It’s the first weekend in December. Here are some ways to spend it.
Andrea Bocelli
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday at PPG Paints Arena, Uptown. Music will include material from his latest album, “Believe,” a personal collection of songs, along with a selection of arias and his beloved crossover hits.
In a more than two-decade career, Bocelli has sold nearly 90 million records worldwide. He’s performed at the Olympic Games and the World Cup, and won a Golden Globe, seven Classical BRIT awards and seven World Music Awards.
His previous album, “Si,” reached No.1 on both the U.S. and U.K. charts. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in California. Tickets start at $80.
Masks are recommended.
Details: ppgpaintsarena.com
"The loveliest time of the year is back and I am happy that “Believe in Christmas” is being streamed again: it will be nice to hold hands again and – with music – exchange a wish that can go beyond words and reach the hearts of each of you” –
Tickets: https://t.co/rISf54H1pS pic.twitter.com/X0tvad2kv7
— Andrea Bocelli (@AndreaBocelli) December 1, 2021
A Charlie Brown Christmas
The children’s classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage!”, is at 7 p.m. Friday at the Byham Theater, Downtown. The touring show will feature Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the whole Peanuts gang as they put on their own Christmas play and ultimately discover the true meaning of the season.
Adapted from Charles M. Schulz’s timeless story of the spirit of Christmas, “A Charlie Brown Christmas–Live on Stage!” features the music of Vince Guaraldi, as well as a concert of beloved holiday carols performed by the Peanuts characters.
The show is 80 minutes.
Tickets start at $32.
Details: trustarts.org
Made by hand
The annual Handmade Arcade is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown. There is also a Happy Hour from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
The shopping event returns in-person after last year’s virtual happening because of the pandemic. More than 200 makers will be selling everything from home décor to clothing to jewelry to art.
There will be a large-scale mural painting with local artist Jayla Patton. Pittsburgh’s Blacksmithing with Protohaven will demonstrate blacksmithing techniques. The Pittsburgh Glass Center will showcase how to create holiday-themed ornaments. Pittsburgh-based sewist Lindsay Hagerty will show how to make a quilt.
Masks are required. Admission is free but guests must register for timed ticketing. Early Bird shopping is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday for $25.
Details: handmadearcade.org
Jazzy
Pittsburgh jazz legend Roger Humphries and the RH Factor! Band will perform from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday in the Hall of Architecture at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland.
Guests can also see the decorated Carnegie Trees as part of the Sounds for the Seasons musical performance. The trees presented by the museum’s Women’s Committee are on display as part of a tradition celebrating 60 years. This year’s theme is “BEDAZZLED: Celebrating the Diamond Anniversary of the Carnegie Trees.”
Humphries has performed all over the world. He has been on stage with greats such as Ray Charles, Stanley Turrentine, James Moody, Coleman Hawkins, Jimmy Witherspoon, Nathan Davis and Jack McDuff.
The performance is free with museum admission of $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors, $11.95 for children 3 to 18, children 2 and under are free.
Details: cmoa.org
Our Sounds for the Season concert series continues this Saturday, Dec. 4, with Pittsburgh jazz legend Roger Humphries! Swing by from 1:30 to 3 p.m. to catch Roger Humphries and the RH Factor performing live in the Hall of Architecture. https://t.co/sCvgiHhJgg
— Carnegie Museum of Art (@cmoa) December 2, 2021
Community Day
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Downtown, is hosting the AWCommunity Day from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday. There will be activities as well as information about the traditions of Kwanzaa through a series of speakers, dancers and visual displays. Guests will learn what each day of Kwanzaa, which is Dec. 26-Jan. 1, signifies. Santa Claus will be there.
There will be food vendors, music and artists selling jewelry, arts, candles and clothing.
Performances include hip-hop campers, Brandon Terry’s Fusion Illusion Band, drummers and dancers, a choir and disc jockey.
There will be a hot chocolate bar.
Part of the event will be held outside. Proof of covid-19 vaccination is required inside.
The event is free.
Details: aacc-awc.org
