Downtown CDC
(412) 235-7263 | info@downtowncdc.org
100 Fifth Ave, Suite 614
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

For all inquiries please email:  tguarino@aquafilterfresh.com




In this Issue:
Music Initiative Brings Live Music to Market Square

The Downtown Community Development Corporation (DCDC) and M&W Hospitality are proud to announce a new concert series coming to Downtown Pittsburgh.

M&W Hospitality owns Molinaro, Il Pizzaiolo, Wolfie's Pub, the Metropolitan Club, a holiday-themed Pop-Up Bar, NOLA and an intimate, an old-school-style pub, Speakeasy Above NOLA, located on the second floor of NOLA. The Speakeasy Above NOLA is part of Music City Downtown, a DCDC initiative to make Downtown Pittsburgh a new hub for live music.

"We believe that music is a big component in downtown moving forward," John Valentine, Executive Director of DCDC, said. "It will be an amenity for those living downtown but also for tourists and business workers alike."

Acoustic singer-songwriters will have the chance to showcase their work in an intimate setting.

Sally Ebeling, music coordinator for the DCDC, said, "Scheduled artists are mainly folk, indie, etc. Performers will be doing acoustic pieces from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m."

Beginning Oct. 22, and continuing every Tuesday, the Speakeasy Above NOLA will be the place to check out up and coming artists. 

"It's acoustic and very intimate," Valentine said. "It seats 24 people, but there's a warmth there. It offers a different genre from anything that currently exists downtown."

Brad Yoder, a singer-songwriter in the Pittsburgh area will be the first to take the stage. Yoder resides in Pittsburgh and is busy with creating songs and sounds in a humourous, creative way. 

The Speakeasy Above NOLA is only a step on the road to incorporating live music into Downtown Pittsburgh. Music City Downtown is an initiative that will continue to grow through the support of the community.

Artists that would like to be a part of the concert series can contact the Downtown CDC by calling (412) 235-7263 or be emailing Ebeling directly at  sebeling@downtowncdc.org.
PGHFW - The Fashion of Flesh Coordinator: TJ Harris

Meet the creative handler behind this years newest Pittsburgh Fashion Week event, The Fashion of Flesh. TJ Harris is a Pittsburgh based DJ, a published author and professional party-starter with more than 1,000 events on 3 continents since 2012. He focuses on delivering joy and fun to countless people through his work.

His success relies on his 15+ years of experience in event production, his 20+ years of DJ experience and his knowledge as a seasoned professional. He's completely dedicated to giving his full 100% execution to his clients, no doubt. On his website, you can personally book him for any special events and you can check out his array of open format radio mixes to give a preview- as he covers all genres and eras of music. He has opened for some of the largest names in Hip Hop/ EDM including Lil Dicky, Pigeon John, DJ Aphrodite and many more. His extensive list of awards from the Pittsburgh Underground Music Awards and the Pittsburgh City Paper. Working with corporate clients such as Victoria's Secret, Bar Louie, Crown Royal, etc. to working with couples on having the best wedding day experience- TJ's resume is nothing less than average.

In 2008, he opened his first brick and mortar business, "The Flying Cobra Tattoo Club". Though short lived, it left a lasting mark on both his mind and his skin. "As a heavily tattooed person, I know the troubles that come with society's perception of my image and have been denied work that I was overqualified for based on my image. Based on this, I thought it would be important to do something that allows everyone to know that tattoos are just beautiful permanent accessories and not gang related body modifications," says TJ. Thanks to his professional contacts and much help from friends that share his same vision he's been able to put together an event that he hopes will become an annual part of Pittsburgh's Fashion Week. 

Be sure to see TJ doing what he does best at our Fashion of the Flesh event, Wednesday, October 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at HIP At The Flashlight Factory.

Enjoy the Highmark Blues & Heritage Festival 

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) celebrates the history of blues music this weekend with the second annual Highmark Blues and Heritage Festival. This event, which kicks off on September 20 th , pays homage to the genre that inspired the late playwright's works. According to the center, "Blues is at the bedrock of August Wilson's writings and integral to the history of Black people in the country," making it the perfect subject for a festival. 
The festivities start with a "Taste of Blues" party on the 20 th at 9 p.m. and takes place at the AWAACC. The theme, Blues and BBQ, will bring local restaurants and musicians together for a night of delicious food and soulful music. Vendors include Eddie Merlot's, NOLA, The Capital Grille, Fogo de Chao and Wolfie's Pub, and there will be a cash bar. While the main event is barbeque, vegetarian options will be available as well. There will be performances by artists such as Billy Price Brand, Cash Box Kings, Lyndsey Smith and the Steel Town Horns. Tickets are $35 for general admission. Click here for tickets and more info!
In the days following the kickoff party, music will be in the air in front of the AWAACC and along Liberty Avenue downtown. On September 21 st and 22 nd , multiple free concerts will be open to the public. Janis Burley Wilson, the center's president and CEO, says that the blues "are life's instructions: it's affirming and uplifting. Music brings people together and gives voice to the voiceless." Pittsburghers can experience this by listening to a variety of performers for no cost at all. Two shows, one from 12-time Grammy award-winning gospel vocalist CeCe Winans and another with Charlie Musselwhite, a blues harpist who played alongside Howling Wolf and Muddy Waters, will be ticketed. Tickets can be found on the AWAACC website .
Downtown Walking Group

Our next walking tour is Tuesday, September 24th. We will meet at 6 p.m. at the entrance to point state park. 

