Buku Headlines Thrival Music Fest; Ladyfest Weekend Kicks Off; Taste of The Blues Party (Fri., 9/20/19

1) The Thrival Music Festival is part of the larger Thrival Festival, where the name of the game is capitalist enterprise. Local startup/innovation incubator Ascender powers the festival, a rich brew of entrepreneurship, empowerment, and culture. This year the one-day Music Festival is free and at Schenley Plaza. If you like beeps, boops, and dancing, Pittsburgh-based EDM artist Buku is your man. His latest release is the 2019 single “To Ya Brain.” Also performing are local funkateers Beauty Slap. They have a few beeps and boops too plus a lot of jazz. And DJs J. Malls and Gordy G. are bringing their popular vinyl funk and soul show Title Town to the plaza. Wicked Pittsburgh, a collective of artists and musicians, will be on scene, and The Porch, owned by Eat ’n Park Hospitality Group, is the featured food and drink provider. 4:30 – 11 p.m. 4100 Forbes Ave., Oakland. (EC, CM)

Friday, September 20 to Sunday, September 22

2) “Girls to the front!”—a rallying cry for riot grrrl acts like Bikini Kill, the slogan called on men to step aside at punk shows and for women to mosh without fear of battery or sexual assault. That rallying cry is also the title of a song by Brazilian Wax, who will close the second day of Ladyfest, an annual three-day event which began in 2014 and features and empowers Pittsburgh female musicians. Another notable act is Murder for Girls, hot to release a new LP soon after praise for their sophomore LP, 2017’s All the Pretty Stars. Over 20 acts, most local but others from various cities, will play this year’s Ladyfest. The music begins each evening at The Shop in Lawrenceville. There is an additional acoustic brunch 10 a.m. Sunday, September 22 at Hambone’s (also in Lawrenceville). Proceeds benefit the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. 6 p.m. (5:30 p.m. Sunday) 3520 Charlotte St., Lawrenceville. (CM)

3) If you enjoy blues music and BBQ, than the Pittsburgh Cultural trust has you covered with their Second Annual A Taste of Blues Party to kickoff the 2018 Highmark Blues & Heritage Festival. Some of Pittsburgh’s top restaurants will give their take on BBQ renditions of their top dishes. Restaurants on the scene include: Eddie Merlot’s, NOLA, Wolfies Pub, Fogo de Chao, The Capital Grille and more. Vegetarian options will also be available. 

General Admission will begin at 9 p.m. with live music and cash bars featuring performances for the evening including Billy Price Brand, Cash Box Kings, Lyndsey Smith and Steel Town Horns. August Wilson African American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Ave., Cultural District.

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