Looking back, looking ahead

No matter how you feel now about what happened a year ago today, it’s likely you won’t ever… No matter how you feel now about what happened a year ago today, it’s likely you won’t ever forget where you were when it happened, how you found out about it, and how you felt about it.

It’s also likely that you’re thinking about it more than usual today.

For those who need an outlet for their thoughts and emotions, there is no shortage of events and happenings – political, spiritual and cultural – taking place today to remember the sad anniversary of Sept. 11.

There are also plenty of events taking place today that don’t specifically commemorate the day, but still provide a release or rejuvenation of some sort. Even as you remember the events that took place far from here, make sure you take a moment for yourself.

These listings are just a sample of what’s happening in the city today.

– Leslie Hoffman and Clare Perretta, A’E editors

8:30 a.m.

Opening Remembrance Ceremony

Pitt Remembers 9-11-01

Although this opening will probably have passed by the time you read this, Pitt planned to open its day of remembrance with the raising of the flag accompanied by a soloist singing “America the Beautiful” and a bagpiper’s version of “Amazing Grace.” The chancellor will speak and the ROTC flag detail will raise the flag to half-staff.

8:46 a.m.

National moment of silence observed

8:47 a.m. to 10:29 a.m.

Flags for Heroes Ceremony

Pitt Remembers 9-11-01

The organizers of the event hope to have 3,041 flags placed on the Cathedral lawn by 10:29 a.m. in remembrance of the number of lives lost on Sept. 11. Passers-by are invited to contribute by placing a flag provided by the University.

9:03 a.m.

Heinz Chapel opens its doors

Pitt Remembers 9-11-01

Heinz Chapel opens its doors at this time and will remain open until midnight for people wishing to reflect. Its regularly scheduled Catholic Mass will take place at noon.

9:30 a.m.

Reflections and Prayers for Peace at Heinz Memorial Chapel

Pitt Remembers 9-11-01

An interfaith service organized by the Chaplains Association will take place. It is open to Pitt students, faculty and staff as well as all members of local communities.

9:43 a.m.

Exhibit of Media Coverage

Conney M. Kimbo Gallery

William Pitt Union

Pitt Remembers 9-11-01

The Conney M. Kimbo Gallery, located on the ground floor of the William Pitt Union and operated by Pitt Program Council, will sponsor an exhibition of news media coverage of Sept. 11, 2001, by media sources both national and local. Visitors to the exhibit will have the opportunity to write a special thought on a Red Cross post card that will then be mailed to the family of a Sept. 11 victim or to a serviceman or woman serving overseas.

10:05 a.m.

Some of God’s Children gospel performance

Heinz Chapel

Pitt Remembers 9-11-01

The austerity of Heinz Chapel provides a placid backdrop to the richness of Pitt’s own gospel choir, Some of God’s Children. They will perform a selection of gospel songs at the chapel at 10:05 a.m., the time the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.

10:10 a.m.

“In Memoriam”

Assembly Room

William Pitt Union

Pitt Remembers 9-11-01

Presented in cooperation with Brad Grey Productions, the people who produce “Sex and the City,” Pitt Program Council is showing “In Memoriam,” a documentary about the continuing rebirth of Lower Manhattan. The first showing of the film is at 10:10 a.m., when United Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, Pa. The film will also be shown at noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:11 p.m.

Noon to 8 p.m.

“Aftermath: Stop the Voice of Hate”

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts

Shadyside

Sandeep Patel, the sole survivor of the Baumhammers hate crime spree, serves as the inspiration and muse of this week’s installation at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. Titled “Aftermath: Stop the Voice of Hate,” The multimedia exhibit incorporates tactile art, spoken word, poetry and music.

The main inspiration for the installation is the adage “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” An enormous face made of sticks was created on the lawn of the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, and visitors to the center are encouraged to paint their own messages of peace on stones and place them in the mouth of the wooden face.

Poetry performances by Lee Chotiner, Terrence Hayes, Christiane Leach, Pitt professor Lin Wei-Lee and Phat Man Dee round out the day.

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts is located at 1047 Shady Ave., at the corner of Fifth and Shady avenues in Shadyside. The center can be reached at (412) 361-0873.

5 p.m.

Conclusion of Flags for Heroes Ceremony

Pitt Remembers 9-11-01

The ROTC will lower the flags to end the ceremony. The 3,041 flags placed on the Cathedral lawn earlier this morning will be available for passers-by to take as a remembrance. The flags will be available between 5 and 6 p.m.

