Top 10
The 10 best things to do in Pittsburgh in November.
Windows to the Soul
Nov. 6, 13 & 20 / Fact No. 1: The Kelly-Strayhorn Theater is partly named after Billy Strayhorn, the late jazz musician
and composer. Fact No. 2: Strayhorn was openly gay in the 1940s. His
astounding courage in the face of social disapproval lies at the heart of Billy and Aaron, a
short film by Rodney Evans. The My People Film Series is a three-part series about
LGBT people “of color,” one of the most underrepresented subcultures in
America. While this year’s lineup has yet to be determined, know that there will definitely be an array of award-winning films, performances and discussions.
(5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty; 412/363-3000, kelly-strayhorn.org)
Fur Frenzy
Nov. 2-4 / With 200 exhibitors, Pet Expo Pittsburgh is a veritable monsoon of cats and dogs. The expo is your chance to escape the cage of box stores and puppy mills, and chat with serious groomers and veterinarians. You can even converse with hobbyists, kennel operators and humane-society reps; there’s also a Pet Olympics for canines with athletic talents. The expo is the area’s biggest gathering of humans who love their furry (plus scaled, clawed and gilled) friends.
(David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd., downtown; petexpopgh.com)
Who Are You?
Nov. 11 / Quadrophenia is one of the most ground-breaking concept albums of all time. Now, The Who has revived the mind-blowing musical experience for a national tour. Like Tommy,
Quadrophenia is an experimental rock opera that tells the story of the band’s four original personalities. Founding members Roger Daltry and Pete Townsend
will play the entire double album, featuring such hits as “The Real Me” and “Love, Reign
o’er Me.” Relive Mod Britain with this immortal 1973 classic.
(CONSOL Energy Center, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown; 800/745-3000, consolenergycenter.com)
Building Blocks
Nov. 30-Dec. 2 /
Is there any toy more durable, more educational or just plain fun than a LEGO? What began
as interlocking plastic blocks in the 1950s has become a global empire, and there’s nary a household in America that doesn’t have a crateful of polymer pieces. LEGO KidsFest is a colossal hands-on expo of sculptures and exhibits, showing the limitless
expressions of Lego architecture. The event is designed for children, but see if parents can resist the urge to get in on the action.
(David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd., downtown; legokidsfest.com)
Blown Away
Nov. 27 / It’s hard to believe that Carrie Underwood has come so far. Back in 2005, she was an unknown hopeful on “American Idol.” Nowadays, she’s a country star, sitcom veteran and outspoken vegan — and she’s touring in support of her fourth album, Blown Away. Not bad for a small-town girl from Oklahoma. The supermodel-singer arrives in Pittsburgh to perform her unique blend of pop and country — and true to her do-gooder personality, Underwood will donate $1 of every ticket sale to the American Red Cross.
(CONSOL Energy Center, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown; 800/745-3000, consolenergycenter.com)
Good Chemistry
Nov. 9 / Let’s face it: The Carnegie Science Center is for kids. During daylight hours, pint-sized science
buffs overrun the place, playing with everything they can
get their hands on. That’s why 21-Plus Night is such a treat. You can admire the
miniature railroad, sip drinks and watch glass-blower Bob Greer sculpt vases in peace and quiet. The event theme is the Art and Science of Glass, and it’s co-produced by the Pittsburgh Glass Center. See how molten
sand is morphed into works of art, and enjoy some hors d’oeuvres while you’re at it.
(One Allegheny Ave., North Shore; 412/237-3400, carnegiesciencecenter.org)
Our Little Sundance
Nov. 2-17 / And action! Pittsburgh isn’t a red-carpet kind of town, but for 30 years, the Three Rivers
Film Festival (or 3RFF) has screened rare, indie and international films, plus shorts, documentaries and
everything in between. The film scene has exploded in Pittsburgh since the early ’80s, when the first
event was projected on modest screens. Hosted by the Pittsburgh Filmmakers and
attended by thousands, the fest has three locations — the Harris Theater, Regent Square Theater and The Melwood. The fest offers a range of competitive shorts and short works by local filmmakers. Now, that’s
a wrap.
(Various locations and times; 3rff.org)
Scheherazade’s Rave
Nov. 3 / In the past decade, belly-dancing has formed a bona-fide subculture in Pittsburgh.
Women take classes, shows are commonplace, and the mystique
and misunderstanding have subsided. ElectroBelly Dance takes this choreography to the next level, introducing live musicians, an electronic house-music DJ, and burlesque and belly dancers. Directed by local dance guru Amethyst, this edition of ElectroBelly takes place on the glittering stage
of Club Café.
(56 S. 12th St., South Side; pittsburghbellydance.com)
One Wild Race
Nov. 3 / If you’ve visited the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, you’ve probably smirked at the name One Wild Place, the road that winds its way through the grounds and leads to an immense parking lot. You’ve probably also admired the wooded terrain — which, for fitness buffs, makes for a nice little jog. The ZooZilla 5K is a morning jaunt for runners and walkers, plus a pro competition for serious racers. Five kilometers doesn’t sound like much, but the loop consists of curves and rolling hills, steeper than any marathon course. Entry fees benefit the zoo, which will open its gates later that morning.
(One Wild Place, Highland Park; 412/665-3640, pittsburghzoo.org)
Razzle Dazzle
Nov. 8-11 / With its judicial corruption, murderous molls, sleazy boyfriends and tango-dancing inmates,
Chicago might be the most cynical musical in Broadway history — and yet it’s also hilarious. When
showgirl Roxie Heart shoots her lover dead, she ends up in the clink. But Roxie’s spirits pick
up when she meets fellow murderess Velma Kelly and sweet-talking attorney Billy Flynn.
Part of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s “Broadway at Heinz Hall” series, Chicago is performed with the PSO. Catch John Kander and Fred Ebb’s masterpiece during this limited
engagement. And all that jazz.
(Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., downtown; 412/392-4900, pittsburghsymphony.org)
