The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center is back at it again for their 3rd Annual Documentary Series! Director of Communications and Media Relations, Josh Axelrod, talks about the 6 films showcased in the upcoming series. The films include a grammar documentary, two art-focused ones, two environmental documentaries, and one focused on caregiving. "Rebel Without a Clause" follows Ellen Jovin's experiences behind her public 'Grammar Tables' around the country. There will be a Q&A with Ellen on August 29th. "Art for Everybody" documents Thomas Kinkade's life as one of the most commercially successful artists in American history. "Sanibel" follows seashell culture in Florida, that suddenly gets hit by Hurricane Ian. A virtual Q&A with the director will be on September 1st. "Single Use Planet" dives into the political and economic factors in single use plastic becoming a major pollutant. The director of programs at Pittsburgh-based Breathe Project will host a Q&A on August 30th. "Caregiving" spotlights the challenges and triumphs of everyday caregiving that millions of Americans experience. Josh highlights that the 30-minute version of the film previously aired at the Lindsay, but this will be the full 2 hour version. The last documentary showcases artist Georgia O'Keeffe's complete life, and will have a virtual Q&A on August 31st. Josh also shares the coming lineup at the Lindsay, which includes the last Downtown Abbey movie, and much more.

The Agatha Christie classic novel comes to life on stage at Little Lake Theater! Director and Resident Scenic Designer Tucker Topel, Stage Manager Andi Tageser, and actor Sean Barrett, talk about the upcoming show. "Murder on the Orient Express" follows a luxurious train, that just witnessed a murder. Sean talks about playing the infamous Hercule Poirot in this adaptation. He loves the politeness, shrewdness, and humor of this character, and looks forward to bringing him to life. Andi talks about running the lights and sound for her first Little Lake production. Both Sean and Andi's first production at the Lake is due to doing shows in the past with Tucker. Tucker is excited to bring them both to Little Lake, and explore this famous novel. He also highlights the challenges of producing this show in the round style. The audience is a part of the train ride and close to the action in this production! All aboard this murder mystery! You can see Little Lake Theater Company's "Murder on the Orient Express" from August 28th to September 14th. Tickets are going fast!

Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks is back for another season! But first, a benefit! Founder of Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks, Jennifer Tober, and playwright and actor Charles David "Stoney" Richards, talk with Anna Singer about their upcoming benefit performance of "Friended by Shakespeare". Stoney talks about his motivation for writing this one-man play. The story focuses on the friendship between John Sinklo (or Sinkler) and William Shakespeare. Jennifer talks about the new space in the Three Stories building, which is now available to use by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for free. The proceeds of the benefit will be used to fund their fall production of "Macbeth". Stoney and Jennifer also talk about the upcoming production, which debuts on September 5th, and will be at a new park this year. Jennifer and Stoney hope to see everyone soon! They hope one day to get Anna Singer back on the stage. You can see "Friended By Shakespeare" on August 22nd and 23rd at the Pierce Theater in the Three Stories Building. General admission tickets are $25. It's two nights only, so don't miss it!

WQED Channel 13 is diving into the history of American Motors Corporation with a new series! Co-Producers Joe Ligo and Jimm Needle talk with Anna Singer about their 6-part documentary series, "The Last Independent Automaker". Joe and Jimm talk about first meeting back in 2015 through a mutual professor. Joe read books about American Motors Corporation and thought it would be a perfect subject for a documentary. They started filming in 2017, and 8 years later, their series is ready for TV. Joe and Jimm highlight the rise and fall of AMC, how big their cars were in Pennsylvania, and what their favorite AMC car was. They also discuss how George Romney, Mitt Romney's father, was involved with the company and the Rambler. It's a perfect show for history buffs, car people, and regular ones too! You can see the 6 part series, "The Last Independent Automaker" on WQED-TV Channel 13 starting on Saturday, August 23rd at 2 pm.

