PHOTO BY JATI LINDSAY, COURTESY OF WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA

BEST BET

“The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson”

April 27, 30; May 3, 5 | Byham Theater

The story of how the National Negro Opera Company got its start in Pittsburgh should make for a great opera — especially when performed in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Opera will present “The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson,” about the music teacher who founded the longest-running, all-Black opera company in 1941 in Homewood. Dawson “was not able to, for reasons of segregation at that time, be a part of any of the other opera companies around, and so she basically decided to form her own,” says Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn, who first saw the opera at the Glimmerglass Opera Festival in upstate New York and knew it had to come to Pittsburgh. “It’s inspiring, and it just fills in I think an enormous number of gaps in our knowledge of this history,” he says.  — Lauren Davidson 

Best Action Movie Heroine

March 30 | Arcade Comedy Theater

Do you love giving your opinion on pop culture favorites? Then Bracket Night should be your jam. Arcade Comedy Theater has gathered special guests Natalie Bencivenga, Day Bracey, Robin Hitchcock and Planned Parenthood of Western PA President Sydney Etheredge to determine the Best Action Movie Heroine. (Personally, I like Michelle Yeoh.)

Arcade has hosted 28 Bracket Nights dedicated to everything from choosing the best break-up song to the best way to cook a potato. This iteration will benefit Planned Parenthood of Western PA. It’s like March Madness for a cause.

Big Nosh Jewish Food Festival

April 7-9 | Congregation Beth Shalom

From latkes to matzah balls, the Big Nosh Jewish Food Festival offers so many tasty treats for you to experience all in one place. This is the first year for the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle-sponsored event, which is looking to be this community’s biggest celebration of Jewish and Israeli cuisine.

Along with live music and a full bar, plenty of kosher options will be available for dine-in or take home.

Shred Your Fears

April 7 | Switch & Signal Skatepark

PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA

Trying new things can be scary, especially if they involve getting on a board with four small wheels and propelling yourself up a ramp. Shred Your Fears is (dare I say) a movement to teach women, trans and non-binary people how to skateboard in a safe and welcoming environment. This workshop includes a yoga-based stretching session, snacks, equipment and, best of all, camaraderie.

Suzanne Vega in Concert

April 12 | City Winery

PHOTO BY GEORGE HOLZ

Do do do do do do do do … singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega’s story starts with just her and her acoustic guitar performing in New York clubs. More than 40 years after her highly observational song “Tom’s Diner,” the neo-folk musician continues telling her melodic stories to captivated audiences. This venue allows fans to get up close and personal while enjoying world-class wine.

Khūrākī: A Celebration of Afghanistan in Pittsburgh

April 12-14 | Shady Side Academy Black Box Theater

PHOTO BY HEATHER MULL

RealTime Arts, in collaboration with Shady Side Academy, presents an evening of shared culture, immersive theater and an appetizing meal. Khūrākī: A Celebration of Afghanistan in Pittsburgh shares the beauty of Afghan culture through theatrical portraits of five Afghan women immigrants, who have also prepared Afghan food for the experience.

Ghosts: Do You Believe?

April 18 | Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall

No one really knows what’s on the other side of death, but it can be intriguing to speculate. Join paranormal researcher Dustin Pari of the TV show “Ghost Hunters” for the supernatural deep dive, Do You Believe in Ghosts? Pari will examine, question and share first-hand accounts of hauntings that will make you overthink the next time something goes bump in the night.

Soul Sessions: Mýa

April 26 | August Wilson African American Cultural Center

For more than 25 years, the singer, dancer, and actress Mýa has entertained the masses with her massive talent. The Grammy Award-winner joins the intimate Soul Sessions Series for a captivating performance of her classic hits along with new, soon-to-be favorites.