Music and Nature Harmonize at Phipps; Carnegie Shpil Company Klezmer-izes Howler’s (CPs Sun., 04/20/2014)

1) Have you caught the Spring Flower Show at Phipps Conservatory? Today is your last day to see seasonal blooms like tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. This particular exhibit is themed to Pittsburgh’s rich music past (and present), with features that range from a piano planter to bulbs arranged to mimic notes on the scale. To complete the multi-sensory experience, as you stroll through the rooms, you’ll hear a variety of popular tunes over the sound system. In addition to the spring staple flowers, the exhibit also has foxtail lilies, primula variations, and the breathtaking Himalayan blue poppies. With the unique musical settings, this impressive display will leave you tapping your toes and thinking spring (finally!). 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. 1 Schenley Dr., Oakland.

2) Just because you don’t celebrate Easter doesn’t mean you need to be stuck inside today. Enjoy some traditional klezmer music with Carnegie Shpil Company—a.k.a. the CMU Klezmer Band—at Howler’s Coyote Cafe. Klezmer, the time-honored music of Eastern European Jews, features the violin, clarinet, accordion, and the occasional brass instrument. The Carnegie Shpil klezmer players got their start at Carnegie Mellon University in 2008 and have been spreading their love for their music and roots since then. Special guest Ishtar plays classic bellydance music with a rock twist. Add in the musical stylings of DJ Vadim, and you’ve got the makeup of a pretty stellar evening. 8 p.m. 4509 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield.

3) Nature and education combine in Disneynature’s movie Bears, opening this weekend. Narrated by John C. Reilly, the documentary follows a family of bears in a year-long adventure after a winter hibernation. Filming was done in picturesque Alaska and features cubs learning life lessons from their parents, as they explore the outside world for the first time. Appropriate for the whole family, Bears displays the steps our wild friends take to ensure survival and a happy life. See Fandango for theaters and show times.

4) Take a leap of faith with the captivating drama Heaven is for Real. Based on the bestselling novel, the film tells the true tale of small-town father Todd Burpo (Greg Kinnear), mother Sonja (Kelly Reilly), and son Colton (Connor Corum). Colton believes he stopped in heaven during a near-death experience and recounts the visit to his parents. Todd and Sonja are skeptical until their son begins describing, in great detail, events that took place before he was born and could have never known about. Asking spiritual questions with child-like innocence, Heaven is for Real is appropriate for families to spark after-movie discussions about the afterlife. See Fandango for theaters and show times.

5) The Pirates take on the Milwaukee Brewers for an afternoon showcase at PNC Park. Every Sunday is Kids’ Day, so bring the little ones early to enjoy fun and games on Federal St. before the game. Stay late and let them run the bases after the last out (weather permitting), plus all kids 14 and under (with paid admission) receive a Pirates sock monkey. Let’s go Bucs! 1:35 p.m. 115 Federal St., North Shore.

Share on Social Media