Shirley McMarlin stories, Page 60
SummerSounds organizers hope for late-summer return of concerts
Although Greensburg’s upcoming SummerSounds concert series has been canceled, organizers have some hope that music could return to St. Clair Park before the season ends. At least two large sponsors have promised funds if shows can be organized at a later date, according to co-founder and chairman Gene James. “SummerSounds...
Museum artworks will accompany tonight’s PSO online concert
Tonight’s “Extraordinary Measures” online concert from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will provide viewers with an extra treat. The symphony’s rendition of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” scheduled for a future CD release, will be accompanied by images of artworks and photos from The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Carnegie Museum...
Pittsburgh food bank donors get free download of new song
A song that two Pittsburgh musicians kicked around for a couple of years suddenly gained new relevance when the covid-19 pandemic hit. Josh Shapiro and Nikki Moulios, partners in life and in the band Rocket Loves Blue, had worked intermittently on “The Great Indoors,” which Moulios describes as a song...
Greensburg Community Days canceled due to coronavirus concerns
The upcoming Greensburg Community Days festival has been canceled. Uncertainties surrounding coronavirus-related shutdowns led to the decision, said Trudy Ivory, Greensburg Recreation Department facilities manager. The 26th annual event was scheduled for May 21-23 at Lynch Field. The long-running kickoff to summer features a midway, games for all ages, crafts...
Shakespeare troupe toasts bard’s birthday with online events
Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Park’s sixth annual “Week of Will” is going online this year with a series of events to celebrate the 456th anniversary of the revered playwright’s birth. “It’s wonderfully comforting that Shakespeare’s timeless words can bring us together and speak to our pain, our isolation, our fear...
Quarantine 15: Stop the weight gain with a few painless stepsVideo
What’s the difference between the “Freshman 15” and the “Quarantine 15”? For college freshmen who played sports in high school, the dreaded weight gain might start when they no longer have that regularly scheduled exercise. Then there are the late-night pizza deliveries and fast food runs. And, let’s face it...
Westmoreland Art Nationals May exhibition goes virtual
Because of current covid-19 restrictions, the Westmoreland Art Nationals Fine Arts and Photography Exhibition originally scheduled for May 16-June 3 at the Westmoreland County Community College Youngwood campus will be a virtual exhibit. “Having the virtual exhibition will still allow the juror-selected artwork to be seen, purchased by viewers and...
At-home workouts: Flatten your tummy as you flatten the curveVideo
“Covid-15” memes abound, referring to the weight we’re afraid we’ll gain without access to gyms, fitness centers and exercise classes. Laps between the couch and the fridge aren’t going to keep you fit while you’re sheltering at home, but there are plenty of ways to flatten your tummy while you’re...
Pittsburgh muralist Kyle Holbrook dips into film with ‘Art of Life’ on Amazon
Pittsburghers might remember Kyle Holbrook as the artist who, in 2019, created a mural of Pirates great Roberto Clemente on the side of the Clemente Museum in Lawrenceville and another of the late rapper Mac Miller in East Liberty. Holbrook, a Wilkinsburg native who splits his time between Pittsburgh and...
Pittsburgh rockers join online concert to aid hospitality workers
Donnie Iris, Joe Grushecky, Norman Nardini, Bill Deasy and other Pittsburgh rock legends will perform during a 12-hour living room concert on Facebook Live. Set for noon to midnight April 18 on the Pittsburgh Service Staff AID page, the event will benefit area hospitality industry workers facing hardships due to...
Carnegie Science Center plans daily online Earth Week activities
Carnegie Science Center will celebrate our home planet with virtual Earth Week programs and activities on social media April 20-26, while the facility on Pittsburgh’s North Shore is closed due to covid-19 restrictions. The center’s Three Things, a curated list of something to read, something to watch and something to...
American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life of South Hills plans online ‘Woofstock’
The American Cancer Society is going online this year for its annual Bark for Life of South Hills fundraiser. Normally held in Pittsburgh’s South Park, the event will be held virtually on April 25 due to covid-19 restrictions. Dog owners who register are encouraged to take photos of themselves walking...
