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Home » Programs » Page 4
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
  • Sun 4
    June 4, 2023 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm EDT

    Another Pittsburgh: In Conversation with Neema Avashia

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

    Join us for a conversation on intersecting marginalized identities in Appalachia with Lambda Literary Award Finalist Neema Avashia, author of "Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place," and Namita Dwarkanath, a University of Pittsburgh law student and prior advocate for gender-based violence prevention. 

    Tue 6
    June 6, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    An Ode to Musical Innovator Erwin Schulhoff with Clarion Quartet & Friends

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

    This program is the second in a series of three classical music concerts performed by the Clarion Quartet. This concert honors composer Erwin Schulhoff, a multi-faceted and multi-genre innovator in music, far ahead of his time.

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

    The Second 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 second in a series of four concerts dedicated to visionary musician Charles Mingus. This concert will feature his music reflecting energetic black Christian worship practices and music reflecting Mingus' own self-reflection.

    Tue 13
    June 13, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Weaving the Threads of Lesbian Love with Amelia Possanza

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

    Debut author Amelia Possanza asks: How could lesbian love help us reimagine care and community? What would our world look like if we replaced its foundation of misogyny with something new, with something distinctly lesbian? The result is "Lesbian Love Story," an intricate tapestry of lesbian histories, seamlessly cinched together with threads of Amelia’s own story. 

    Wed 14
    June 14, 2023 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm EDT

    WORKSHOP: Archive Your (Queer) Life with Amelia Possanza

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

    What do we want future generations of queer people to know about our time? In this workshop, we will create individual digital archives of our own lives, and, as a group, we will gather them all together to make a queer time capsule.

    Thu 15
    June 15, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Cave Canem 2023 Retreat Readings with Tracie Morris, Major Jackson, & Remica Bingham

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

    As many of you know, since 2010, June at City of Asylum means the return of one of the most popular annual poetry events in the city—Cave Canem’s Faculty Reading. This coincides with the week-long Cave Canem Retreat, their long-standing flagship program.

    Fri 16
    June 16, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Answering the Call to Adventure with Jazz & Fly Fishing

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

    Jazz & Fly Fishing is a unique group of jazz musicians, adding a nuanced new genre to the  intersection of outdoor adventure and the arts. They are now embarking on their American tour, stopping at City of Asylum in addition to performing at clubs, festivals, fly shops, and river banks while documenting their adventures along the way.

    Sun 18
    June 18, 2023 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EDT

    Kente Summer Madness: Winston Bell Quartet & Jacquea Mae

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

    Kente Arts Alliance presents a series of three energetic and engaging concerts focusing on the art and music of the African Diaspora. The first concert in this series presents the Winston Bell Quartet, who share the stage with spoken word artist Jacquea Mae.

    Tue 20
    June 20, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

    Story Club PGH Story Slam: Moving On or Moving Out

    Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
    In-Person SOLD OUTFree 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 June 2023 is Moving On or Moving Out. 

    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.

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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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