Art All Night on South Side; Cultured Cocktails at Benedum; Little Lake Staging ‘The Dresser’ (Sat., 4/24/18)

A stilt performer entertains crowds at Art All Night. Photo:Heather McCracken.

1) For 21 years Art All Night has provided a non-juried, non-censored art show. Not only that but one that runs for 22 hours straight. Other features include children’s and on site collaborative activities, an art auction, live bands and even comedians. Artists can display their work and/or demonstrate how they make their art. Creators of film, video, and animation will also be able to showcase their art in a video lounge. This year’s happening will take place on the South Side at the Highline after the organizers were unable to find a space to continue in Lawrenceville. The event is free to both the artists and attendees. Starts today at 4 p.m. and continues through tomorrow at 2 p.m. 198 S 4th St.

2) Every drink has a story, and that’s the philosophy behind The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Inaugural Cultured Cocktails event this evening at the Benedum Center. Attendees can take a walk through time and explore the unique histories behind popular drinks and spirits.

Nationally-acclaimed and award-winning mixologist, Christopher Cardone and a selection of Pittsburgh’s top bartenders will mix, shake, and stir things up with signature creative cocktails. Drinks will be paired with food from some of Pittsburgh’s most popular restaurants including Yuzu Kitchen, Il Pizzaiolo, Pirata, The Warren, Roost, Eddie Merlot’s, The Commoner, Or the Whale, Maggie’s Farm Rum House and Above and Beyond Catering, Talia, Braddock’s Pittsburgh Brasserie, BRGR, Scratch Kitchen, Monterey Bay, Mallorca, Sienna on the Square and Tequila Cowboy. Each restaurant’s selections will follow a chosen theater production theme including Cinderella, Rent, Hamilton, and more.

Little good bad will be performing their soulful electro pop music at the event. DJ Selecta will get the crowd moving with his hot funk/soul mix. Other highlights include a pop-up drag queen photo booth with Miss Thea Trix and Boston Michaels with costume items from Eons Fashion Antique, Richard Parsakian decor and fashions, jugglers, hula hoopers, and even a game suite from Dave & Busters. You can experience drinks from prohibition to modern-day concoctions. Will there be a Sex on the Beach offering? Attend and see. VIP 7 p.m., regular admission 7:30 p.m. The Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Cultural District.

3) Life in the theater trade can make a good subject for theater itself, and a lauded play of this type is Ronald Harwood’s 1980 tragicomedy The Dresser. Set in England during World War II, it concerns an imperious old actor who travels about with his company bringing Shakespeare to folks on the home front. Assisting the star is his “dresser,” a personal aide who costumes and preps him for each show. Unfortunately, the great man is losing his marbles, and the dresser’s urgent attempts to keep him going drive the play. The Dresser was made into a 1983 movie which won multiple Oscar nominations, including for Best Picture. Little Lake Theatre kicks off its 2018 season by performing The Dresser live.8 p.m. Performances continue through May 5. 500 Lakeside Dr. South, Canonsburg. (MV)

4) There’s a real deal block party occurring in Oakland this afternoon, Party in the Parklet. It’s mainly occurring on a triangular land mass with some nice green space where Boulevard of the Allies, Zulema and Bates Streets come together. Oakland Shops Groceria Merante, Las Palmas, and Frenchi’s Deli will be offering delicious food items for sale  Additionally there is a rummage sale by local community groups, and you can even bring your own gently used items to trade or sell. Members of the South Oakland Computer Club will be selling 3D printed items that they have made. Even the South Oakland Chess Club will be on hand. There will be fun, family-friendly activities from Carnegie Library of Oakland and other groups. Steve Pellegrino will entertain attendees with his accordion music. The event is free and open to the public. Party in the Parklet is hosted by the Coalition of Oakland Residents (COR) with assistance from Oakland Planning and Development Corporation. For more information contact Annemarie Malbon of the OPDC at (412) 621-7863 ext.14. or visit the event page on their website. Noon to 4 p.m. 340-464 Zulema St., Oakland.

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