August Wilson African American Cultural Center — Attraction in Pittsburgh

Lively Atmosphere, Mixed Food Experience at Inter Mission: The Artful Happy Hour Series

I attended the Inter Mission: The Artful Happy Hour Series at the August Wilson Center on June 20, 2024. This event, held every third Thursday of the month, offers a blend of music, food, and arts, catering to a mature crowd.

The ambiance was vibrant, with two DJs spinning soulful tracks. Although their music was decent, it didn’t quite ignite the dance floor as I hoped, but their distinctive styles were notable and added to the lively vibe of the evening, earning them a solid 4-star rating.

On the culinary side, the food didn't impress as much. I tried the chicken slider with red cabbage, corn soup, and a watermelon drink, which, unfortunately, lacked flavor and sweetness. I'd give the food offerings a 3-star rating for the evening.

However, a highlight was the guest vocalist who engaged the audience beautifully, prompting sing-alongs and keeping everyone entertained, deserving of 4 stars for her energy and crowd interaction.

Parking was incredibly convenient; arriving early allowed me to secure a spot right in front of the venue, a definite 5-star experience there. Additionally, the Cloud 33 Cigars setup on the patio was evidently a hit among guests, judging by the crowd it drew, which also deserves 5 stars.

I also took the 30-minute art gallery tour, brilliantly guided by the visual art curator. Her expertise and engaging presentation of the art housed within the August Wilson Center were truly impressive, meriting a well-deserved 5 stars.

In conclusion, while the food could improve, the overall experience of music, cigars, and art at Inter Mission is compelling. I recommend this event for anyone looking for a cultured evening out. The series could benefit from additional evenings, but as it stands, it's a delightful way to spend a Thursday night...

11/03/2023: Bobby Rush and Eric Gales. What a show it was! Bobby Rush (Turning 90 years old next week) is one of the Blues Performers that remain, whom actually experienced the life of an African-American growing-up in the deep south during the segregation years. Intermingling stories of the past while performing many of his great Blues tunes. (419 Records, there were a lot to choose from). I am 66 and have painful knees, he put me to shame. Happy Birthday Bobby! Now bring on Eric Gales and you have icing for Bobby's birthday cake. His guitar, his vocals, song lyrics and band could not have been better. Eric's very deep felt emotions regarding his music and life experience was transferred from his soul to the soul of the audience. Eric gracefully welcomed Bobby Rush to perform a number of songs with him and I found that to be the epidemy of the evenings experience. On one hand you have a Bluesman, in Bobby Rush, performing burlesque, naughty, somewhat explicit acoustic blues and on the other hand a very electric, emotional, in your face repertoire by Eric Gales. Put them together and you could define the Blues to a novice by pointing out ; "This is the Blues along with everything that falls within the midst." August Wilson Center: "BRAVO" for a quaint, acoustically sound auditorium that lends it perfection to the performance being...

ITS BEEN A WHILE SINCE I HAD ANYTHING TO REALLY BLOG ABOUT! BUT I DECIDED TO DO SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY THIS WEEKEND. I CAME ACROSS A LAST MINUTE OFFER TO ATTEND A EVENT AT THE AUGUST WILSON CENTER IN DOWNTOWN PITTBURGH PA. I CALLED IT A 3 FOR THE PRICE OF ONE. WHAT IM I SAYING, WELL IT GOES SOMETHING LIKE THIS YOU GOT 2 NIGHTS OF JAMMIN PLUS A AFTER PARTY FOR JUST $79.00 PER PERSON PERIOD. REALLY FOLKS THATS ALL YOU NEEDED WAS JUST $79.00. YESTERDAY I SAW THE OHIO PLAYERS AND THE FAT BACK BAND. TODAY IM LISTENING TO THE AVERAGE WHITE BAND, WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A AFTER PARTY WITH NICK NICE TO MC! IN ALL MY YEARS LIVING IN MY HOMETOWN OF PITTSBURGH PA, MINUS THE 7 YEARS THAT I LIVED IN MYRTLE BEACH. I NEVER GOT A DEAL LIKE THIS. I PERSONALLY FEEL THAT THE AUGUST WILSON CENTER HAS HIT THE JACK POT IN PITTSBURGH. THIS IS ONE SMART WAY IN MY OPINION TO KEEP YOUR DOORS OPEN PERMANENTLY. THE IDEA WAS BRILLIANT, SO PEOPLE IF YOUR LOOKING FOR AN ADULT ATMOSPHERE, THAT'S FRIENDLY AND CLEAN AND RELAXING BY ALL MEANS COME ON OVER AND SEE WHAT THEY REALLY HAVE TO OFFER. THE CROWD IS DIVERSED AND EVERYONE IS HAVING A REAL GOOD TIME!...