion with the evening's performers.
From Cotton Field to City Churches: A History of Gospel
Sunday, April 11, 2 - 4 pm
Education Center, Free
This lecture traces the history of gospel music in America from spiritual music in Africa through hymnals, spirituals and blues. Appropriate for high school students and adults. For information, call 412.258.2700.
Shelly Garrett's Beauty Shop
Saturday, May 15, 8 pm
Sunday, May 16, 3 pm
Sunday, May 16, 7 pm
The outlandish hairstylists of Big Mama Lucille's salon take center stage in Shelly Garrett's Beauty Shop, a pioneering production in the urban stage play genre. Uproarious laughter is as much a part of this shop as curling irons and blow dryers.
Tickets: $28-$38
Forum on Urban Circuit Plays
Sunday, May 16, 1 pm
Free, Education Center
This special panel discussion examines the historical roots of and current issues surrounding urban circuit theater. Appropriate for high school students and adults. For information, call 412.258.2700.
First Voice: A Pittsburgh International Black Arts Festival
Thursday, May 20 - Sunday, May 23
First Voice is a festival that gives African American artists inside and outside the Pittsburgh region an opportunity to whisper or to shout, to speak via their creations. It honors and celebrates the creator and the creative process, and includes theater, music, film, spoken word, dance, hip-hop, the visual arts and more. This year, First Voice will be the platform from which the first class of August Wilson Center Fellows will speak, presenting new works created during their yearlong residencies. Representing a variety of artistic ventures, the fellows are Vanessa German, Chris Ivey, Jasiri X, Anire Mosley, Greer Reed Jones and Brett Williams.
Single Event Tickets: $22.50 - $28
Festival Pass: $64.50
Rennie Harris: Puremovement
Friday, May 21, 8 pm
Known as the international hip-hop ambassadors, the Philadelphia-based dance company strips away the myths, stereotypes and misconceptions of this modern form of expression to expose its true spirit. Performances from Rennie Harris Puremovement's acclaimed repertoire will include the samba drum and house music-infused "Students of the Asphalt Jungle," the raw power of the all-female "Breathe" and "Something To Do With Love".
Tickets: $22.50 - $33
Summer Family Reading Series
Saturdays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26
Noon to 1:30 pm
Education Center, $5/child per session
Explore African American literature and culture at these family read-alouds; each featuring a reading of a special children's book and a related art activity. Appropriate for ages 4 and older. Preregistration is required. For information, call 412.258.2700.