Located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the Community Arts Center of Cambria County reaches out to a community of 250,000 people, as well as thousands of tourists each year from around the world. Their mission is to provide an inspiring and creative gathering place where the arts improve the quality of life for everyone. The Arts Center consists of the M. Josephine Paul Family Museum, Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center, and the Stutzman Log House. WQED-FM's Bryan Sejvar spoke with the Arts Center's Executive Director Angela R. Godin. Angela talks about the history of the Community Arts Center, the programs they offer to the community, and the two concert series offered at the center. Angela says arts education is at the root of everything they do. She hopes to see folks from Pittsburgh make the trip anytime, but in particular for their Log House Arts Festival happening August 30th and 31st, as well as their Holly Bazaar taking place throughout November and December. For more information, visit http://www.caccc.org

For their upcoming 2025-2026 Season, the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra is celebrating America's 250th, as well at the 10th Anniversary of James Blachly as Music Director. WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with JSO Executive Director Erin Codey about their upcoming season. It kicks off October 25th, 2025 with Part 1 of the America 250 Celebration, and continues with their annual Holiday Pops concert, a Johnstown's Got Talent concert, music of Aaron Copland and the concluding concert in April 2026 with "Carmina Burana." Erin explains why it's worth the trip to Johnstown to see the orchestra, the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center where their concerts take place, their Candlelight concert at the Grand Halle in November and more.

It's a culmination of 5 years of hard work. Founder of Garfield's Irma Freeman Center of Imagination, Shelia Ali, highlights her new book "Pittsburgh's Avant-Gard: 60 Years Inside the Underground Art Scene". Shelia and collaborator Joelle Killebrew talk about the book's release and forthcoming mini book tour. Shelia talks about first being inspired to write the book, and the grant that helped her start. With over 400 pages, the book documents the many avant-garde artists, community organizations, and more in Pittsburgh. Richly illustrated, with many full-page color reproductions, the book highlights art from Thad Mosely, Robert Qualters, and many others. Shelia also highlights the many photographers, such as Chuck Barr and Doug Cooper. The last part of the book focuses on gallery spaces, such as AIR, Garfield Artworks, Silver Eye Photography Center, and much more. She also discusses her late grandmother, Irma Freeman. Joelle highlights her role as editor and contributor, and talks about the process of creating this book. The book launch starts on August 1st at the Pittsburgh Glass Center, with the mini book tour continuing until the end of the year. You can buy the book now, and join the book tour! Visit https://www.irmafreeman.org/ to learn more.

WQED President and CEO Jason Jedlinski spoke with Morning Show host Jim Cunningham live on July 31, 2025 regarding the elimination of federal funding for public broadcasting, which not only cuts $1.8 million from WQED, but will likely add additional expenses such as music licensing and satellite program delivery. Jason emphasized that WQED’s radio and televisions stations will not go off the air. WQED will continue sharing classical favorites, interspersed with newer compositions, plus interviews with musicians, conductors, guest artists, and more. Familiar WQED personalities including Anna Singer, Chris Fennimore, Rick Sebak, Minette Seate and Jim Cunningham will continue on the air. (Jason said he saw footage from Rick and cameraman Frank Caloiero of chickens roasting on a flaming stove for a new feature.) Whatever PBS programs the network provides will continue to be seen on channel 13, but the prime-time schedule is bound to change, as producers’ budgets have been cut deeper than WQED’s. Jason explained the work of the award-winning Education Department will continue and there will be new original programming for tv. WQED’s President thanked listeners and members for increasing their support in recent days and acknowledged the money raised by stations across the system. However, he explained that one-time gifts to close the gap left by a single grant cannot ensure long-term financial sustainability or make up for the $535 million removed from the local-to-national public broadcasting system. Jason acknowledged the difficult decision to lay off 19 employees yesterday, confirming how painful staff cuts are, and added that he and WQED’s Board of Directors continue seeking expanded support from companies and foundations. Jason Jedlinski emphasized his passion for talking with neighbors and invited listeners and viewers to call him through the WQED switchboard, 412-622-1300, or send an email to jason (at) wqed.org.

