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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260521T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260521T210000
DTSTAMP:20260519T025448
CREATED:20260407T152340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T152340Z
UID:10737-1779390000-1779397200@cityofasylum.org
SUMMARY:Jazz Poetry 2026: Poet-Vocalist Erika Denae J's "In the Mood For" (Book Launch & Album Teaser)
DESCRIPTION:Photo Credit: Kitoko Chargois. Photo Courtesy: Erika Denae J. \nIn this unique Jazz Poetry performance\, multi-disciplinary artist Erika Denae J launches her poetry collection\, In the Mood For. A perfect fit for this festival’s long history of melding poetry and music\, the poems in Erika’s collection also make up the lyrics of her upcoming companion album. It is a fusion of alternative jazz and soul that explores the pursuit of contentment at the intersection of self.This program features special arrangements by James Johnson III. \nIn the Mood For—where poetry inspires music and music inspires poetry—explores themes of forgiveness\, self-love\, faith\, and healing. It is meant to embolden readers and listeners to express their fullest selves. This aim was burgeoned from Erika’s personal experience of minimizing the most authentic parts of herself. \nThese poems and compositions echo an awakening and resurrection of the innate within. They encourage all who engage with them to explore any moods or needs freely\, to inspire richness in such freedom of oneself\, and to remove anything that has disrupted that freedom.  \nThe production of Erika’s book\, In the Mood For\, and her forthcoming album were funded by The Pittsburgh Foundation.  \nFeatured Artists: \nErika Denae J: poems\, lyrics\, vocals \nJulia Flowers: vocals \nKeea Dorsey: vocals \nMatt Mason: backup vocals \nJennifer Orchard: violin  \nShannon Lock: viola \nWill Teegarden: cello \nTommy Lehman: trumpet \nJohn Shannon: guitar \nTheron Brown: piano \nDenzel Chismar-Oliver: bass \nJoe Garner: percussion \nJames Johnson III: drums\, arrangements \nAbout the Artist: \nErika Denae J is a musical artist\, writer\, and graduate student pursuing a Master of Music Therapy\, whose work centers on the power of shared narrative and wellness. On stage\, she laces the classic and modern sound of jazz into a seamless voice of swing and soul. Off stage\, she is a committed advocate for mental health and youth development\, leveraging the creative arts to inspire healing and wholeness. In 2022\, Erika released her debut EP\, Rx Melodies\, alongside Rx Conversations—a vlog series exploring mental and emotional wellness within the context of faith. These pillars of artistry and advocacy continue to define her current trajectory as she expands her reach through academia\, recorded music\, poetry\, and prose. \nAbout Your Visit:  \nThe in-house restaurant\, Cucina Alfabeto\, is open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Please visit OpenTable or call 412-435-1111 to make a reservation. \nShare this:
URL:https://cityofasylum.org/program/jazz-poetry-2026-erika-denae-j/
LOCATION:Alphabet City\, 40 W. North Avenue\, Pittsburgh\, PA\, 15212\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concert,Reading
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cityofasylum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ERIKA-DENAE-J-05212026.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260602T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260602T203000
DTSTAMP:20260519T025448
CREATED:20260512T192427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T192427Z
UID:10818-1780426800-1780432200@cityofasylum.org
SUMMARY:Story Club PGH Presents: Story Slam! (Behind Closed Doors)
DESCRIPTION:Since 2022\, it’s been our pleasure to partner with Story Club (created by the former producers of The Moth Pittsburgh) for their monthly nonfiction storytelling series\, Story Slam. Together\, we aim to showcase a diverse range of voices and create a space for stories that resonate across backgrounds\, perspectives\, and experiences. Each month\, we welcome open mic storytellers to the stage to share six-minute tales that tackle a pre-selected theme. This June\, Story Club PGH takes a peek into the room where it happens\, as storytellers take on the theme Behind Closed Doors.  \nEach month\, the top storyteller\, as voted by viewers\, will win a free City of Asylum t-shirt. Learn more here or sign up for an open mic slot at the slam. Not interested in storytelling but still want to participate? Try joining a judging team and help decide the winners instead! \nAbout the Host: \nAlan Olifson is an award-winning humor columnist and comedian and was the regular host of Pittsburgh’s monthly Moth StorySlams. He created the acclaimed storytelling series Wordplay at Bricolage Theater and now produces the new storytelling/talk show Speakeasy at Arcade Comedy Theater. His book\, Manchild: My Life without Adult Supervision\, from Six Gallery Press\, is available wherever you buy books—hopefully somewhere local. \nAbout Your Visit:  \nThe in-house bar at Cucina Alfabeto will be open for drinks only. Seating in the restaurant and bar is available on a first-come\, first-served basis. \nShare this:
