Highmark First Night Pittsburgh; Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at Stage AE (Tues., 12/31/24)

The New Year’s ball rises in Pittsburgh. (photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust)

1) Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2024 is the biggest New Year’s Eve party in the ‘Burgh, and it’s happening all over the Downtown’s Golden Triangle. Musical highlights include Frzy (Highmark Stage in the Cultural District, 10:45 p.m. to Midnight), Roger Humphries Celebrates Ray Charles (Byham Theater 6:30 – 8 p.m.). The entertainment and attractions lined up for First Night are amazing. “We’re thrilled to welcome visitors to the Cultural District for an incredible showcase of arts and entertainment,” said Brooke Horejsi, Chief Programming & Engagement Officer for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “From fireworks to an ice maze, hip hop to jazz, comedy to Drag, and so much more, this is a joyous way for our community to ring in 2025.” Other highlights include: Phat Mandee (6:30 – 8 p.m., 8:30-10 p.m. at Greer Cabaret Lounge) Zuzu African Acrobats, GBU Life Sing-off Competition finalists (Giant Eagle foundation Backyard), O’Ryan the O’Mazing (9 – 11 p.m., roaming). Oh, and of course, fireworks! The revelry starts at 6 p.m. and goes until midnight. Check the First Night website for a complete rundown of events, times, and locations.

Art on the march in the Cultural District: Giant people-puppets from Studio Capezzuti highlight the First Night Parade.

2) Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, along with Lotus have been two of the main bands who have helped Pittsburghers jam in the New Year. This year, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong have the honor of ushering in New Year’s Eve as the headliner at Stage AE. Combining funk, rock, and electronica, the band members create feel-good, laid-back tunes in a Grateful-Dead-meets-Sublime kind of way. The result is as unique as their name. They always bring energy to their fans, called “The Flock,” who just can’t get enough. The group formed in 2009 in Baltimore and released its first LP, preposterously titled Funk EP, in 2010. Since then, the album titles have stuck to the P-motif of the band’s name: Psychology in 2014, Pleasure in 2016, Pizazz in 2017, Presto in 2020, and Perspective in 2022. Their latest LP, Day in Time, breaks the run of “P” titles. Even if jam bands aren’t your thing, the subtle island undertones in songs like “Couldn’t We All” may leave you asking the bartender for a little umbrella in your drink. Mihali opens. Doors at 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. Pigeons will also be roosting at Mr. Smalls on Monday, December 30 for a show there. (C.M., R.H.)

Share on Social Media