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Home » Programs
LitFest 2025: Indigenous Language Acts with Erin Marie Lynch, Julian Talamantez Brolaski & Layli Long Soldier

LitFest 2025: Indigenous Language Acts with Erin Marie Lynch, Julian Talamantez Brolaski & Layli Long Soldier

A dynamic discussion that will traverse hybrid and experimental poetic forms as well as the art, broadly speaking, of translation. Moderated by Michelle Gil-Montero ...
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LitFest 2025: Bringing Chinese Literature to America with Editor Han Zhang (Riverhead Books) & Translator Jeremy Tiang

LitFest 2025: Bringing Chinese Literature to America with Editor Han Zhang (Riverhead Books) & Translator Jeremy Tiang

Zhang Yueran’s translated novel "Women, Seated" has become an undeniable hit among American audiences. But what does it take to bring Chinese literature to the US? In conversation with Anderson Tepper, editor Han Zhang and translator Jeremy Tiang will discuss ...
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LitFest 2025: Poetry, Comedy & Storytelling in American Sign Language with NuNu Davis & Lisa McBee

LitFest 2025: Poetry, Comedy & Storytelling in American Sign Language with NuNu Davis & Lisa McBee

City of Asylum welcomes Deaf storytellers and poets KJ Johnstein, Val Wojton, Mj Shahen, NuNu Davis, and Lisa McBee for performances in American Sign Language (ASL) and Visual Vernacular (VV) ...
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LitFest 2025: Love & Family, India & America, Tradition & Modernity with Booker Prize Winner Kiran Desai ("The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny")

LitFest 2025: Love & Family, India & America, Tradition & Modernity with Booker Prize Winner Kiran Desai (“The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny”)

2006 Booker Prize winner Kiran Desai returns to City of Asylum to share her triumphant, deeply romantic, newly Booker Prize–shortlisted novel, “The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny,” in conversation with Anderson Tepper ...
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Writer-in-Residence: Olena Boryshpolets’s “New Calypso” with Christopher Rivas & Lesya Verba (Book Launch)

Writer-in-Residence: Olena Boryshpolets’s “New Calypso” with Christopher Rivas & Lesya Verba (Book Launch)

A captivating musical theater performance and book launch of Writer-in-Residence Olena Boryshpolets’s new long-form poem, featuring actor Christopher Rivas and bandura musician Lesya Verba ...
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30 Programs found.

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Today
  • June 2023
  • Wed 21
    June 21, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    The History of Cuban Music: From Africa to Cuba with Hugo Cruz & Caminos

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    In-Person SOLD OUTFree Livestream Tickets

    This program is the first of three concerts in the “History of Cuban Music” series, curated, arranged, and performed by Hugo Cruz. All three concerts will combine musical performances, talks, and video and film excerpts.

    Sat 24
    June 24, 2023 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm EDT

    International Reading Series: A Vision of Nigeria with Ani Kayode Somtochukwu & Roxane Gay

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    In this fifth installment of our International Reading Series curated by Anderson Tepper, City of Asylum welcomes Ani Kayode Somtochukwu and Roxane Gay. In this program, Kayode, Roxane, and Anderson will discuss Kayode’s debut novel And Then He Sang a Lullaby.

    Mon 26
    June 26, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    An Alluring Night of Jazz with AurallaurA

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    This program presents a mid-album preview concert for Exetastes, an original jazz album from composer and vocalist, Laura Chu Wiens (AurallaurA)

    Tue 27
    June 27, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    The Music of Marian McPartland with Strings with Yoko Suzuki

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    This series builds on Yoko Suzuki’s ongoing projects to showcase the music of influential female jazz composers and leaders. Commemorating the tenth year since the passing of Marian McPartland, this concert will feature the arrangements of her original compositions and the songs she frequently played.

    Wed 28
    June 28, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Reel Q Reel Stories: Walking With Shadows

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    In-Person SOLD OUTFree Livestream Tickets

    Reel Stories is a free monthly film series dedicated to showcasing international queer cinema presented in partnership with Reel Q, Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ+ Film Festival. June’s screening (Happy Pride Month!) presents Walking With Shadows, a 2019 drama directed by Aoife O’Kelly which stars Ozzy Agu and Zainab Balogun.

  • July 2023
  • Thu 6
    July 6, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    An Inquisitive Night of Jazz with Alex Hamburger

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    After some time away—a few years in New York and one in Switzerland— flutist, vocalist, and composer Alex Hamburger has returned to her roots and is ready to make some noise. This program is part of the CD release tour for her sophomore album "What If?"