The Johnstown Concert Series is gearing up for their 2025-2026 season as they approach their 20th anniversary! The series continues to bring world-class musicians to the Johnstown community, without the need to travel to neighboring cities. Bryan Sevjar talks with directors, Michael Bodolosky and Joe Dipyatic, about the season’s exciting variety of performances taking place at the First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Johnstown. Each performance will be on a Sunday at 3 pm, with the full schedule including the West Virginia Brass Quintet on September 14th, Voces Solis on November 2nd, Henry Wong Doe on April 26th, the Philly Street Strings on May 17th, and more! Tickets and more information about the Johnstown Concert Series is available on their website at www.johnstownconcertseries.org. Hear what's happening at the Johnstown Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center in our previous Voice of the Arts episode - https://www.wqed.org/podcasts/johnstown-pasquerilla-performing-arts-center-concerts/.

Bryan Sevjar sits with Shelley Johansson, the Director of Marketing and Communications for Heritage Johnstown, formerly known as Johnstown Area Heritage Association. The nonprofit organization celebrates Johnstown’s influence on early industrial America, and tells its story through history, culture, and community. Heritage Johnstown hosts a variety of attractions including the Johnstown Flood Museum, The Stone Bridge, and the Heritage Discovery Center. Bryan and Shelley spoke in the Iron and Steel Theater. The organization plans to refresh all in the near future! Visit https://www.heritagejohnstown.org/ to see the full list of special events. You can also become a member of Heritage Johnstown for access to all museums and other benefits!

Executive Director of the Legacy Arts Project, Erin Perry, and Director of Community Programs, Patricia Marrie Ford, talk with Jim Cunningham about Dance Africa Pittsburgh. Dance Africa was founded by Chuck Davis, whose mantra of 'Love, Peace, Respect for Everyone' is the central spirit of the program. Erin and Patricia discuss the honorees and special guests. This year, Youseef Koumbassa, a world renowned dancer, will have a piece involved 30 dancers and 10 drummers. There will also be a tribute to the founder of the Balafon West African Dance Ensemble, who would have turned 70 this year. The theme of all participants this year is 'A Moment in Time'. Other groups include the Hill Dance Academy Theatre, DANA Movement, Kontara Morphis Dance Collective, and much more. Patricia and Erin hope to expand Dance Africa Pittsburgh into a citywide cultural event! Dance Africa Pittsburgh is July 26th and 27th. There will be workshops on Saturday morning, with a free African Marketplace open afterwards. The Dance performances will be at 3 pm and 7 pm on both days. You can find more information and tickets at https://legacyartsproject.org/dance-africa.

The Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company is producing not 1, not 2, but 3 August Wilson plays next month! Founder of the company, Mark Clayton Southers, daughter Ashley Southers, and director Terrence Spivey, talk about the three productions. Mark starts off the trifecta with a production of "Two Trains Running" at the Madison Arts Center. "Two Trains" is set in the Hill District of Pittsburgh in the 1960s. A restauranter fights for his property, as the City targets it for demolition. Mark discusses the play, and how doing it will mark the second full competition of the August Wilson cycle that the company has done! Terrence Spivey talks about first meeting Mark over 16 years ago. He is directing "Fences", a powerful August Wilson classic, that is also set in the Pittsburgh Hill District. Terrence reflects on seeing the Broadway production with James Earl Jones. Ashley Southers closes out the festival with "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom". Staged cabaret style, Ashley discusses her role as director. Lastly, Mark talks about the new HVAC system at the Madison Arts Center, and their upcoming season curated by Monteze Freeland. You can see "Two Trains Running" from August 9th to 30th, "Fences" at the August Wilson House from August 8th to September 6th, and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" from August 15th to 24th. Visit https://www.pghplaywrights.org/ to learn more and get tickets! They are going fast!

Since its opening in 1991 at the University of Pittsburgh's Johnstown’s campus, the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center (PPAC) continues to bring connections to many different cultures and people. They also continue to provide new artistic experiences for their community as they reach their 2025-2026 season. Bryan Sejvar talks with the director, Janie Leck Grela, about PPAC’s history, and their many scheduled performances. Upcoming performances include "Japanese Storytelling: Mask, Mime, and Music", "Taste of Ireland: Music and Dance!", and "Suessical The Musical". In addition, there will be concerts with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, River City Brass Band, and the Johnstown Concert Ballet. Visit PPAC's social media or https://www.upjarts.org/ to see their full schedule and for ways to get involved!

