Friday, December 1, 2017

December Preview of Upcoming Events and Posts

Since this blog is  all about keeping a forward trajectory in midst of change and reaching your personal best, I wanted to preview some of my planned experiences in  the hope  that it will inspire some to join in. As Dale Carnegie once said, "Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy." Let's all get busy!


Rocky Bleier The Play- December 28th- January 6th at The Pittsburgh Public Theater



Rocky Bleier  -The Play is a one man show where Rocky Bleier actually tells his story for 90 minutes!  I saw it last year and was so impressed that I am going back to experience it  again. He is a fantastic story teller. Even if you are not a sports fan, you will admire his life story. 

Don’t miss it this year because it sold out last year. You will not only be entertained but be inspired by what one person can overcome with luck, drive, and discipline. 

(Join me at the O’Rielly Theater for the show that runs from December 28th -January 6th. Tickets available on line at Pittsburgh Public Theater or Trustarts.org)
 Blog post at  Day 182.   



The Nutcracker-December 1-27, 2017- Benedum


I love the beauty of  The Nutcracker  with its grand set which incorporates Pittsburgh’s unique landmarks, flurrying snow, over 100 dancers, and of course the love story between Claira and the Prince. Although I have seen it before it’s always fun to share with friends (see Day 90). I can’t wait to enjoy the peacefulness and brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s score again at The Nutcracker!

(Join me in experiencing The Nutcracker from December 1-27 at the Benedum. Tickets available on line at www.pbt.org )

Blog Post here


Home for the Holidays- December 20, 2017-Benedum



Home for the Holidays is a concert featuring some of Pittsburgh’s best talent celebrating the season with favorite Holiday musical classics. I have made music a part of my life in this  empty- nest period and I am looking forward to experiencing a variety of rock, blues and soul with:

Margot Bingham (from Boardwalk Empire Band), Scott Blasey (from The Clarks), Clinton Clegg (from The Commonheart), Bill Deasy (from The Gathering Field), Kelsey Friday (from Brownie Mary), Kevin GarrettJoy IkeJimbo Jackson (from Jimbo and the Soupbones), Phil MacDowell (from Buzz Poets) with Florraine DarlinBilly Price, and Lyndsey Smith (from Soul Distribution).

 (Join me at the Benadum on December 20th at 7:30 PM. Tickets ($29-$49) are available from the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust ticket source online at TrustArts.org)

Blog Post here

Holiday POPS- December 15-17, 2017 at Heinz Hall



The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Mendelssohn Choir,  and various other vocal soloists come  together for an explosion of holiday cheer at the yearly  Holiday POPS.  There is nothing like the full sound of the orchestra to augment  my favorite holiday songs and I love to sing along! This should be another perfect reprieve from shopping and all that preparing that we all seem to be doing during this time of year.  

(Join me at the Holiday POPs  December 15-17 at Heinz Hall. Tickets on line here)



Blog Post here


Midnight Radio: A Christmas Story-Bricolage Theater-December 7 to 23, 2017


It’s a Christmas tradition for my son and I to watch the 1983 iconic movie, A Christmas Story. We laugh every year at Ralphie’s quest for a Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot BB gun for Christmas, and his father’s acquisition of the “major award” leg lamp.

Bricolage  an interactive theater, recreates the hilarious moments of this movie in a 1940’s radio show format. There is also a free happy hour and interactive holiday amusements 30 minutes before the show! Now this is a new way to experience one of my favorite  movies and continue this lighthearted holiday tradition.  

(Join me from December 7 to the 23 at Bricolage’s theater on 937 Liberty Ave. Tickets ( $35.00 and $25.00 for Students) are available at  http://www.bricolagepgh.org/)

Blog Post  here

Adam Trent-Magic and Illusionist -December 2, 2017-Byham Theater


I was always fascinated with magic as a kid  and even got my first magic kit for Christmas at the age of eight. I have never seen a magician or a real illusion but I love theater and Adam Trent gives you both. 

Adam Trent  doesn’t  just do  tricks but gives his audience an overall  magical performance by merging  music, dance, comedy and magic (see clip here). His show The Illusionist ran for two years on Broadway and  I am excited to experience the theatrical  illusions and magic of Adam Trent. 

(Join me on December 2nd at the Byham Theater. Tickets are ($55.75-$75.75) from the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust at Trustarts.org)
Blog Post here

Carnegie Museum  of Art –Winter Skate Party- December 1, 2017 and  MORE  


Carnegie Museum transforms the  Hall of Sculptures into a Holiday Spectacular with larger than life trees and an 18th Century Nativity (see Day 93) but there are even more ways to celebrate the season with their events.

CMOA On Ice is an over 21 party where you can actually ice skate on a rink in the Hall of Sculptures! Now that is a new experience. In addition there will be  photo opts in front of classic art reproductions, a cookie table and craft beers, a 90’s DJ, and art tours. What a way to explore the museum and get into the spirit!
Blog Post here