sp otlight Oral storytelling is likely as old as language itself; whether it’s crafting a simple narrative of one’s day or a hero’s epic adventure, humans have always had a need to tell and hear stories. For 15 years, the Three Rivers Storytelling Festival has helped Pittsburgh celebrate this ancient tradition, and this year it returns for a week of programming sponsored by the nonprofit StorySwap Storytelling Guild. The entertainment begins off-site on Tue., Aug. 4, with a special edition of Kid’s Play at Market Square featuring storyteller and cartoonist Tim Hartman. Friday night, the action moves to the North Campus of Winchester Thurston School, with the return of the Liar’s Contest, with local storytellers competing to see who can deliver the most convincing half-truths and slick deceits. Nationally touring talents Alton Chung (pictured), Connie Regan-Blake, Lyn Ford and Jim May will all perform on Saturday afternoon, and sign copies of their books. Afterward, in Story Scrum, three teams representing distinct genres will compete against each other, with the audience selecting the final winner. And if you’re a storyteller seeking to improve your skills, try one of the four workshops open to teens and adults throughout the weekend for an additional cost, and covering everything from the basics to mastering the ghost story. Joseph Peiser Tue., Aug. 4-Sun., Aug. 9. 4225 Middle Road, Allison Park. $5-15. 412-449-9373 or www.3rstf.org
recommended. BO 8 p.m. Continues through Sun., Aug. 2. 4919 Penn Ave., Garfield. $20. www. uncumbertheatrics.com
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guided nature walk through the Jennings Prairie, in Slippery Rock. Bring binoculars, lunch and sunscreen, as the prairie is hot and without shade. JP 10 a.m. 2951 Prospect Road, Slippery Rock. Free. 412-523-0368 or www.wissa hickonnatureclub.com
McKees Rocks Municipal Lot, Route 51 and Furnace Street, McKees Rocks. Free. www.pghfeastival.com
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{ART} You probably know them for the sounds they make on stage, but these local musicians are visual artists as well. At Wilkinsburg’s Percolate art space, Audio/Visual showcases the gallery-ready work of vocalist Christiane D; percussionist Ian Green (Ishtar, percussion Cello Fury); Rashad C Jamaal (a.k.a. hip-hop artist Billy Pilgrim); and Jenn Wertz (Love Child, and formerly of Rusted Root). The show, curated by Percolate’s Bob Ziller, opens with a reception today. BO 6-9 p.m. Exhibit continues through c Aug. 30. 317 S. A Trenton Ave., T Wilkinsburg. Free. W www.facebook.com/ w percolateart p
“Yesterday I lost a country. I was in a hurry, / and didn’t notice when it fell from me / {FESTIVAL} like a broken branch from As so often these days around a forgetful tree.” So begins here, music, food and art Dunya Mikhail’s poem “I Was collide at Feastival. in a Hurry.” Mikhail, khail, born in The free, day-long Iraq in 1965, emigrated migrated to event organized by the U.S. in 1996 after being labeled a subversive at home. Her books are nonetheless Art by published Luon St. across the Pierre Arabic-speaking world. She’s now based in Michigan, and tonight she gives a free reading at City JULY 31 of Asylum/ Conversations ati tii tions Pittsburgh’s From the Backseat Alphabet City Tent. BO 8 p.m. 318 Sampsonia {{MUSIC} Way, North We won’t say W Side. Free. summer’s getting www.cityof sshort; technically, it’s asylum.org only half over. But the start the McKees Rocks Community of Citiparks’ Reservoir of Jazz Development Corporation Concert Series each August and Grey Area Productions features acts including national does remind you to enjoy long days and warm air while headliners Robert Randolph & {OUTDOORS} you can. The free series, in the Family Band and Big Sam’s The Blazing Star is a vibrant Highland Park, showcases the purple wildflower that blooms Funky Nation. The food is region’s abundant jazz talent. by a battalion of food trucks only in the dog days of The 2015 version kicks off with including Oh My Grill, Mac & summer in Pennsylvania’s rare a set or two by the Pittsburgh Gold and Pittsburgh Pierogi prairie ecosystem — yes, there Jazz Orchestra. Next Saturday, Truck. And the art is from is a prairie in Pennsylvania. To look for the trad sounds of vendors and exhibitors take in this gorgeous flower including the I Made It! Market the Boilermaker Jazz Band. as well as other late-summer Reservoir of Jazz continues and Assemble. It’s outdoors, blooms and birds of the through Labor Day weekend. it’s family-friendly, and VIP season, the Wissahickon BO 5-7 p.m. Highland Avenue tix are available. BO 3-9 p.m. Nature Club hosts today’s free,
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and Reservoir Drive, Highland Park. Free. 412-255-2493 or www.citiparks.net
Or, given the group’s Christian origins, for other non-Christians? Danae Clark says yes, and she’s telling how in her in-progress autobiographical book A Buddhist Goes to Rehab. The local writer hopes her experience can help others, from therapists
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All summer long, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has been working to reach new audiences. That initiative continues with its final Classical BBQ of the season. Join the PSO in the Heinz Hall Summer Garden for pre-show food and entertainment, followed by a performance incorporating selections from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 and pioneering American composer Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man. Afterward, the music continues with live jazz in the garden. JP 6:30 p.m. 600 Penn Ave., Downtown. $30. 412-392-4900 or www. pittsburghsymphony.org
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to people considering recovery. But she needs funds to complete the book. Her Indiegogo campaign (which runs through mid-August) is complemented by tonight’s reading and discussion, at Biddle’s Escape. Another
{WORDS} Can AA work for Buddhists?
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reading is planned for Aug. 13, at Squirrel Hill’s Classic Lines bookstore. BO 7 p.m. 401 Biddle Ave., Wilkinsburg. Free. 412-909-9999 or www.biddlesescape.com
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The festival-style RAW: Pittsburgh showcase for local artists returns tonight with performances, installations and popup galleries arrayed throughout the former church long ago repurposed as Mr. Small’s. Paramount features more than 40 local artists, most of whom do 2-D visual art or photography, with others specializing in jewelry, fashion, makeup or performing arts, including contemporary dance and even fire art. Live music acts tonight include Different Places in Space, and Gene Stovall. The host is Kellee Maize. Fashionable dress is encouraged. BO 7-11:30 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. $15-20 (21 and over). www.rawartists. org/pittsburgh/paramount
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