Upcoming Events
Some Local Venues that Host Creative Music
Bantha Tea Bar
Roboto Project
The Maple Leaf
Perogi Palace
About This Calendar
This calendar compiles creative music events around Pittsburgh. We list show announcements that happen every other Monday at the Open Improvisation Lab. Always check the more comprehensive Arcane City Calendar (linked on the right)
Want us to list your event? Contact us here.
Harsh Noise in the Smut Room
Fungus Books presents: Harsh Noise in the Smut Room
5/22
doors 6:30
feat
Celebrity Sex
Bestiality Network
Harsh Noise in the Smut Room
Fungus Books presents Harsh Noise in the Smut Room, an adults-only underground noise event featuring performances by Celebrity Sex and Bestiality Network. The event takes place at Fungus Books, an independent bookstore and event space located at 700 1/2 S Trenton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Doors open at 6:30 PM on May 22, 2026. Expect raw, confrontational harsh noise performances in an intimate and unconventional setting. Adults only.
Wake Robin at 10-Minute Playfest
Wake Robin at 10-Minute Playfest
5/22
doors 7, show 7:30
Glitterbox Theater, 210 W 8th Ave, Homestead
The 40th Glitterbox Theater 10 Minute Playfest! Tickets | The Glitterbox Theater
Wake Robin is a newly-formed folk group featuring Hannah Standiford, Judy Swanson, + Annick Odom. The band draws from old-time traditions, the folk revival, early bluegrass, and their own original songwriting woven together with close harmonies.
KBD // Ryan/Davide/Belcher // Collins/Abalos - Bellefield Hall rm. 205
Bellefield Hall rm. 205
315 s. Bellefield Ave.,
10-15 $ NOTAFLOF
KBD (Toledo, OH)//
Ryan/Davide/Belcher //
Collins/Abalos
Carter Crosby
Minibeast (ex-Mission of Burma), Shadow Riot, Business Pants
Minibeast, Shadow Riot, and Business Pants at Tech 25
Fri May 22. 7 pm, All ages.
Tech25, 112 St Joseph St, Mount Oliver.
Tickets at Humanitix online and at the following stores:
Jerry's, Government Center. $10-20.
MINIBEAST - Noise-rock from Providence RI (ex-Mission of Burma, Volcano Suns, Kustomized)
https://minibeast.bandcamp.com/
SHADOW RIOT - from Washington, D.C.
https://shadowriotdc.bandcamp.com/
and locals BUSINESS PANTS
(Erik Cirelli + Chris Cannon)
Minibeast is a three-piece band comprised of Peter Prescott (formerly of Mission of Burma, Volcano Suns, Kustomized) playing guitar, keys, noises (mouth & other) & the mind bending rhythm section of Keith Seidel on drums n' percussion and Niels LaWhite on bass. It's liquid music...always moving. They gratefully accept influences from Fela Kuti, Can, and the Stooges.
Wake Robin at 10-Minute Playfest
Wake Robin at 10-Minute Playfest
5/23
doors 7, show 7:30
Glitterbox Theater, 210 W 8th Ave, Homestead
The 40th Glitterbox Theater 10 Minute Playfest! Tickets | The Glitterbox Theater
Wake Robin is a newly-formed folk group featuring Hannah Standiford, Judy Swanson, + Annick Odom. The band draws from old-time traditions, the folk revival, early bluegrass, and their own original songwriting woven together with close harmonies.
Slow Slow Loris (Berlin) / Slacking / Silver Moult / Best Western
Noise show at The Maple Leaf
5/23
7pm
The Maple Leaf, 115 Sedgewick St
$10
Slow Slow Loris (Berlin) / Slacking / Silver Moult / Best Western
Music with Friends Vol. 1: Theme - Purple Eggplant (Petrea Volubis) feat. BusCrates, Chris Coleman, Daïa, trē
Music with Friends Vol. 1:Theme- Purple Eggplant (Petrea Volubis)
5/23
9pm
Incurably Optimistic (428 Rebecca Ave)
feat. BusCrates, Chris Coleman, Daïa, trē
an evening of improvised music with my buddies :) Limited home-made treats will be provided :) including vegan/GF option <3
the Yawp Shop: improvisational singing group
THE YAWP SHOP IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!!!
Haley has graciously opened her space in Millvale, 7th Sense Salon, to host the Yawp Shop every Tuesday evening from 7-8:30pm.
Group starts back up May 19th.
The purpose of the group is to express, sing with other people in the community, and have fun!!! No previous experience is required! We are here to have a thartic and community building experience. Vocal warmups, improv singing, and cover songs abound !
Only 10 spots available each week! So sign up ahead of time to secure your slot. $25 at Drop In Classes — feel imagine generate
RELEASE YOUR INNER DEMONS.