    Sun 9
    July 9, 2023 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EDT

    Kente Summer Madness: Howie Alexander Band & Ezra Smith

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    In-Person SOLD OUTFree Livestream Tickets

    This summer, the Kente Arts Alliance is presenting a series of three energetic and engaging concerts at City of Asylum, with special focus on the art and music of the African Diaspora. The second concert in this series presents the Howie Alexander Band, who share the stage with spoken word artist Leslie “Ezra” Smith. 

    Thu 13
    July 13, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    The History of Cuban Music: Danz​​ón, Cha Cha Cha, Charanga, Danzonete, & Mambo with Hugo Cruz and Caminos

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    In-Person SOLD OUTFree Livestream Tickets

    This program is the second of three concerts in the “History of Cuban Music” series, curated, arranged, and performed by Hugo Cruz. This concert spotlights the musical genres danz​​ón, cha cha cha, charanga, danzónete, and mambo. 

    Sat 15
    July 15, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am EDT

    Alphabet City Kids: Story Hour with Vicki Johnson

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    New for 2023, the Alphabet City Kids series features quarterly visits from authors writing books for elementary-aged children. July’s program introduces Vicki Johnson, author of debut children’s book, Molly’s Tuxedo. 

    Mon 17
    July 17, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Exploring Poetry’s Geographies

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    This program presents an engaging and unique panel, comprised of the minds behind "Poetry’s Geographies: A Transatlantic Anthology of Translations." This anthology radically foregrounds the role of translators as bridge-builders and activists, with a crucial role in revealing the structures through which poetry moves and circulates.

    Tue 18
    July 18, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Story Club PGH Story Slam: Into the Wild

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    Story Club Pittsburgh mixes the spontaneity of an open mic with the experience of live theater. Every show includes volunteer storytellers and featured performers who all take the stage to share stories based on a theme. The theme for July 2023 is Into the Wild. 

    Wed 19
    July 19, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Getting Into the Groove with Afrobeat Legend Kaleta & Super Yamba Band

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    In-Person SOLD OUTFree Livestream Tickets

    In this concert, we welcome back Brooklyn’s Kaleta & Super Yamba Band, fronted by Afrobeat and Juju veteran Leon Ligan-Majek (a.k.a. Kaleta).

    Thu 20
    live music Pittsburgh
    July 20, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    The Third of Four for Mingus with AJ Johnson

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    As part of his project “Four for Mingus,'' AJ Johnson presents the third in  a series of four concerts. This performance will focus on the ways in which Charles Mingus expanded the blues and adopted it to his artistic vision, stretching the genre to new dimensions. 

    Wed 26
    July 26, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Reel Q Reel Stories: Just Friends

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    Reel Stories is a free monthly film series dedicated to showcasing international queer cinema presented in partnership with Reel Q, Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ+ Film Festival. July’s screening presents "Just Friends," a romantic comedy directed by Ellen Smit.

  • August 2023
  • Sun 6
    August 6, 2023 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm EDT

    Kente Summer Madness: Anqwenique, LaKeisha Wolf, & BusCrates

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    In-Person SOLD OUTFree Livestream Tickets

    This summer, the Kente Arts Alliance is presenting a series of three energetic and engaging concerts at City of Asylum, with special focus on the art and music of the African Diaspora. The final concert in this series presents vocalist Anqwenique, who will share the stage with spoken word artist LaKeisha Wolf. 

    Wed 9
    devin drobka trio
    August 9, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    A Night of Jazz Piano with Devin Drobka Trio

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    Don’t miss this stop on the Devin Drobka Trio’s tour as they embark on a 10-show journey through the Midwest. Their debut record, "Resorts," released in 2021, blurs the line between composition and improvisation and stretches the boundaries of a traditional piano trio.

    Sun 13
    camille dungy soil
    August 13, 2023 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm EDT

    Tending to the Garden with Camille T. Dungy

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    This program welcomes poet and scholar Camille T. Dungy for a reading and conversation surrounding her essay collection, "Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden." "Soil" is a seminal work that expands how we talk about the natural world and the environment as Camille tends her garden to reflect her heritage.

    Tue 15
    story club pittsburgh
    August 15, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Story Club PGH Story Slam: Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    To live is to tell stories. Embracing that truth, Story Club Pittsburgh (created by the former producers of The Moth Pittsburgh), organizes and hosts a monthly nonfiction storytelling series at City of Asylum. The theme for August 2023 is Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow. 