Pittsburgh Ballet’s new artistic director a ‘quintessential ballerina’
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School have announced that Susan Jaffe will succeed Terrence S. Orr as artistic director. Last summer, Orr announced his intent to retire in June, following the ballet’s 50th anniversary season. Jaffe will assume her role for PBT’s 2020-21 season, opening in October. She...
Pitt-Greensburg seeks input for planned New Kensington mural
Community members are being invited to share their ideas for a mural planned for the side of the Walt’s Deli building in New Kensington. The mural is a project of the Community Arts and Reintegration Project (CARP), administered by the Center For Applied Research at the University of Pittsburgh at...
Palace Theatre announces 3 new late-summer, fall concerts in Greensburg
Looking forward to lifting of coronavirus-related restrictions, The Palace Theatre in Greensburg has scheduled these new late-summer and fall shows: • Ronnie Milsap, July 17 — Grammy-winning country singer and pianist best known for late 1970s and early ’80s hits like “(There’s) No Gettin’ Over Me” and “I Wouldn’t Have...
Adapting: Coronavirus restrictions keeping beloved Excela volunteer from his roundsVideo
Editor’s note: Adapting is a regular series spotlighting the ways the coronavirus pandemic is changing the everyday lives of people in Western Pennsylvania. “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone?” The line to Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” resonates these days...
Kids can join theater’s ‘Pirates of the Mon’ online adventuresVideo
Children are invited to set sail from home with Gemini Children’s Theater for an action-packed “Pirates of the Mon” adventure. The McKees Rocks-based theater has posted a video in which Allegheny Annie and Captain Schnook board the Black and Gold Pearl in search of the Triangle Treasure. In order to...
Latrobe Art Center offering virtual classes, studio sessions
Running out of ideas for your at-home art projects? Latrobe Art Center has a series of free online tutorials, featuring member artists including Pamela Cooper, Peg Panasiti and Eileen Stoner, as well as some from center director Lauren Buches. Other online resources include a peek into Doreen Currie’s studio and...
Westmoreland Historical Society to offer free online genealogy workshop
As you pass the days in social isolation with your family, are you wondering: Who are these people and where did they come from? The Westmoreland Historical Society can help you find some answers with a free online ”Introduction to Genealogy” workshop, set for 1-3 p.m. April 25. “This beginner’s...
‘Will and Grace’ features Pittsburgh artist’s colorful paintings
Western Pennsylvania fans of NBC’s “Will and Grace” should watch the April 16 episode with particular care. Not only will it be the penultimate episode of the long-running sitcom, which ends its second run on April 23, but it also will feature prints of paintings by Pittsburgh artist Johno Prascak....
‘E.T.” cinematographer latest on list of notable covid-19 victimsVideo
Music lovers were saddened to hear of the April 7 death of singer/songwriter John Prine from complications of covid-19. As the list of those succumbing to the disease grows worldwide, names of many prominent people continue to appear. From arts and entertainment to government and medicine, no segment of society...
Say ‘hi’ to others with Children’s Museum photo, video challengeVideo
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is sponsoring a “New Ways to Say Hi” challenge, asking kids of all ages and families to share the special ways they are saying “hi” while social distancing. Those wishing to participate are asked to submit a photo or short video (10-15 seconds recommended) showing creative...
With salons closed, here’s how to keep hair and nails looking goodVideo
If ever there was a time to focus on inner beauty, this is it. With hair and nail salons closed for the foreseeable future, some of us are starting to feel a little unkempt. “I thank the good Lord that someone invented headbands,” says Teri Bowes of Hempfield. “They’re a...
Communities plan Easter activities while keeping social distance
Easter egg hunts are out this year in local parks, neighbors’ yards and church grounds, but communities are finding ways to share the joy of the season while maintaining social distance. Here’s what’s happening around the area: Carbon-area Easter Bunny visit The Easter Bunny will hitch a ride on a...
Postcards help spread the love, raise funds for Pittsburgh-area artists in need
Who doesn’t like receiving a handwritten card or note from a loved one? It’s a special treasure now, as people shelter at home to avoid contracting or spreading covid-19. Monica Yope and Kelly Sanders, owners of the love, Pittsburgh boutiques in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District and Mt. Washington, have found a...