7 p.m.

Renewal at Twilight

Heinz Memorial Chapel

Pitt Remembers 9-11-01

This 45-minute program features music and readings of hope and renewal. The windows of the chapel will be illuminated at dusk and remain lit until the chapel closes at midnight. A total of 911 luminaries will be displayed on the Cathedral and William Pitt Union lawns and will glow throughout the night.

8 p.m.

Flight 93 Benefit Concert with New Invisible Joy and John Vento and friends

Iron City Ober Brau Haus

Lawrenceville

A rock concert on Sept. 11 sounds like it could be, well, somewhat unsympathetic. Rock ‘n’ roll excess is not necessarily an appropriate sentiment to be expressing on the anniversary of a national tragedy.

But when the rockers are local heroes New Invisible Joy and the proceeds are going to benefit the families of the victims of United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Somerset county, a little leeway can be granted to the participants.

New Invisible Joy, whose roots can be traced to the breakup of the grunge-influenced band Vent, have steadily gained notoriety since their first show in 1997, when, after their half-hour long set, they realized they needed a lot more practice. They took a three-month hiatus and grown better and better ever since.

The festive, intimate outdoor setting of the Iron City beer garden is a counterpoint to the solemnity of the occasion. But the New Invisible Joy show proves that not every Sept. 11 tribute has to be tear-stained.

The Iron City Ober Brau Haus is located at 3340 Liberty and Sassafras streets in Lawrenceville. Contact them at (412) 460-2583.

7:30 p.m.

“A Concert for Heroes”

Gustav Mahler’s “Resurrection,” directed by Gilbert Kaplan

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

Downtown

Of all the themes and messages to arise from Sept. 11, perhaps the best is the theme of resurrection and the realization that life will continue. Tonight, the Pittsburgh Symphony will perform Gustav Mahler’s “Resurrection,” directed by Gilbert Kaplan.

Kaplan, an expert on Mahler, has received acclaim for his work with this piece, including accolades from The New York Times, who named his recording of “Resurrection” with the London Symphony one of its records of the year.

The Symphony chose this piece because the members felt that it best represented their sentiments for the victims of the attack and the workers and volunteers who assisted in the aftermath.

The proceeds from this benefit will go to the Somerset County Flight 93 Memorial Fund. All tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling (412) 392-4900 or by visiting the Symphony’s Web site at www.pittsburghsymphony.org.

8 p.m.

Alan Silva

With Roger Turner and Johannes Bauer

Public Health Auditorium

Oakland

OK, so this isn’t a performance scheduled to commemorate Sept. 11 itself, but music often has an undeniable healing quality, and it’s unlikely these three musicians will leave the audience feeling disappointed.

Alan Silva, legendary free jazz keyboardist from the 1960s, has been noted for his collaborations with Sun Ra, Albert Ayler, Sunny Murray, Cecil Taylor and Archie Shepp. Roger Turner and Johannes Bauer, from England and Germany, respectively, accompany Silva on the trombone and drums and have also been noted for their individual collaborations with other remarkable musical groups and ensembles.

Silva, Turner and Bauer play music for true jazz enthusiasts and for people who appreciate music’s experimental qualities. Tune into the Public Health Auditorium tonight for a rejuvenating experience. Tickets are $10 and available in advance at Paul’s CDs in Bloomfield.

Ongoing events:

Through Saturday

“Wish for the World”

The Society for Contemporary Craft

The Strip District

Yesterday marked the first day of the Society for Contemporary Craft’s “Wish for the World” project. The SCC, located along Smallman Street in the Strip District, has set aside a special wall for visitors to express their feelings about the anniversary of the Sept. 11 events.

The SCC is a warm, modern gallery that attempts to break down barriers between what people consider “arts” versus “crafts.” The gallery often hosts learning opportunities and educational experiences, and is constantly reaching out to the community.

The gallery is located at 2100 Smallman St. in the Strip District. For more information, call (412) 261-7003 or visit www.contemporarycraft.org.

Through Sept. 28

“September 11, 2001: Silver Eye Members Respond”

The Silver Eye Gallery

South Side

Silver Eye Gallery members are out to capture the world as they see it. To commemorate the anniversary of Sept. 11, the gallery’s photographers have submitted images that remind them of the day. Admission is free.

The Silvery Eye Gallery is located at 1015 E. Carson St. For more information, call (412) 431-1810 or visit www.silvereye.org.