Experimental Guitar Night #68
Experimental Guitar Night #68
5/27
8pm
Bantha Tea Bar, 5002 Penn Ave
Morgantown Crankie Festival
Info from: https://www.annick-odom.com/morgantown-crankie-fest.html
What is a crankie?
A crankie (sometimes called a moving panorama) is a handmade, scrolling artwork that i painted, printed, cut, or sewn and comes to life in performance. As the artist turns a crank, the images move from one spool to another, revealing a story over time, often accompanied by live music, song, or spoken word.
Rooted in folk and community storytelling traditions from around the world, these paper movies continue to be reimagined by artists today. The Morgantown Crankie Festival celebrates crankies as storytelling machines where visual art, music, poetry, and storytelling come together to create a kind of low-tech magic that is intimate and handmade.
About the festival
The Morgantown Crankie Festival is a new, community-centered gathering celebrating crankies. The festival brings together over 20 artists from West Virginia and beyond, alongside local performers, makers, and community members.
You can expect:
Live crankie performances throughout the weekend
A mix of locally created work and visiting guest artists
Opportunities to learn about and make crankies
A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere
Workshops
Book illustration, crankies and the imagination
Thursday May 28, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
$30/student*
A workshop to show how the art of book illustration can help making crankies. During the workshop we will make an illustrated book and see how it can be turned into a mini crankie and scroll. Peter is a book illustrator, writer, crankie maker, folklorist and storyteller who wrote The Moon-eyed People, the stories of the Welsh in Appalachia in 2019. This class is great for all ages.
Paper Cut Workshop
Saturday May 30, 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
$35/student*
In this workshop, renowned papercut artist and crankie pioneer Katherine Fahey will speak about the history of paper cutting, provide each student with a template and the materials they need, and guide the group in making one of their own papercut pieces.
*Please email info@monartscenter.com if the cost is prohibitive, and you'd like to inquire about scholarships.
Festival Performance Schedule
Each performance features a different lineup of crankies—so no two shows are the same.
Saturday, May 30 at 7 pm
Annick Odom, Double Trouble Duo (Linda Durrett and Yank Halmuth), Hannah Lewis, Hannah Standiford, Jo Ann Dadisman, Jody & Jay Best, Lindsay McCaw, The Lantern Sisters (Katherine Fahey & Dan Van Allen), Peter Stevenson, and Sam D'Agostino
Sunday, May 31 at 4 pm [most kid-friendly show]
Annie Trimble, Barbara Walker, Carol Denney, Denise & Richard Warren Smith, Evan Clough, Francene Kirk, Hannah Standiford, Jo Ann Dadisman, The Lantern Sisters (Katherine Fahey & Dan Van Allen), and Peter Stevenson
Additional music by José Fernando
Sunday, May 31 at 7 pm
Annick Odom, Carol Denney, Chris Haddox, Emily Lehr, Evan Clough, Hannah Lewis, The Lantern Sisters (Katherine Fahey & Dan Van Allen), Lindsay McCaw, Olivia Insani Perske & Brie Kelley, and Peter Stevenson
Recommended for ages 8+
Reserve your seat: bit.ly/morgantowncrankie
Katherine Fahey and her beautiful paper cut art crankies
Peter Stevenson and his crankies (many of which are also books!)
List of Performers and Artists
Thanks to the Center for Cultural Vibrancy for their micro-grant which is supporting several of the visiting artists (*) to be able to attend the festival and the creation of two new crankies.
Annick Odom (Morgantown, WV) *
Annie Trimble (Pittsburgh, PA)
Barbara Walker (Morgantown, WV)
Carol Denney (Elkins, WV)
Chris Haddox and Eddie Spaghetti (Morgantown, WV)
Christie Slingluff (Pittsburgh, PA)
Denise and Richard Warren Smith (Morgantown, WV)
Double Trouble Duo, Linda Durrett and Yank Halmuth (Green Bank and Philippi, WV)
Emily Lehr (Morgantown, WV)
Evan Clough (Morgantown, WV) *
Francene Kirk (Morgantown, WV)
Hannah Lewis (Detroit, MI) *
Hannah Standiford, with Annick Odom and Judy Swanson assisting (Pittsburgh, PA) *
Jo Ann Dadisman (WV)
Jody & Jay Best (Confluence, PA)
Katherine Fahey and Dan Van Allen, also known as The Lantern Sisters (Baltimore, MD)
Lindsay McCaw (Detroit, MI) *
Olivia Perske (Elkins, WV)
Peter Stevenson, with Mark Kemp assisting (Wales, UK & Morgantown, WV)
Sam D'Agostino (DC) *
A Night of Durational Music: Forest Management (CHI) / Estelle / Nick Breinich / Gusto / Bed Load
A Night of Durational Music
5/29
Doors: 5:30PM Music: 6:00PM
Wood Street Galleries, Floor 2, 601 Wood St, 15222
$10-15 suggested donation
Forest Management (CHI) - the long running ambient project of Chicago musician, John Daniel. His prolific output has been featured on labels such as No Rent Records, American Dreams, Vaknar, and numerous others.