URL:https://cityofasylum.org/program/story-club-pgh-story-slam-june-2026/
LOCATION:Alphabet City\, 40 W. North Avenue\, Pittsburgh\, PA\, 15212\, United States
CATEGORIES:Other
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cityofasylum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/STORY-CLUB-2025.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="City of Asylum":MAILTO:info@cityofasylum.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260609T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260609T203000
DTSTAMP:20260519T025448
CREATED:20260211T163753Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T181442Z
UID:10524-1781031600-1781037000@cityofasylum.org
SUMMARY:Artist in Exile: Oleksandr Frazé-Frazénko’s Ceramic Knives (Ukrainian Spring Songs)
DESCRIPTION:Photo Credit: Thom Pietryka\, Photo Courtesy: Oleksandr Frazé-Frazénko \nCeramic Knives is a Ukrainian-American band blending raw folk roots with experimental textures\, a post-punk attitude\, and haunting harmonies. Formed by multi-disciplinary artist and City of Asylum Writer-in-Residence Oleksandr Frazé-Frazénko and his wife\, vocalist Mari Frazé-Frazénko\, the duo reimagines traditional Eastern European songs through a cinematic lens—part ritual\, part rebellion. Their stripped-down live performances weave together ghostly vocals\, atmospheric guitar\, and analog electronics\, evoking a sound that is both ancient and eerily contemporary. Now based in Pittsburgh\, Ceramic Knives channels themes of exile\, memory\, and resistance into a sonic landscape that cuts deep.  \n \nFeatured Musicians: \nOleksandr Frazé-Frazénko: guitar\, vocals \nMari Frazé-Frazénko: bass\, vocals \nVsiudysvoia: vocals \nLesya Verba: vocals\, bandura \nHugo Cruz: drums \nAbout the Artist: \nOleksandr Frazé-Frazénko is a Ukrainian filmmaker\, writer\, musician\, and translator from Halychyna—a region suspended somewhere between Central Europe and historical amnesia. He is the author of the bestselling novel Nothing Is Under Control and one half of Ceramic Knives\, the love child of a blues guitar and a haunted drum machine. As co-founder of OFF Laboratory\, he publishes and translates voices silenced or distorted by war\, exile\, and censorship. Currently based in Pittsburgh\, Oleksandr is a Research Scholar at Chatham University and was previously a Research Scholar at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a Writer-in-Residence at City of Asylum.  \nAbout Your Visit:  \nThe in-house restaurant\, Cucina Alfabeto\, is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. \nShare this:
URL:https://cityofasylum.org/program/artist-in-exile-oleksandr-fraze-frazenko/
LOCATION:Alphabet City\, 40 W. North Avenue\, Pittsburgh\, PA\, 15212\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cityofasylum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/OLEKSANDR-FRAZE-FRAZENKO-03042026.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260617T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260617T203000
DTSTAMP:20260519T025448
CREATED:20260416T172301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T192938Z
UID:10754-1781722800-1781728200@cityofasylum.org
SUMMARY:CANCELED: World of Music: The Leila (Moroccan Progressive Rock)
DESCRIPTION:Photo Courtesy: Torito Arts \nThis program has been canceled due to the cancellation of the full North American tour. \nCity of Asylum is thrilled to welcome progressive Moroccan rock band The Leila on their debut North American tour. The Leila blends elements of rock\, soul\, and traditional Moroccan sounds in songs about self-expression\, empowerment\, and societal issues. Lead singer Leila started performing at a very young age and recorded her first single at the age of 15\, drawing heavily from her strong regional roots and other world music. Leila is an authentic singer with a powerful voice\, a sense of fragility\, and smart\, beautiful songwriting. \n \nThis program is presented as a part of Songs in the Key of She\, a new concert series taking place in Chicago\, New York\, and Pittsburgh that features and celebrates women musicians and composers from around the world. Produced by the Chicago-based nonprofit Torito Arts in collaboration with City of Asylum\, the series aims to combat the underrepresentation of female musicians in the male-dominated music industry. Songs in the Key of She is a platform in which talented women in music share their creativity and stories with new audiences.  \nThis engagement of The Leila is made possible in part through the Performing Arts Global Exchange program of Mid Atlantic Arts.  \n  \nShare this:
