Crystalline-voiced Jackie Evancho Plays Benedum; Pens vs. Sabres (Sun., 3/5/17);

1) Who knew there was a world-class voice talent living in the Pine-Richland area? Well, evidently, Jackie Evancho knew! She started out by entering talent contests, including St. Barnabas’ Kean Idol. Acting was also in Evancho’s early repertoire. She performed in Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s version of High School Musical in 2007. She cut an independent album, Prelude to a Dream, and what a prelude to a dream it was. Evancho posted videos of her performances to YouTube. She was turned down twice in auditions for NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” The third time was indeed the charm. The ladder to mega-stardom presented itself in 2010 after the nation heard her incredible classical song performances on “America’s Got Talent.” She came in second. Since then, she has recorded five albums, all of which achieved success on the music charts, and is the youngest artist ever to achieve platinum sales status. She sang the national anthem at the presidential inauguration and is releasing a new album this year titled Two Hearts.

Her work has included numerous singing appearances, acting roles such as playing Robert Redford’s daughter in the 2013 film The Company You Keep, and some modeling. She is active in many charitable organizations and was named one of the Ten Best-Mannered People in 2011 by a national organization. Needless to say, Kanye West didn’t make that list. What a great opportunity to see a hometown gal done good. 7 p.m. Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Cultural District.

2) Tonight at the PPG Paints Arena our Pens. face off against the Buffalo Sabres.  It’s nice to see Marc-André Fleury still with the Penguins after the recent NHL trading deadline. The Penguins did however make a trade, picking up Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mark Streit in return for a 4th round draft pick in 2018. 5 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

3) What U.S. city was the first to host the Olympics (see the end of this pick for the answer)? This and other questions are some that you may be faced with while playing team trivia. One such location for this activity is Sidelines Bar & Grill in Millvale, run by Pittsburgh Bar Trivia and hosted by Entertainment Central team member Christopher Maggio. Teams can have up to ten people, registration for the Sunday night competition begins at 7:45 p.m. and the match runs from 8-10 p.m. What is to be gained from attending a trivia night? A fun outing, knowledge (or realizing how much you don’t know), camaraderie, and for the winning team—one free drink per person. The answer to the trivia question is St. Louis, Missouri in 1904. 621 Evergreen Rd., Millvale.

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