    Thu 17
    August 17, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    The History of Cuban Music: African & Spanish Music Influence in Cuba with Hugo Cruz and Caminos

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    This program is the finale of three concerts in the “History of Cuban Music'' series, curated and arranged by Hugo Cruz, and performed by Hugo Cruz and Caminos. This third concert will feature Afro-Cuban music traditions from the Yoruba and Abakuá cultures, and the Spanish-influenced Cuban genres of punto guajiro, bulerias, tanguillo, rumba, and seguidilla.

    Mon 28
    August 28, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Untangling the Roots of the Model Minority Myth with Prachi Gupta

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    This program presents award-winning journalist Prachi Gupta’s debut memoir, "They Called Us Exceptional: And Other Lies That Raised Us." Prachi’s debut is a probing, heartfelt exploration of the psychological harm caused by the model minority myth, and what it takes to break free from its constraints.

    Wed 30
    August 30, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Reel Q Reel Stories: Instructions for Survival

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    Reel Stories is a free monthly film series dedicated to showcasing international queer cinema presented in partnership with Reel Q, Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ+ Film Festival. August’s screening presents "Instructions for Survival," a 2021 documentary directed by Yana Ugrekhelidze.

    Thu 31
    live music Pittsburgh
    August 31, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    The Finale of Four for Mingus with AJ Johnson

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    In support of his project “Four for Mingus,'' AJ Johnson presents the last in a series of four concerts dedicated to visionary musician Charles Mingus. This final concert will spotlight Charles Mingus’ tributes to Duke Ellington, creating a unique homage to both of these major figures in the history of jazz. 

  • September 2023
  • Tue 5
    September 5, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Celebrating the Music & Resilience of Manganiyar Musicians with Shalini R. Ayyagari

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    This program presents a combination reading and musical performance with author and ethnomusicologist, Shalini R. Ayyagari. In Shalani’s book, Musical Resilience: Performing Patronage in the Indian Thar Desert, she shows how professional low-caste musicians from the Thar Desert borderland of Rajasthan, India have skillfully reinvented their cultural and economic value in postcolonial India

    Thu 7
    September 7, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Off Minor Presents Mr. Clarinet: A Celebration of Buddy DeFranco

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    Fan favorite jazz series Off Minor returns this September with an ode to Buddy DeFranco.

    Tue 12
    September 12, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Welcoming Little Amal: A Panel on Resettlement with RealTime Arts & JFCS

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    This program, presented in partnership with RealTime Arts and Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS), welcomes a panel of resettlement experts and former refugees to explore the challenges unaccompanied minors face in their journey to find a new home, in preparation for a series of visits throughout Pittsburgh from Little Amal.

    Wed 13
    September 13, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Blending Genre & Perspective Through Sound with Kinetic

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    Utilizing a unique blend of global folk traditions and contemporary jazz, Kinetic’s performance efforts celebrate multiculturalism, wisdom, and unity.

    Thu 14
    September 14, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    A Night of Reggae-Afropop Fusion with Mathew Tembo

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    Mathew Tembo returns this fall as part of his U.S. tour! Themed "Reggae-Afro," this tour is aimed at highlighting the impact that reggae has had on his Afropop style from Zambia.

    Mon 18
    September 18, 2023 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EDT

    Celebrate Thumbscrew’s 5th Biennial Residency at City of Asylum

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    In an exciting return to the Alphabet City stage, Thumbscrew (Tomas Fujiwara, Michael Formanek, and Mary Halvorson) debut a program of original compositions, developed and rehearsed over the course of their 5th biennial residency at City of Asylum. 

    Tue 19
    story club pittsburgh
    September 19, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Story Club PGH Story Slam: Back to School

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

    Story Club Pittsburgh (created by the former producers of The Moth Pittsburgh), organizes and hosts a monthly nonfiction storytelling series at City of Asylum. The theme for September 2023 is Back to School. 

    Wed 20
    September 20, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Exploring Rank-and-File Solidarity with Robin Alexander

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    In-Person SOLD OUTFree Livestream Tickets

    In this program, retired UE Director of International Affairs Robin Alexander presents a reading and conversation surrounding her new e-book International Solidarity in Action (ISIA).

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About City of Asylum
City of Asylum builds a just community by protecting and celebrating freedom of creative expression.
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40 W. North Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-435-1110
Email: contact@cityofasylumpittsburgh.org
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