THE PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WILL PERFORM THE MUSIC OF JONI MITCHELL, CAROLE KING AND CARLY SIMON. | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

BEST BET

“Clouds in My Coffee: The Trailblazing Music
of Joni Mitchell, Carole King & Carly Simon”

Heinz Hall | May 9-11

“Clouds in My Coffee: The Trailblazing Music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King & Carly Simon” is a tribute to three of the most empowering, iconic and unapologetic women in the history of music.

They voiced a generation and continue to resonate with their timeless songbooks. Performed at Heinz Hall by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Ted Sperling, the vocals will be led by Morgan James, Bryonha Marie Parham and The Hamlisch-Page Student Choir. But we’re betting the night will turn into one big sing-along before it’s done.

Songs like “You’re So Vain,” “Big Yellow Taxi” and “I Feel the Earth Move” have become part of our DNA; there’s no escaping. This will be two nights (and one afternoon; Sunday’s show is a matinee) of big Mother Earth vibes.

THEATER

“12 Angry Men”

New Hazlett Theater | May 2-11

Our decisions are colored by our own biases and personal experiences. When faced with a life-altering dilemma, one hopes to do the right thing — though that can be harder than it seems, as will be on display in Prime Stage Theatre’s production of “12 Angry Men.” The classic play tells the story of an all-male jury with different backgrounds and world views, trapped in a room until they can agree on the fate of a teenager on trial for murdering his father.

MUSIC

Nada Surf

Spirit Hall | May 4

It’s been almost 30 years since the alternative-rock band Nada Surf gave very specific guidelines on the teenage guide to popularity. The boys are back and taking their new album, “Moon Mirror,” on the road. Their critically acclaimed 10th studio album leans into their musical consistencies of passion, melody and (most importantly) having a great time.

BOOKS

Great Pittsburgh Book Crawl

Various Bookstores | May 10-18

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEYOND BEDTIME BOOKS

Bibliophiles! The first Great Pittsburgh Book Crawl is your time to shine. The week is dedicated to supporting local indie bookstores by visiting some of your faves and checking out ones that you haven’t had a chance to explore yet. (And of course, you need more books in that TBR pile.) There are more than two dozen participating stores, and if you grab a passport book — available at each participating location — you can keep track of where you travel. You may even win a prize!

MOTHER’S DAY

Mother’s Day Celebration

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh | May 11

One of the best Mother’s Day gifts is a kid tired out from a full day of activities. The Mother’s Day Celebration at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is designed to do just that. The family can sing, move, play, make butterfly-themed crafts and create mini flower bouquets. Opya Studios is also offering Mother’s Day portraits there. All activities are included in the price of admission. Once the day is over, Mom should be able to finish that book in peace.

COMEDY

Marlon Wayans

Pittsburgh Improv | May 22-25

MARLON WAYANS | PHOTO COURTESY OF PITTSBURGH IMPROV

Multi-hyphenate Marlon Wayans has been a household name for decades. His talent for artfully delivering in both comedic and dramatic roles moves across TV and film. Being the youngest of 10 siblings in one of Hollywood’s most talented families, Wayans knows how to capture an audience. He has more stories to share — but now in a more intimate space where you can look each other in the eyeballs.