Hornsby Jams Hartwood; Classical Brunch Continues (CPs Sun., 6/29/14)

1) Pianist Bruce Hornsby’s very first single, “The Way It Is,” struck the international consciousness. The song depicts the American Civil Rights Movement, and rap artists such as Tupac Shakur would later sample it. Hornsby’s ambition has yet to drop. He has toured and recorded with his former band, the Range, and has released solo albums. Ricky Skaggs, a bluegrass musician, has collaborated with him. Huey Lewis got a free song, “Jacob’s Ladder,” from the brothers Bruce and John Hornsby. Deadheads know Hornsby from his many appearances with the Grateful Dead, both recorded and live. Like the Dead concerts, Hornsby’s shows are known for jams. Hornsby brings those jams, along with his smorgasbord of folk, jazz, and pop, to Hartwood Acres. The Noisemakers, his current touring band, will be backing him. 7:30 p.m. 200 Hartwood Acres, Hampton and Indiana Townships.

2) Bach, Beethoven and Brunch continues at Mellon Park. The Edgewood Symphony Orchestra will provide this Sunday’s cuts from Johann Sebastian and Ludwig van. The ESO is a non-profit, volunteer orchestra, which performs at events all around the Pittsburgh area. It has also participated in the PNC Grow Up Great Program. This program stresses the importance of early childhood education and of presenting children with numerous opportunities. The Bagel Factory will be at the brunch should viewers decide to leave the picnic basket at home. The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts will also host its weekly “Best Brunch” competition. Submissions will be judged on presentation, effort, and food selection. Bach, Beethoven and Brunch occurs every Sunday morning until August 10. 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Mellon Park, Fifth and Shady Ave., Point Breeze and Squirrel Hill.

3) In lieu of dinner and a movie, Pittsburgh’s Microscopic Opera Company recommends you try Speed Dating Tonight!  This one-act comic opera portrays an imaginary night of speed dating at a bar. Michael Ching and Dean Anthony created Speed Dating Tonight!, and Ching presents an orchestrated version created specifically for Microscopic Opera. Tickets include complimentary wine, two soft drinks, and light snacks. The production takes place outside (rain or shine), and the company encourages viewers to visit the gardens included in the performance space.  Viewers will be asked to move around during the production, but accommodations are available to those who wish not to move. Tonight is the final night of this contemporary chamber-opera performance in Pittsburgh. 6:30 p.m. 5 Shadyside Lane, Shadyside.

4) Christopher Columbus proved the world wasn’t flat. Mike Rifai, part-owner and spokesman for Pizza Cono, is out to prove pizza isn’t, either. After importing some specialty ovens from Italy, Rifai was able to shape pizza crust into a cone, turn toppings into fillings, and serve, with each cone weighing about as much as a large slice of pizza. Starting with tomato sauce and cheese, customers can add everything from broccoli to chicken. Of special note are the Hawaiian Cono (pineapple and bacon) and the Nutella Cono, which is for dessert and forgoes sauce and cheese for Nutella and whipped cream. Rumors are a breakfast cone is coming soon. Until then, enjoy this rather portable meal for lunch and dinner. Open daily. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. 5819 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill.

5) The Pirates take on the New York Mets today in a 1:35 p.m. game at PNC Park. All kids 14 and younger receive a Neil Walker Poster for Kids Day. 115 Federal St., North Shore.

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