“Carnegie International” in Home Stretch; The Sword to Rock Out Mr. Smalls (CPs Mon., 3/3/14)

1) One aspect of this year’s Carnegie International that is much more fun than exhibitions past: You can play in it. The Playground Project is a collection of photos and blueprints of playgrounds from around the world, but the exhibit also includes some usable, playable examples on site. There is German sculptor Yvan Pestalozzi’s tubular Lozziwurm on display outside the Carnegie Museum of Art (yes, you can crawl inside) and a playroom full of kickable balloons concocted by Japan’s Tezuka Architects. For those seeking the more traditional, Carnegie International has the usual global selections of sculptures, paintings, photos, drawings, and conceptual pieces that have always been part of this exhibition, the oldest for contemporary art in North America. An especially interesting exhibit is a display of paperbacks sold on the streets of Cairo following the Arab Spring, many of which were banned prior to the revolution. 10 a.m. – 5  p.m. Through March 16. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland.

A drawing for Rokni Haerizadeh’s short film “Reign of Winter.” In a related piece, “The Royal Wedding,” the artist has marked up photos in a book about the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, and you can thumb through the pages to see how he’s made the royals and their courtiers look like freaky predators or witless herd animals.
(photo: Rokni Haerizadeh & Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde, Dubai)

2) Austin, Tex., metallurgists The Sword are touring in support of their fourth full-length release Apocryphon. The album’s title means secret writing in the belief that cultures have texts that can be sacred, mysterious, powerful, and sometimes revolutionary. Songs dripping with heavy metal guitar riffs, solid drums, and bass combined with powerful vocals are trademarks of The Sword. They are very good musicians who know how to incorporate rhythm, melody, and harmony for a song that hits on all levels. Special guests are Big Business and O Brother. 8 p.m. Mr. Smalls Funhouse, 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale.

3)  Check out new and established talent at one of the city’s best open stage nights, Club Café’s AcoustiCafé. Chuck Rocha is the host of this supportive and friendly event. No cover. 7 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side.

4) It’s Global Mondays at Cappy’s Café in Shadyside with imported bottled beers for only $3. While there, team up an import with a bowl of their scrumptious chili. 5431 Walnut St.

5) Inspired by the Winter Olympics? Enjoy ice skating at the Citiparks’ Schenley Skating Rink. Set among beautiful pine trees, the rink also offers a picturesque view of Downtown Pittsburgh. 4 – 6:30 p.m. Skate rentals and lessons available. Overlook Drive, Schenley Park, Squirrel Hill.

6)  Seven Springs Mountain Resort is taking a cue from the Pittsburgh Pirates’ all-you-can-eat seats and is offering a Munchy Mondays special. For $45, you get a night skiing/snowboarding pass (4 p.m. – close) and an all-you-can-eat voucher (5 – 8 p.m.)  at the First Tracks café for hot dogs, French fries, mac and cheese, popcorn, cheese pizza slices, and fountain drinks. 777 Waterwheel Dr., Seven Springs.

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