Arts Festival on Walnut Street Begins; Cultural Trust’s PGH Rewind Party; Rum, Rock, and Reggae (Sat., 8/26/17)

1) The Art Festival on Walnut Street takes over the main thoroughfare in the popular Pittsburgh neighborhood of Shadyside and is celebrating its 21st Anniversary. Enjoy beautiful and interesting works of art created by some of the best local and national artists. While there treat yourself to a tasty meal and some beverages at a Walnut Street eatery including The Steel Cactus, Pamela’s, Cappy’s, Cafe Moulin, Mercurio’s, China Palace, Girasole, Le Madis Gras, Le Feria, Mario’s Eastside Saloon, The William Penn Tavern, The Yard, Sushi Two, and Pallantia.  10 a.m. – 7 p.m., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. tomorrow. Free. Walnut Street between Aiken and Negley Avenues.

2) Wouldn’t it be cool if you could rewind the summer and at the same time rewind to good times in the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s? Well you can, kind of, with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s PGH Rewind, an end of summer party. The new summer blast will be held at the Trust Arts Education Center and will feature music, dance, food, and fun. The happening will sprawl over three levels with live music from Ferris Bueller’s Revenge!, DJ Jesley Snipes, DJ Selecta, and others. Super cool event highlights include divas in drag hosted by VyVyan Vyxn, featuring Cher, Tina Turner, and disco queen imitators; a glam station where you can fine-tune the “throw-back threads” you’ve worn to the event, and an arcade station. Or you can just  “boogie oogie oogie ’till you just can’t boogie no more” on the dance floor. Nostalgic treats will be served by local restaurants.

There’s two ways to attend: VIP and regular admission. Both tickets include a one year membership to the Cultural Trust’s Partners Membership Program (for new members only). Send your summer out with a bang! All proceeds benefit the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s education outreach and free arts programming. For more details visit the Cultural Trust PGH Rewind web page. VIP 7:30 p.m., regular admission 9 p.m. 805-807 Liberty Ave., Cultural District. 

3) Some things just go together; like rum, rock and reggae. You’ll be happy to hear that’s the name of an actual event happening today on Forbes Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh. Pirata and Revel + Roost will transform Forbes into a rock and reggae music lovers’ retreat with a block party replete with local bands, themed cuisine, and libations from Pirata and Revel + Roost, plus artisan crafts by street vendors. Entertainment Highlights include: The Flow Band (3:15 p.m.), No Bad JuJu (4:15 p.m.), Byron Nash and Plan B (6 p.m.), and Marc Reisman and the Strong Way (8 p.m.). While there enjoy Cuban sandwiches, a pig roast, rum punch, empanadas, Cajun shrimp ‘n grits. and more. 2-10 p.m. Free (except for food and drinks). Forbes Avenue at Market Square.

Bill Toms plays some killer lead guitar riffs (c.) while Hard Rain and the Soulville Horns jam on at the Moondog’s Holiday Rock party.

4) Bill Toms and Hard Rain with the Soulville Horns are in late summer swing and will be rockn’ out Moondog’s in Blawnox tonight. Toms’ slightly raspy, deeply soulful voice and his guitar playing prowess combine with the drums, horns, and rest of the band to create a hot rock sound.  It’s The Annual Phil Brontz/ Tom Breiding Birthday Spectacular. Toms’ next club gig will be back at Nied’s Hotel on September 8. 9 p.m. 376 Freeport Rd.

5) “No Way Out” is the new music video by Twelve Noon, an alternative metal band from right here in Pittsburgh. This is the band’s first single from their debut album Saints and Sinners which was released in June on Eclipse Records. The album has been rising nicely. The band is composed of Michael Loew (vocals), Rob Heil (guitar), Tim Clark (bass), John Devlin (guitar), and Justin Runkel (drums). You can catch the band in all its glory tonight tonight at The Smiling Moose. Opening is Embers To Ashes, Captain the Sky, Haven State, and The Swingers. 5 p.m. 1306 E. Carson St., South Side.

6) The Squirrel Hill Night Market returns to Murray Avenue. Food trucks, vendors, firebreathers, crafters and more attractions will be on hand at this pop-up street festival on Murray Ave. The theme for this night market is Backyard BBQ. Classic rock group The Relics will perform. 6-10 p.m. Free. Murray Avenue beginning at Forbes.

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