CATEGORY

Entertainment

Youth talent unveiled at AWC

Stephanie Jimenez was shocked when she learned that she had won a chance to perform at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture next season and a cash prize of $500 when she was chosen as the top winner in the first ever Youth Talent Showcase. FELECIA MCFARLENE from CAPA performs a dance piece. “I feel great about winning. I joined the contest because I wanted to have the experience. I didn’t enter it to win. I think I’m going to have to enter some more competitions,” said Jimenez, a 13-year-old CAPA high school eighth grader who lives in Squirrel Hill. She scored first place in the showcase by playing a beautiful rendition of Chopin’s “Fantasie Impromptu.”

Cover To Cover…‘Birthday Suit’

The swimsuit that Mama got you for this summer is the best one ever. It’s your favorite color, first of all. It fits just right, not too tight on your tummy and not too saggy in the bottom. It’s perfect for making sandcastles on the beach and sprinkler runs in the yard. Yep, you have a new swimsuit and you love to wear it. If you can remember back, though, there was one swimsuit you were born with and it was great – but not everyone wanted to see it. In the new book “Birthday Suit” by Olive Senior, illustrations by Eugenie Fernandes, a little boy enjoys showing off his own tan-colored suit.

I give my son money in exchange for good grades. Boyfriend disagrees!

(NNPA)—Dear Gwendolyn: My 14-year-old son, like a lot of children, finds school boring, which caused his grades to drop. A month ago, I made a promise to my son that every good grade he brings home, I will give him five dollars. Within one month’s time, he has already collected $25 from me. I’m proud of his accomplishments and I see the pride that has built up in him. However, my boyfriend is upset with me because of the way I am going about getting him to improve. Although, I believe in my heart there is nothing wrong with awarding a child. Gwendolyn, please let me know your thoughts.—A Confused Mother

Sommore speaks on love of comedy

The trendsetting, highly-acclaimed veteran entertainer widely considered as one of America’s the top comedic female entertainers, the Queen of Comedy is coming to Pittsburgh. SOMMORE “I call myself a comedian because I love the art of stand-up comedy,” Sommore said. “I saw someone do stand-up comedy years ago and I was intrigued with it. After that I said to myself that in my wildest dreams, if I could do anything in life, it would be a standup comedian. I tried it and it worked out for me. I am such a fan of the art and I love different styles of comedy. I love comedians that tell one liners, quick witted and others that tell stories. I also love people that are very animated with their stand-up, but the comedian who I totally dig her style is Joan Rivers. I will do stand up forever.”

Arts & Culture Calendar

Thursday 19 Jazz Jam CJ’s Restaurant & Lounge presents “The Roger Humphries & RH Factor Jazz Jam Session” at 8 p.m. at 2901-2911 Penn Ave., Strip District. There will be live jazz and fun every Thursday night. There will also be a Jazz Jam Session from 5:30-8 p.m. on June 16. Must be 30-years or older and there is a dress code that will be enforced. No tennis shoes, sweats, or athletic gear. For more information, call 412-642-2377.

Out & About

This week I visited the Savoy Restaurant in the Strip District, CJ’s in the Strip District, North Side Elks Lodge in the Hill District, Shadow Lounge in East Liberty and Black Beauty Lounge and Tim’s Bar both in the Hill District. My first stop was at Savoy Restaurant in the Strip District where everyone came out to enjoy fine dining and have a classy atmosphere. Dennis and John of Savoy Restaurant in the Strip District My next stop was at CJ’s in the Strip District where DJ Nick Nice celebrated his birthday with everyone in the city of Pittsburgh while spinning the hits on the 1’s and 2’s.

Bland, Staples, Canned Heat headline Blues Fest

Bobby Blue Bland, Mavis Staples and Canned Heat will headline the three day Blues Fest July 20-22 at Heartwood Acres. BOBBY BLUE BLAND

‘Redefining Diva’

Is it so horrible to know what you want? You don’t think so. That’s why you’re decisive, you state your needs clearly and firmly, and you expect people to act accordingly. What’s wrong with that? Nothing. You’re not nasty or horrible, so why would they call you a diva?

I had a baby and my boyfriend didn’t show!

(NNPA)—Dear Gwendolyn: Last summer, I had a baby and my boyfriend didn’t come to the hospital to watch the birth. I was so hurt. Other women’s husbands came and some even brought flowers. They were all looking at me. I felt like crying.

Soundwaves Steel Drum Ensemble

Ten-year-old Zach Woodworth has always been intrigued by the history and sound of the steelpan drum. So when he learned about the possibility of joining the Soundwaves Youth Steel Drum Ensemble, the Pittsburgh Urban Christian School student jumped at the chance. PHIL SOLOMON & SOUNDWAVES (Photo by Erin Perry)

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