Local support from long player veterans:
Estelle
Nick Breinich
Gusto
Bed Load
A veritable feast of moving image mysteries will be projected for the duration of the event by film archivist Steven Haines of Flea Market Films.
Email errantbookingspgh@gmail.com for more information.
Morgantown Psychic Rally Presents Drone Day
Morgantown Psychic Rally Presents Drone Day
10AM to 10PM
Andrew White Guitars, 198 Foundry Street, Morgantown, WV, USA
International Drone Day is full-day immersion in meditative sound being hosted by Andrew White Guitars on May 30th.
Morgantown Psychic Rally has organized this FREE event as a fundraiser for the Friends of Deckers Creek trout restocking. Performers from around the region and Pittsburgh will provide twelve continuous hours of sound throughout the day, starting at 10am to 10pm. Audiences are encouraged to bring mats or beanbag chairs and to get comfortable. This family friendly sonic meditation is an opportunity to slow down and get swept away. Feel free to come and go throughout the day.
Drone music can be traced to traditions around the world from Aboriginal didgeridoos to Scottish bagpipes, from Indian classical sitar to Hindu and Buddhist chants of OM.
Drone Day
Morgantown Psychic Rally is ecstatic to announce our role organizing the local manifestation of Drone Day, an international celebration of sound to “make a noise together that stretches around the world.”
This will be an all-day event happening on May 30th, 2026 in Morgantown, WV (and around the planet!). The event is graciously hosted by Andrew White Guitars, located at 198 Foundry Street in Morgantown, near the banks of beautiful Decker’s Creek.
Admission is absolutely Free and open to all ages. We encourage visiters to make a donation to Friends of Decker’s Creek. Snacks and libations will be available.
Check the current lineup of performers HERE
Learn more about the people who created Drone Day HERE
Confused what Drone is? Learn HERE
This event will be livestreamed, link TBD once we get that set up…
Easy Peasy at Roboto - Melanoma Foundation Fundraiser
See Robot website / IG for more info.
Some are Bunnies
Some Are Bunnies / Dull Dirty Danger / Dusty Maroon
Three bands from Pittsburgh's improvised music community will generate a variety of sounds.
Saturday, May 30th at the Pierogie Palace in Friendship
Doors at 7pm, Music at 8pm
$10-$15 suggested donation, NOTAFLOF
Ableton Deep Dive with Steve Knots
Ableton Deep Dive with Steve Knots
Sun May 31, 2026 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM ED
PearlArts Movement and Sound, 818 Braddock Ave, 15104
Register Here Sliding scale $15-27 plus processing fee or show up & pay in cash
Improvise and Create with Ableton Live | Beginner to intermediate | Learn to use session view, tweak effects racks, have tons of fun, and make songs.
Zone Farmer / Infant (Detroit) / LexCD
Infant (Detroit) / Zone Farmer / LexCD
5/31
7:00-11:00PM
$10-15 Notaflof
318 Harmar
Please be respectful
Do not park near the venue
Pipo Romero with Danny Rec and Daryl Shawn
Pipo Romero (guitar blending flamenco, folks, contemporary acoustic sounds) with Danny Rec and Daryl Shawn
6/3
2 showtimes!
7pm with Danny Rec
9pm with Daryl Shawn
$25/30
all ages welcome
tix: AMW, Jerry’s, Caliban, Vinyl Remains, Pleasant Dreams, Government Center (no service charge - cash only) and Humanitix online (minimal service charge)
Electronic Playground
Pittsburgh Modular presents Electronic Playground — a free evening of live electronic music and hands-on synthesizer exploration at The Pitch on Butler in Pittsburgh, PA. Join fellow electronic music enthusiasts for live performances, modular synthesizer demonstrations, and an open playground environment where attendees can interact with synthesizers and electronic instruments. This is a welcoming, all-ages event for anyone curious about electronic music, sound synthesis, and modular gear. Pittsburgh Modular is a Pittsburgh-based synthesizer company known for their modular synthesis equipment and community events. You can learn more about Pittsburgh Modular at pittsburghmodular.com.
Pallbearer w/ Blood Vulture, Mires
Pallbearer performs Foundations of Burden in full on June 3 at Spirit Hall in Pittsburgh, PA.
With special guests Blood Vulture and Mires
A night of heavy, atmospheric doom metal from one of the genre’s leading bands.
https://pallbearer.bandcamp.com/
Dittocrush (album release), frogonbough, Chameleon Treat, with Cole Modell
Dittocrush (album release for Limon Skyullz), frogonbough, Chameleon Treat, with reading from Cole Modell
6/6
doors 7:30p, music 8
telephone, 5120 Penn Ave
$10-15 everyone welcome
Mase / I4A / