Do you have an unusual, eclectic or downright weird talent that you’d like to share?
Yinzfest 2020, coming Aug. 15 to Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale, could be just the place for you.
“The mission of the festival has always been to book interesting and different talent in Pittsburgh that doesn’t quite fit in with the other summer events,” promoters say. “The result is a truly alternative, eclectic and inclusive vibe.”
Applications for the third annual event are open through 5 p.m. May 15 for a performing slot on one of the festival’s four stages or for a vendor space.
Organizers are expecting more than 40 musical performers, as well as comedy, poetry, magic, a visual art gallery and a Pittsburgh vendor marketplace.
Acts announced so far include King Catfish, Murderboat, Stage Moms, Modern Welfare, GutterRich, Controlled Chaos and Soul Alliance, along with comedy by Ricky Smoove, art by Mike All Scene, Nicky Dee and Weaver Art. The full lineup can be viewed on the Yinzfest Facebook page.
“In light of the coronavirus, one thing artists might be asking is, ‘should I apply?’” says Brandon Mitchell, marketing manager for Wake Up On Fire! Talent Development, the event organizer. “They should know that we don’t obligate anyone to perform.”
Theme for this year’s festival is “Welcome Back Pittsburgh.”
Art is being curated by Steve Pearce Artworks, and non-musical talent is curated by Justin Groff.
A portion of Yinzfest proceeds will benefit the Mr. Smalls employee relief fund. In addition, a 50/50 raffle will benefit Creative.Life.Support. Wake Up On Fire! also will give away $1,000 to be split between a performer or artist and a fan.
Yinzfest was founded in 2017 by Wake Up On Fire! with the mission of cultivating a “fringe scene” in Pittsburgh and encouraging participating artists to set up their own subsequent events to build a Pittsburgh alternative culture scene like that of 1960s New York, 1990s Seattle or mid-2000s Albuquerque and Portland, organizers say.
Talent applications are available at facebook.com/yinzfest.
