Cool Picks Friday, February 22, 2013

1) Pittsburgh filmmaker George Romero’s (a.k.a. “Godfather of Zombies”)1968 cult classic, Night of the Living Dead, filmed in and around Pittsburgh, is well-known among film aficionados and ordinary folk for revolutionizing the horror genre. Get your gore on as the Heinz History Center celebrates the film’s 45th anniversary, complete with a costume contest, retro snacks and cash bar. Zombie attire strongly encouraged but not required. The gruesomest two among the ghastly will receive a coffin full of prizes and be crowned Zombie King and Queen of Pittsburgh. Arrive early (5-7 p.m.) for behind-the-scenes tours of the Center’s new exhibit “1968: The Year That Rocked America.” Best Zombie Contest and film screening follow at 7 p.m. 1212 Smallman St., Strip District.

2) Comedian Paula Poundstone has been generating laughs since 1979. She won the American Comedy Award for “Best Female Stand-Up Comic “ in 1989, worked as a political correspondent for “The Tonight Show” and “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” in the ‘90s, and appeared on game shows “Hollywood Squares” and “To Tell the Truth” throughout the 2000s. Most recently, she was a regular panelist on NPR’s “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” She’s bringing her infamous, razor-sharp wit to Pittsburgh for a night of stand-up at Carnegie Library Music Hall. 8 p.m. 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall.

3) Whispers of Light: A Story of Hope is a new, contemporary ballet sponsored by Highmark’s Caring Place and choreographed by dance innovator Maria Caruso, renowned for her focus on the humanity in dance. This ballet artistically explores effective coping mechanisms utilized by the Caring Place to assist bereaved children coping with loss, an affirmation of the power of human connection. Bodiography Contemporary Ballet. Byham Theater. 8 p.m. 101 6th St., Cultural District.

4) David Cale, award-winning solo performer, writer and actor, with two previous sold-out shows for the Off the Wall series at the Andy Warhol Museum, presents his latest one-man show, Harry Clarke. It’s a sexually charged, hilarious tale of a shy mid-western man who moves to New York, adopts the persona of a cocky Londoner and charms his way into a wealthy family’s life, with a few seductions along the way. 8 p.m. 117 Sandusky Street, North Shore.

5) Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, The Pimps of Joytime refer to their unique combination of afrobeat, rock, hip-hop and electronica as “Janxta Funk.” Part gangsta, part janky, their live performances are known to inspire all night dance parties. With special guest KR-3. 9 p.m. Club Cafe, 56 S. 12th St., South Side.

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