Weekly Rundown February 20, 2013

Thursday, Feb. 20

Moving Against Racism in the Arts

The Alloy Studios

5530 Penn Ave., East Liberty

Noon – 2 p.m.

Admission: free (must register in advance)

Exploring themes dealing with race, privilege, violence and love, “Moving Against Racism in the Arts” is a workshop for art enthusiasts who want to get together to create positive change. 

Friday, Feb. 21

Billy Joel

Consol Energy Center

1001 Fifth Ave., Market Square

8 p.m.

Admission: $49.50 – $119

Taking a break from his monthly Madison Square Garden residency, The Piano Man makes a stop in Pittsburgh for the first time in nearly six years.

Saturday, Feb. 22

Congregation Opening Reception

Original Oyster House

20 Market St., Downtown

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 

Admission: free 

Congregation is a kinetic, interactive light artwork that will be on display in Market Square. The opening reception celebrates this event and will feature a chance to talk to the artists, U.K.-based duo Kit Monkman and Tom Wexler. Snacks and a cash bar will be available. The reception is sponsored by the Office of Public Art and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. 

Sunday, Feb. 23

Alton Brown Live

Benedum Center

803 Liberty Ave., Cultural District

Admission: $32.50 – $127.75

Alton Brown’s quirky blend of comedy and food science has been a hit on the shows “Good Eats” and “Iron Chef America.” Now, foodies will be able to catch him offering a live demonstration of both at the Benedum Center downtown.

Monday, Feb. 24

Enough Violence: Artists Speak Out

Society for Contemporary Craft

2100 Smallman St., Strip District

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Admission: free

Thirty-five artists from both North America and Europe attempt to address the epidemic of violence in Western society through painting, sculpture and installation in what promises to be a powerful exhibit.

Tuesday, Feb. 25

Flint Eastwood

The Smiling Moose

1306 E. Carson St., South Side

6 p.m. (doors), 6:30 p.m. (show)

Admission: $10

21+

Billing themselves as “Spaghetti Western cooked in the ovens of Detroit,” this four piece’s Western-tinged rock ‘n’ roll is rife with in-your-face swagger and creative use of synthesizers.

Wednesday, Feb. 26

Histoire du Soldat

The George R. White Studio at the Pittsburgh Opera

2425 Liberty Ave., Strip District

7:30 p.m.

Admission: $35 suggested donation

Attack Theater presents Igor Stravinsky’s “The Soldier’s Tale.” Featuring musicians from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Carnegie Mellon University School of Music, the story follows three characters — a soldier, devil and narrator — who collaborate in an hour-long dance performance.