URL:https://cityofasylum.org/program/world-of-music-the-leila/
LOCATION:Alphabet City\, 40 W. North Avenue\, Pittsburgh\, PA\, 15212\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cityofasylum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/THE-LEILA-06172026-1.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260721T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260721T200000
DTSTAMP:20260519T025448
CREATED:20251219T182339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T192409Z
UID:10395-1784660400-1784664000@cityofasylum.org
SUMMARY:On Topic: Free Expression with Jacob Mchangama & Nadine Strossen
DESCRIPTION:Nadine Strossen\, New York Law School Professor Emerita and former president of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)\, and Jacob Mchangama\, the Founder and Executive Director of The Future of Free Speech\, discuss the history and ongoing importance of free expression in our republic. By tracing the Enlightenment origins of free speech\, unpacking the history of the First Amendment\, and exploring how the Supreme Court has applied these timeless principles to thorny legal issues\, these free speech experts will provide salient background and context to current controversies and highlight the centrality of free expression to the maintenance of democratic government. This program will be moderated by Julie Silverbrook\, Vice President of Civic Education at the National Constitution Center. \nProgram presented in partnership with the National Constitution Center. The Center brings together people and perspectives\, across America and around the world\, to learn about\, debate\, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history\, the US Constitution. \nAbout the Authors: \nJacob Mchangama is the Founder and Executive Director of The Future of Free Speech. He is a research professor at Vanderbilt University and a Senior Fellow at The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). In 2018\, he was a visiting scholar at Columbia’s Global Freedom of Expression Center. He has commented extensively on free speech and human rights in outlets including the Washington Post\, the Wall Street Journal\, The Economist\, Foreign Affairs\, and Foreign Policy. Jacob has published in academic and peer-reviewed journals\, including Human Rights Quarterly\, Policy Review\, and Amnesty International’s Strategic Studies. He is the producer and narrator of the podcast “Clear and Present” Danger: A History of Free Speech and the critically acclaimed book Free Speech: A History From Socrates to Social Media\, published by Basic Books in 2022. He is the co-author of The Future of Free Speech: Reversing the Global Decline of Democracy’s Most Essential Freedom (forthcoming 2026). He has received numerous awards for his work on free speech and human rights.  \nNadine Strossen\, New York Law School Professor Emerita and Senior Fellow at FIRE (the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression)\, was President of the American Civil Liberties Union from 1991 to 2008. An internationally acclaimed free speech scholar and advocate\, who regularly addresses diverse audiences and provides media commentary around the world\, Strossen serves on the advisory boards of the ACLU and several academic freedom/free speech organizations. She is the Host and Project Consultant for Free To Speak\, a three-hour documentary film series distributed on public television in 2023. Her most recent books are: The War On Words: 10 Arguments Against Free Speech—And Why They Fail (coauthored with FIRE President Greg Lukianoff) (2025); Free Speech: What Everyone Needs to Know (2023); and HATE: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech\, Not Censorship (2018). In 2023\, Strossen received the National Coalition Against Censorship’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Free Speech. \nAbout Your Visit:  \nThe in-house restaurant\, Cucina Alfabeto\, is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. \nShare this:
URL:https://cityofasylum.org/program/on-topic-free-expression-with-jacob-mchangama-nadine-strossen/