2020 Musical America Instrumentalist of the Year, Sharon Isbin, talks with Anna Singer about her work in composer Karen LeFrak's new album, "Romantico". Sharon talks about the first piece she performed, the first movement, "Bailamos", at the U.S. Capitol in 2023. The full concerto was premiered in January 2024, and the album was recorded with the Orchestra of St. Luke's. Sharon highlights how the concerto combines classical guitar with Latin dance rhythms and features top Latin percussionists. The other two pieces on the album include "Habanera Nights" and "Urban Tango". Sharon discusses her own path to music, even though she originally wanted to be a rocket scientist. Her music has gone to space with astronaut Chris Hadfield though! She reflects on her recent documentary, "Sharon Isbin: Troubadour", and her work at Julliard. She originally founded the guitar department, and continues to keep the student body small to personalize instruction. You can see Sharon at the Vancouver Arts and Music Festival at the end of July, or hear "Romantico" on WQED-FM 89.3 with Anna Singer in the afternoons. Visit https://www.sharonisbin.com/ to learn more.

The new Pittsburgh Opera company, SERIO, is presenting "The Tales of Hoffmann" in August! Anna Singer talks with founder Louisa Jonason, director Rebecka Kerr, and soprano Jennifer Coffman, about their upcoming production. The "Tales of Hoffmann" follows a young poet, Hoffmann, and his three disastrous love affairs. Jennifer plays the dual role of the Muse and Nicklausse, who try to guide Hoffmann towards his true love, art. Rebecka talks about the themes of artistic vs romantic love, and how to maintain the opera's fairy tale quality. The team also shares that the score will be performed by two grand pianos instead of a full orchestra, which is fitting for the intimate space at the Pittsburgh Music Academy. They highlight tenor William Andrews, who plays Hoffmann. The team previously performed Hoffmann at Mercyhurst University, making this a small reunion! You can see SERIO's "Tales of Hoffmann" from August 1st to 3rd, and August 8th to 10th at the Pittsburgh Music Academy in Squirrel Hill. Visit http://www.seriowithus.com/ to learn more and find tickets!

CitiPark's last Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch concert is on July 27th! The summer concert series comes to a close with a relatively new group, the North Pittsburgh Flute Society. Nicholle Bernardo-Pankuch and Jillian Edmondson founded the group in January of 2025, and talk with Melissa Black about the concert. The community flute choir is based in the North Hills and has about 20 members practicing at the Ingomar Community Church. This will be their first time performing at Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch! Their program includes classical favorites like Swan Lake, and pop cultures phenomenon's like the Game of Thrones theme. They will also have smaller ensembles perform Scottish and Irish flute tunes, as well as "The Flower Duet". They invite everyone to their open dress rehearsal on Saturday, July 19th at 4 pm at Ingomar Church. Lastly, Nicholle and Jillian show us the different kinds of flutes, complete with short musical demos! You can see the North Pittsburgh Flute Society for free on Saturday, July 27th from 10:30 to noon at Mellon Park. Don’t forget to say hi to WQED during the concert, and enter into our intermission drawing for fun prizes! We will have free CD’s, giveaways, and much more! Visit https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Events/Concerts/Bach-Beethoven-and-Brunch for the full schedule.

CitiPark's Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch's fourth concert is this weekend! The summer concert series is hosting Chamber Music Pittsburgh this weekend, with an 8 person wind-ensemble. Associate Principal Oboe with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Max Blair, Paul J. Ross Fellow and bassoonist Carlos Clark, and Artistic and Executive Director of Chamber Music Pittsburgh Martha Bonta, talk about the upcoming concert "A Summer Serenade". Max highlights the ensemble that he brought together, and the program. The program includes two Mozart Serenades for Winds in C minor and E-Flat Major, as well as Samuel Barber's "Summer Music for Wind Quintet". Carlos talks about his experience as a fellow in his first year, and how Barber's "Summer Music" connects to his own journey in the program. Slightly melancholy, the music connects to his own identity, legacy, and generational responsibility. Lastly, Martha gives an overview of Chamber Music Pittsburgh's upcoming 65th season. You can see "A Summer Serenade" this Saturday, July 20th from 10:30 am to noon at Mellon Park. Don’t forget to say hi to WQED during the concert, and enter into our intermission drawing for fun prizes! We will have free CD’s, giveaways, and much more! Visit https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Events/Concerts/Bach-Beethoven-and-Brunch for the full schedule.

