Andy Grammer Plays CHMH; ‘What’s That?’: Ukrainian Play at Trust Arts Education Ctr (Fri., 10/12/18)

1) With every note, Andy Grammer, the singer-songwriter with the soaring voice, makes it clear that he loves music and wants to spread the joy. Though his name may not immediately be recognizable, you’ve probably had one of his hit singles, such as “Keep Your Head Up” and “Fine By Me,” stuck in your head at some point in the past few years. His latest LP is 2017’s The Good Parts. He headlines Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall. John Splithoff and Josie Dunne open. 8 p.m. 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. (RH, CM)

‘What’s That?’ Well, that’s the title of most unusual people-and-puppet play, direct from Ukraine. Presented by Teatr-Pralnia and CCA Dakh, it’s one of many foreign and/or foreign-seeming shows in Pittsburgh this month. (photo courtesy of the companies)

2) Growing up in today’s modern society can be tough for children. For the children of Ukraine, layer on top of that the fact that Russia in an unprovoked attack invaded their country and annexed the eastern half of it. Fighting is still ongoing. Ukranian theater company Teatr-Pralnia, with CCA Dakh,has created What’s That?  to deal with all that children must process. It’s a supercharged puppet cabaret of real-time events and Facebook feeds, iconic Ukrainian poetry, catchy vamps, and improvised action. The lively piece examines questions through the child’s perspective. It asks: How do we understand? Who are we in a time of sensationalized information and deceptive surfaces? Where is our place in our world and in history? Part of the Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts. Trust Arts Education Center. 8 p.m. Tonight and tomorrow night.807 Liberty Ave., Cultural District. 

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