KAWS, UNTITLED (KIMPSONS), PACKAGE PAINTING SERIES, 2001, © KAWS, PHOTO BRAD BRIDGERS

BEST BET

Commercial Collaboration: “KAWS + Warhol”

Through Jan. 20 | The Andy Warhol Museum

Despite the generational gap between the artists, seeing their work next to each other seems natural. Throughout the exhibition “KAWS + Warhol,” part of The Andy Warhol Museum’s 30th anniversary celebration, you’ll find examples from the Pop Art legend juxtaposed with that of contemporary Brooklyn-based artist KAWS.

One wall contains about 2,000 cereal boxes the artist created as part of a project for General Mills in 2022 — within sight of Warhol’s famous Brillo Boxes, an example of how both artists blurred the lines of art and commercialism. On the second floor, you’ll find Warhol’s car crash and electric chair artworks hanging near KAWS’ Chum figure behind bars or in sober black and white.

“With Warhol, people think glamour, Marilyn Monroe, Liza Minnelli, Studio 54, bright colors … the same with KAWS — they think about cartoon characters, bright shiny objects,” says Warhol Director Patrick Moore, who curated the show. “But if you really look at them, there’s this undercurrent that makes them, at least for me, much more interesting — which is a fascination with death, tragedy, sadness, compassion, nostalgia.”

— Lauren Davidson

MUSEUM

“The Science Behind Pixar”

Through Jan. 5 | Carnegie Science Center

PHOTO BY MICHAEL MALYSZKO

Since the release of “Toy Story” in 1995, Pixar has been making folks laugh, think and cry with its tales of life experiences, human and otherwise. How do they do it? Pixarburgh, or “The Science Behind Pixar,” is the exhibit that will answer that question and a few more. Kids of all ages can take selfies with Pixar characters like Buzz Lightyear, explore two floors of STEM playgrounds and poke around in more than 50 interactive displays.

ART

“Myth-Science of the Gatekeepers”

Through July 28 | Pittsburgh Glass Center

PHOTO BY MARQUES REDD AND MIKAEL OWUNNA

The history of Egyptian deities is a fascinating topic, but you have to really dig into it (pun intended) to find out how rich it is. After doing just that, arts nonprofit Rainbow Serpent created 16 life-sized glass sculptures that reimagine these deities as Black, same-gender-loving men. The “Myth-Science of the Gatekeepers” exhibition evokes thoughts about the spiritual purpose of Black LGBTQ people and how to revive ancient traditions.

MUSIC

Norah Jones

July 8 | Heinz Hall

Come away with Norah Jones as she tours in support of her new album “Visions.” The nine-time Grammy winner will wrap you in her ethereal old-soul vocals and serene piano stylings. She might even step out from behind the piano to pluck a few strings on the guitar.

BENEFIT

House Party

July 13 | Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s annual House Party benefit is your chance to party with a purpose. Immerse yourself in a cabaret-style night of down-and-dirty dancing, musical performances and artistically drawn temporary tattoos. You can either come to sweat it out on the dance floor with DJ QRX and ROJO or upgrade your ticket to a VIP for an exclusive performance by dance artist Jesse Factor, hors d’oeuvres and an open bar — all to celebrate the theater’s artists, programming and community.

MUSIC

Northside Music Festival

July 12-14 | Various Sites

Three days of free live music in the heart of Deutschtown is likely on quite a few Pittsburghers’ summer wish lists. The Northside Music Festival is making it happen with multiple musical acts from various genres. Even if the music isn’t what draws you, there will also be art vendors, food and all sorts of family-friendly activities — a little bit of something for everyone.

MUSIC

Herb Alpert & Lani Hall

July 19 | PNC Theatre

If you are over 40, you most likely own or have owned a vinyl copy of “Whipped Cream & Other Delights” by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. Alpert is a legendary trumpet player and all-around musician who has been paramount in shaping other musicians in and beyond his time. Find him at the Pittsburgh Playhouse with his Grammy Award-winning wife, Lani Hall, in an evening presented by MCG Jazz.

To be considered for coverage, send details to Events Editor, Pittsburgh Magazine, Washington’s Landing, 600 Waterfront Drive, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or email magevents@pittsburghmagazine.com. The deadline for September 2024 events is July 15. Include the event name, address, website, date and a brief overview.