We will be viewing downtown historical architecture along the route of the walk. 

After the walk, we are invited to The Simple Greek in Market Square for a healthy snack. Hope you can join us!
Climate  Change Exhibit

Contemporary Craft has a new exhibition in their Satellite Gallery in Downtown Pittsburgh's BNY Mellon Center -  Crafting Conversations: A Call and Response to Our Changing Climate through Art - on view through January 15, 2020. This exhibition features 12 Pittsburgh artists' works that demonstrate how local artists are attempting to change their environmental footprint while crafting conversations for the views to consider how they are contributing to mitigate  climate
 change. Attached is a press release about the exhibition and photos of some artworks. 
Local Artist Celebrates Literacy and Immigrant Experiences

Next time you're waiting for a bus, see if you can spot a new public art project that celebrates literacy and immigrant experiences. The installation, titled "Where Are You Going? Where Have You Been?" was created by artist Mary Tremonte and her partners at Literacy Pittsburgh. 

The artwork displays colorful portraits of students from Literacy Pittsburgh who have participated in the Office of Public Art's Residences with Immigrant and Refugee Communities.
Celebrate RAD days in Downtown Pittsburgh

The Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) will be hosting their annual RADical Day events beginning Thursday, September 19 and running through Sunday, October 13. 

RAD's mission is to support and finance regional assets in the areas of libraries, parks and recreation, cultural, sports and civic facilities, and programs. This year marks the 25 th  anniversary of RAD and to celebrate, they are hosting this year's events over a span of 25 days. 
More Than Just Downtown: Weekly Round-Up 
This Week in Market Square  

Wednesday, September 18
Grab your yoga mat and de-stress from the workday with  Yoga in the Square from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. This week, join instructor Leta Koontz from  Schoolhouse Yoga.

Thursday, September 19
Stop by the  Market Square Farmers Market from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., to grab your weekly produce, fresh flowers, and try new local goods! Live music will be performed by  Tony Barge.

Sunday, September 22
Keep the Sunday scaries away and welcome September at Yoga in the Square from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., with Sunday's class taught by Lauren Kail from  Sweat PGH
Music City Downtown Weekly Calendar 
Live music every Friday from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Friday, September 20 - Maria Becoates-Bey from 8:00 p.m. - midnight
Saturday, September 21 - Tania Grubbs from 8:00 p.m. - midnight

Thursday, September 19 - Tony Barge from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 17 - Max Leake, John Hall, Mark Lucas and Timothy Woodruff from 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 20 - Subhas Das Trio from 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 17 - Symmetry from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 18 - George Heid 3 from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 19 - Reggie Watkins Quartet from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday, September 20 - Ezra & The Realtivs from 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 21 - Sierra Sellers Quartet from 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 22 - Alex Peck Trio from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Friday, September 20 - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra from 8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 22 - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra from 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Friday, September 20 - Shot O'Soul from 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 21 - Dueling Pianos from 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Friday, September 20 - Billy Schneider
Saturday, September 21 - Billy the Kid from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Mike Dunn from 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Redbeards  Sports Bar and Grille
Live acoustic music every Thursday from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 18 - Illenium from 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 21 - Stone Temples and Rival Sons from 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 22 - Bastille from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Downtown Events This Week:

Check out our Downtown CDC Website for this week's events. Don't miss out on what is happening in your area! For more information and events, click here.
124 Sixth St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15 222

Alihan's is a family owned restaurant which brings the authentic taste of Turkey to Downtown. Alihan is not only the owner, but he is the head chef as well: using family recipes,  making sure all meals are prepared in a traditional way, from fresh ingredients, and of course, in healthy Mediterranean style. 

Come to experience the hospitality of a Turkish family who welcomes every guest with a smile and cares of every customer's needs. 
We are BYOB, so don't hesitate to bring a bottle of your favorite brand to accompany our fresh meals. 

We are open Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm , and Fridays and Saturdays until 11pm , serving lunch and dinner specials. Also, we offer kids' specials, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free menus.
220 5th Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-394-3400

An enticing menu comprised of Vallozzi family traditions such as homemade pastas (including Helen's gnocchi) and the pizza that made them famous, as well as fresh steaks and seafood. The menu also boasts a number of Italian meats and cheeses flown in from Italy weekly and served from their 'Fresh Mozzarella' bar.