Quantum Theatre's new season is starting off with a spin on a classic! Artistic Director of Quantum, Karla Boos, and Director, Joanie Schultz, talk about the upcoming production of Anton Chekhov's "Seagull". Joanie created a new version, by making the character Constantine female. She highlights the love 'quadrangles' and the exploration of mother-daughter dynamics and queer identity in a different time. Joanie remarks on why she changed this classic, stemming from her desire to see "Seagull" with a woman in it. Karla highlights how the play has become more timely, with reflections about societal challenges faced by women and LGBTQ+ individuals. Karla also loves Joanie's unique vision and past work at the Pittsburgh Public. This show will be performed outside at the pond on Chatham University's campus. Karla finds the setting perfect for "Seagull", as the wildlife and nature add a fairy tale atmosphere to this comedy. Though there are some challenges, like weather, all shows will benefit from natural shade. Joanie's next endeavor is a feminist adaptation of "Dracula" at Kansas City Repertoire. After "Seagull", Quantum will be performing "Enron" at One Oxford Centre. You can see Quantum Theatre's "Seagull" from July 25th to August 17th. Visit https://www.quantumtheatre.com/ to learn more. Bring bug spray!

It's the summertime, and that means its Fridays at the Frick! Interim Director of Learning and Visitor Experience at the Frick Pittsburgh, Kelsie Paul, talks about their summer concert series and much more! Starting on July 25th, the upcoming bands include The Stemtecs Band, the Klezmerati, and the Adorabulls. All three are free outdoor concerts, with food trucks and art making available as well! Kelsie also talks about a new abstract art installation by Atticus Adams in their Greenhouse. "Catching Sunbeams from the Porch Swing of Wisteria Castle" is open Tuesdays through Sundays until October 26th. The Frick has other activities on the grounds, including their Summer Explorer Series. Drop in for activities for all ages Tuesdays and Saturdays 11 am to 3 pm! There is art making, historical exploration, and playful fun! Other activities include a South Bathing experience on July 22nd, and a Grease Sing-Along Movie Night on July 30th! As always, the Clayton house is available for tours, with a preservation specific tour that dives into preserving a historic home. Stay tuned for a Scandinavian art exhibition coming to the Art museum in September! Kelsie looks forward to seeing everyone at the Frick this Summer! To learn more about all the events at the Frick Pittsburgh, visit https://www.thefrickpittsburgh.org/.

Filmmaker and Point Park University alumni, Max Cianci, talks in this episode about his upcoming filmmaker showcase at the Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center. Max's journey into film started when he was young and made home YouTube videos with LEGOs. This passion for storytelling took him to Point Park University, where he refined his art. He has since created many films, including commercials, documentaries, and short narrative stories, many showcased at the Lindsay Theater. Max talks about the films in the upcoming showcase, including his 4 1/2 minute proof of concept film, "Tiny Toe". He discusses the premise, a trapper finding something strange in the woods, and what he hopes the story becomes for a longer 16 minute or even feature film. Max is inspired by many films, including Steven Spielberg's "E.T." and "Jaws". The 45 minute screening will also feature two other horror genre short films, and a Q&A at the end. Max continues to work with clients through his production company, Carousel Films, and hopes to share his joy of storytelling at the showcase. You can see "The Filmworks of Max Cianci" on Thursday, July 17th at 7 pm at the Lindsay Theater. Admission is free, and the final segment contains mature horror content, recommended for 18+. Visit https://thelindsaytheater.org/event/the-filmworks-of-max-cianci/ to learn more.