Can’t Miss Events in Pittsburgh in September
Save the dates for concerts, art exhibits, dance performances & more.
PHOTO COURTESY PITTSBURGH SILENT FILM SOCIETY
Best Bet: Black and White All Over
The films may be silent, but the events won’t be.
The Pittsburgh Silent Movie Festival turns what was a one-day affair into a weeklong celebration of vintage cinema — many with live musical accompaniment. On Sept. 24, Buster Keaton’s “Our Hospitality” will receive a 100th-anniversary screening at Keystone Oaks High School, where organist Jay Spencer will accompany the film on a rare Wurlitzer theater organ. A week later, Charlie Chaplin’s “A Woman of Paris” will appear at Downtown’s Harris Theater, 100 years to the day since its world premiere. Horror fans can catch a screening of the foundational “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” on Sept. 28 at Sewickley’s Lindsay Theater, accompanied by the Pittsburgh Composers Quartet; on Sept. 30, the first-ever Best Picture winner, “Wings,” will take flight at Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville. The festival is the work of the Pittsburgh Silent Film Society and its director Chad Hunter, who in 2021 established Silent Movie Day, a worldwide collection of screenings and celebrations that counts Martin Scorsese among its supporters. — Sean Collier
Various locations, Sept 24-Oct. 1 • pittsburghsilentfilmsociety.org
Sept. 7-13 • Pittsburgh Playhouse (and Virtual)
Enjoy seven days of inspiration and artistic expression during the 11th annual ReelAbilities Film Festival, where award-winning films focus on promoting awareness and appreciation of individuals with disabilities. If you can’t make it to the Pittsburgh Playhouse for the in-person screenings, no worries — select films will be screened virtually. Help celebrate the diversity of the shared human experience.
Sept. 9 • PPG Paints Arena
“Rio,” “The Reflex” and “Ordinary World” are just some of the many hits the international pop icon band Duran Duran has given us since the 1980s. The hair is not as big these days, but the energy and fun are still big enough to fill PPG Paints Arena. During this “Future Past” tour, these English gents are out to prove they are still wild boys at heart and on stage.
PHOTO BY JOHN PENA
Sept. 9 • Fern Hollow Bridge
We all remember when the Fern Hollow Bridge fell down and we navigated detours for a full year. Well, it’s all fixed now with a little something special added by artist John Peña. The Office for Public Art presents “In The Field with John Peña,” a chance for participants to get an in-depth look at an artist’s process of creating public art. Peña will share his work made to enhance the pedestrian experience on the Fern Hollow Bridge.
Sept. 14-17 • August Wilson African American Cultural Center & Highmark Stadium
Pittsburgh has been home and stage to so many jazz greats that it’s only natural to host four straight days of extraordinary performances for the 13th annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. Kicking off on Sept. 14 with an Uhuru Jazz Session at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, the party continues until Sunday, with concerts happening indoors at AWAACC and on the outdoor stage at Highmark Stadium.
Sept. 15-16 • Sweetwater Center for the Arts
The Mavuno Festival and Exhibition aims to start a dialogue and create opportunities for BIPOC artists in the Pittsburgh area. Among a wide variety of artists’ work and samples from participating brewers, you can also blow some glass in Pittsburgh Glass Center’s mobile glass-blowing truck, Hot Wheels. You can even do a little pre-partying the night before at Sweetwater Center for the Arts with a reception and exhibit.
Sept. 22 • City Winery
If you have seen “Always Be My Maybe” or “Survival of the Thickest,” then you are familiar with the comedic musings of actress/comedian Michelle Buteau. Her big personality shines bright onscreen; one can only imagine the energy she brings to the stage. The hilarity of Buteau’s stand-up is an honest and raw look at motherhood, the pitfalls of being a woman on social media and working in Hollywood.
PHOTO BY DARREN THOMAS
Sept. 23-24 • Benedum Center
It’s MOM! DAD! BINGO! And BLUEY! Gather the kids for “Bluey’s Big Play,” a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the show every family loves and has seen hundreds of times. Get lost in the new story and bop to new songs written specifically for this live theater show. It’s the Heelers in 3-D!
Sept. 30 • The Palace Theatre
When you think rockabilly and swing, you can’t help but picture the iconic musician Brian Setzer. Brian Setzer: Rockabilly Riot celebrates electrifying hits from his solo career, The Brian Setzer Orchestra, and of course, as one of the Stray Cats. This tour may only feature a three-piece band, but you can guarantee they aim to rock this town.
