Empty Bowls Dinner at Rodef Shalom; Last Day for ‘Riverdance’ (Sun., 3/19/17)

1) The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Just Harvest celebrate over 20 years of fighting hunger together today at Rodef Shalom Congregation in Oakland with their annual Empty Bowls Dinner. For a $20 (in advance, $25 at the door) donation you’ll receive delicious soups from top regional restaurants, bread, entertainment, an auction of ceramic art, a handmade decorated ceramic bowl, and the satisfaction of knowing you helped people who don’t have enough to eat. Souper celebrities on-hand include: Allegheny County Chief, Executive Rich Fitzgerald; Pittsburgh Mayor, Bill Peduto, and WQED documentary producer, Rick Sebak. 1:30 – 3:30 and 4- 6 p.m. 4905 5th Avenue.

2) The Irish step dancing and musical production famously know as Riverdance is celebrating its 20th anniversary and is now out on tour. The original Riverdance derivative piece, which lasted only seven minutes, was first performed during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin. It received a sustained standing ovation and was later performed in London with Prince Charles in attendance. The performances featured American Irish dancing champions Jean Butler and Michael Flatley. A single from the show debuted at No. 1 on the Irish singles chart. With all this early success, husband and wife production team John McColgan and Moya Doherty decided to turn it into a stage show and asked Bill Whelan to write a score for the expanded production. Riverdance became a worldwide sensation. Flatley would leave a year later over royalty disputes on parts of the show he choreographed, but Irish dance champion Colin Dunne stepped in and Riverdance went on to sustained success. It is one of the most-seen theatrical productions in the world. 1 and 6:30 p.m. Performances through Sunday. You can see it at the Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Cultural District. (RH) 

Oh yeah: it’s Riverdance. photo: Jack Hartin.

3) This afternoon at the PPG Paints Arena our Pens  face off against the Florida Panthers. The team is back home after a long road trip that unfortunately included a 4-0 blanking in Philly at the hands of the Flyers. 1 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

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