Mark your calendar

The 22nd Annual Memorial Day Weekend Picnic is scheduled for Memorial Day, May 31.  Enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers and all the beer you can drink from noon to 6pm at the North Park Lodge.  Sponsored by the Delta Foundation, tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the gate. 

To purchase tickets, visit PittsburghPride.org or call 1-888-71-TICKETS.

 

Dance Council presents two shows

During April the Pittsburgh Dance Council will present two performances.  On April 3 the show will feature Complexions, a dance company the New York Times reports has “high voltage choreography.”  April 17 will be BJMDanse which the Edmonton Journal calls “fun and unabashedly entertaining.”  Both shows begin at 8pm at the Byham Theatre.  Purchase tickets at 412-456-6666 or at pgharts.org.

 

RCC sings their best

As part of their 25th anniversary celebration, the Renaissance City Choirs will present The Best of RCC 25 Years April 16 and 17 at 8pm at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty.  The concert will feature current Artistic Director Andres Cladera as well as special appearances from past directors Larry Marietta, Susan Haugh and Darlene Durrwachter-Rushing.  Highlighting the event will be a commission by Dr. Jeffrey Nytch written especially for the RCC’s anniversary.  Book your tickets at 412-362-9484 or www.rccpittsburgh.org.

 

Drum roll, please for Pgh Pride

Pittsburgh Pride has announced its headlining act for Pride 2010.  Deborah Cox will perform at Pride in the Street on June 12.  The Canadian R&B singer-songwriter’s albums include The Promise and Destination Moon.  Her 1998 single “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here” holds the records for most weeks (14) at Number One on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Chart.  Pittsburgh Pride 2010 runs June 4-13.  Find out more at www.PittsburghPride.org.

 

Good morning, Baltimore!

Expect the unexpected in Baltimore.  From the National Aquarium to the Maryland Zoo to Geppl’s Entertainment Museum, there’s plenty to see and do.  Baltimore is welcoming all families with pride in 2010.  Learn more at 1-877-Baltimore or Baltimore.org/lgbt.

 

Global LGBT event in Philly

Equality Forum, a LGBT civil rights organization with an educational focus, will host Equality Forum 2010 from April 26-May 2 in Philadelphia.  The focus of this year’s summit is Africa.  The week-long event will feature 25 panel discussions, two documentary films (Preacher’s Sons and OUT in Silence), nine parties as well as art exhibits and performances.  There will also be the International Equality Dinner with Honorary Chairs U.S. Senator Casey, Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell and Mary Governor O’Malley.  For a complete schedule of events, visit www.equalityforum.com.

 

Dreams of Hope performs at RMU

Dreams of Hope, a performing group for LGBT youth, will present their show First Comes Love…  at the Rogal Chapel on the Robert Morris University, Moon Township campus,  April 15 at 7pm.  The performance is free and open to the public.  Learn more at 1-800-762-0097.  The group will also be presenting two workshops at the Spring Education Conference for Social Workers at the Charleston Civic Center on April 29.

 

World premiere at Duquesne

The Red Masquers of Duquesne University will present the world premiere of Pittsburgh playwright F.J. Hartland’s new comedy Shuffle, Ball Change…and DIE! April 15-24.  Directed by John Lane, the play examines the deadly lengths parents will go to further their daughters’ dancing careers.  The play will be performed at the Peter Mills Auditorium in Rockwell Hall on the Duquesne University campus.  Make reservations by calling 412-396-6215.

 

Leave the driving to them

West Apple Tours is taking reservations for three special excursions for the LGBT community this summer.  How about a trip to Wheeling Casino May 22?  Or take an escorted deluxe coach to NYC Gay Pride Weekend June 25-27.   Maybe you’d prefer a few days at Bally’s Wild West in Atlantic City July 28-30.  To find out more, visit westappletours.com or call 724-628-3340.

 

Carpeting like ‘magic’

Weisshouse is offering a sweet deal on carpeting in April.  Get wool sisal carpet for $3 a square foot (plus pad and installation).  Visit Weisshouse at 324 South Highland Avenue or call them at 412-441-8888.

Ring, ring

When you’re ready to make a commitment, have your rings made to order at Caesar’s Designs in Shadyside.  Choose from gold, sterling, platinum or palladium—with or without diamonds and gemstones.  Call for an appointment at 412-621-0345 or visit www.caesardesigns.com.