Solar Concert Series

 Enjoy Pittsburgh’s own “green” concert series, where the summer sun powers the sound system! Concerts take place every Wednesday at 12:15pm in July and August in front of the Children’s Museum at the Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square. This concert series is a project of the New Hazlett Theater, the Saturday Light Brigade, and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

July 3: Tom Roberts (ragtime and jazz) - Considered one of today’s leading exponents of early jazz piano, Tom Roberts has performed throughout the US and Europe, on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, and has recorded over 40 CDs.

July 10: AppalAsia (Asian-bluegrass fusion) – AppalAsia combines influences of Appalachian and Asian music traditions with original composition and inspired improvisation to create their unique musical voice. Using erhu, dulcimer, banjo, and vocals, they create a cross-cultural musical experience that draws on a collaboration of traditions with an ear toward the future. For their Solar Concert Series appearance, AppalAsia will be joined by Jeff Grubbs on bass. Performing with AppalAsia for the first time, Grubbs will add a new depth to the ensemble’s music.

July 17: The Wreckids (folk-rock) - Big Snow Big Thaw is 2/3rds Pennsylvania bred and 1/3 Kentucky fed. They’ll be bringing their own brand of rootsy and americana originals for banjo, guitar and percussion, coupled with lively and beautiful vocal harmonies.

July 24: The Squirrel Hillbillies (acoustic country and folk) – From within the urban forest of Pittsburgh’s East End, the Squirrel Hillbillies emerge to share their eclectic mix of folk, country and blues. The duo has been writing, arranging and performing original music since 2010, with appearances at Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival, Folk Alliance International, and Calliope: Pittsburgh’s Folk Music Society. Through collaborative, nonlinear songwriting process, duo partners Jenny Wolsk Bain and Gary Crouth draw from personal experiences, third-hand stories and vivid imaginations to craft songs that are unpredictable and quirky yet widely accessible. www.squirrelhillbillies.com

July 31: Mark Dignam (original contemporary Irish and folk) – Born in Ireland, Mark Dignam grew up in the Dublin suburb of Finglas, where his mother sang and filled his childhood home with song. In 1995, Mark released his acclaimed Poetry and Songs From the Wheel, named a top 10 Best Debut by Ireland’s Hot Press Magazine. Mark’s album, Box Heart Man, was selected as one of WYEP’s top picks for 2005. Mark has performed with The Swell Season, David Gray, Billy Bragg, Joan Armatrading, and Richard Thompson. When he isn’t touring with his band The House of Song, or at home with his family, Mark can be found in the studio preparing his highly-anticipated new album, Monumental Way, at Treelady Studios in Turtle Creek, PA. http://markdignam.com/

August 7: The Josh & Gab Show (anti-bullying kid rock) – Gab Bonesso is a nationally renowned comedian, performer and comedy writer. Josh Verbanets is an award-winning songwriter, singer and musician. Together, they have developed a unique and unforgettable live anti-bullying musical comedy program for students of all ages. Josh and Gab’s performances utilize humor, original songs, interactive exercises, and energetic storytelling in a fun and heartfelt educational program. Watch for Josh and Gab at a school, community center or family-friendly event near you in 2013! www.joshandgab.com

August 14: Members of Timbeleza (Brazilian batacuda drumming) – Timbeleza is a Pittsburgh-based ensemble that performs African influenced Brazilian percussive style music called batucada. Working closely with master drummers from Brazil, Timbeleza works to expand its repertoire and reach new audiences. Among its goals is exposing people to samba music invigorating the local community with its authentic music and performance style. http://timbeleza.org/#0f0/custom_plain

August 21: The Flow Band (reggae) - Pittsburgh’s premiere reggae dance band, The Flow Band has a legendary history of fusing neo-soul rhythms over tropical world beats. Formed in the 1980s, the five-piece Flow Band has opened for many acclaimed figures in reggae and African music, including Dennis Brown, Ziggy Marley, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Jimmy Buffet. They have received 15 awards, including Best Local Reggae Artist and Performance Band of the Year. http://myspace.com/daflowband

August 28: Crusic Percussion (percussion ensemble) – Crusic Percussion is a local percussion ensemble based out of Carnegie Mellon University. From 1920′s rags to 1990′s street drumming, their show has it all. They perform dynamic music with their own special twist.

More info can be found online at: http://solarconcertseries.org/
Have you ever heard of a "green" concert series.  The sun powers the sound system in this unique concert.  These concerts take place every Wednesday at 12:15pm in the summer.  You can check them out at Buhl Community Park in Allegheny Square.  You can find the schedule below so you can plan your next lunch break with some great music.  Check out Living Pittsburgh for more information.