LOCATION:Alphabet City\, 40 W. North Avenue\, Pittsburgh\, PA\, 15212\, United States
CATEGORIES:Reading
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cityofasylum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ON-TOPIC-01252025-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261027T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261027T210000
DTSTAMP:20260519T025448
CREATED:20260223T170726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T181523Z
UID:10567-1793127600-1793134800@cityofasylum.org
SUMMARY:PGHwrites: Andrew Swensen & Yan Pang's "Shelter" (Musical Theatre Production)
DESCRIPTION:Photo Courtesy: Andrew Swensen \nThis special PGHwrites program features a staged performance of Andrew Swensen and Yan Pang’s Shelter\, building off the showcase held at City of Asylum last fall. Shelter tells the story of scars carried from childhood into adulthood\, exploring how they distort our vision of ourselves and damage our relationships\, but also ultimately create the challenges by which we claim our strength and achieve self-determination.  \nPaige\, our protagonist\, takes a journey through a series of memories\, traveling with her childhood self through her past. Her life telescopes into an unhealthy mix of self-serving selflessness and psychological isolation\, a well-wrought “shelter” that she has constructed from the pain of life. She emerges on the other side when she confronts her own role in what she has become\, releases her blame toward her mother\, and opens herself to the prospect of a genuine\, balanced connection to another.  \nAbout the Artists: \nAndrew Swensen (Book and Lyrics) began work on Shelter in 2020 and has had the remarkable good fortune to work with composer Yan Pang since 2023 in order to bring this musical to life. When not writing musicals\, Swensen serves as a faculty member at the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University\, working in the MFA program Writing for the Stage and Screen and in the Department of Cinema\, and he is the Executive Director of the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh. Past creative projects include being the co-author and lyricist of the musical The Golden Door; the co-writer\, producer\, and executive producer of the film Journey to Normal; and the executive producer of the film In Service. His professional background includes work with a variety of nonprofit organizations\, spanning performing\, visual\, and narrative arts. Previously\, he held faculty positions at Brandeis University\, Hamilton College\, Wellesley College\, and Western Michigan University\, and his teaching and research have spanned narrative and aesthetic theory\, comparative cultural studies\, literature\, and film. \nYan Pang (Composer) began working with librettist Andrew Swensen in 2023 on Shelter and has found incredible reward in creating the musical voice and vision for this work. As this work comes to life\, she is so grateful to have the opportunity to share the work with audiences. Pang’s career has spanned the roles of a composer\, performer\, educator\, and scholar\, with work exploring the range of possibilities in intercultural music creation. Her compositions blend Chinese folk traditions with Western operatic and music-theater forms to explore themes of resilience\, solidarity\, and immigration. Her works have been featured in international collections and competitions\, including For Archie\, Nowhere Home\, and The Others (Contemporary Music Score Collection\, UCLA). She is also the songwriter and music director of the album Glory Times (China Science & Cultural Audio-Video Publishing House). As a performer and composer\, Pang has worked regularly in performance-based and collaborative contexts\, including performing original compositions for MIXTAPE Dance in collaboration with choreographer Jason “J-Sun” Noer and music director Stefon “Bionik” Taylor. Pang holds a faculty position as Assistant Professor of Music at Point Park University\, where she teaches a range of courses in support of programs in theater\, musical theater\, and dance.  \nAbout Your Visit:  \nThe in-house restaurant\, Cucina Alfabeto\, is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. \nShare this:
URL:https://cityofasylum.org/program/pghwrites-andrew-swensen-yan-pangs-shelter-musical-theatre-production/
LOCATION:Alphabet City\, 40 W. North Avenue\, Pittsburgh\, PA\, 15212\, United States
CATEGORIES:Reading
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cityofasylum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Shelter-White.png
ORGANIZER;CN="City of Asylum":MAILTO:info@cityofasylum.org
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