‘Dream Body’ Evokes Emotion at Penn Gallery; John McDonald Rocks Stage AE (CPs Sun., 3/16/2014)

1) Local artist Blaine Siegel combines video and sculpture in his latest exhibit, Dream Body, at Penn Gallery. Two video installations highlight the exhibit. The first is based on the Hanged Man card of the Tarot deck, which represents indecision and waiting for new possibilities. The second video offers two alternating views of domestic life. Keeping the Tarot card in mind, viewers can step back and see the differing consequences of minute actions, ultimately entering a suspended state of waiting to explore new possibilities in and out of the exhibit. Runs through April 13. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 709 Penn Ave., Cultural District.

2) Warm up with the feel-good music of John McDonald during his CD release party at Stage AE. Backed by a 12-piece band, McDonald will perform his new album Right Place, Right Time in its entirety to celebrate the coming of spring (and, of course, a new CD). The singer/songwriter combines aspects of reggae, rock, and world-beat music for a Rusted Root-meets-Bob Marley-meets-Donnie Iris feel. It will be tough to resist the urge to dance, so let your hair down and get funky! Half of tonight’s proceeds benefit Cancer Caring Center. Doors 6 p.m. 400 N. Shore Dr., North Shore.

3) Relax to some exquisite classical music with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s rendition of Bolero and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice at Heinz Hall. The program focuses on works by the French composer Maurice Ravel, from his majestic Bolero to the upbeat Alborada del gracioso. The audience also will take a trip back to childhood courtesy of Ravel’s countryman and contemporary, Paul Dukas, who composed the famed The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. You may know the tune best from Disney’s Fantasia. Leonard Slatkin conducts the world-renowned orchestra and the featured soloist is pianist Michel Camillo. This performance is packed with so much French culture, you may find yourself searching for macarons or a baguette and cheese after the show. 2:30 p.m. 600 Penn Ave., Cultural District.

4) “To be natural is such a very difficult pose to keep up.” Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy comes to life once more as Prime Stage Theatre presents The Importance of Being Earnest at the New Hazlett Theater on the North Side. If you’ve ever embellished the truth to impress a love interest, you’ll find common ground with the protagonists, as they take on entirely new personas to impress the ladies. The play’s satirical treatment of marriage and other social institutions raises the question, “Why are we so earnest in following societal norms?” Enjoy Wilde’s humor at its finest, but don’t waste time, as today is the last performance. 2:30 p.m. 6 Allegheny Sq. E., North Side.

5) The Penguins take on their bitter rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers, at Consol Energy Center for a nationally televised game this afternoon. There are only 11 more home games before the regular season ends, so head Uptown to catch the action! 12:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

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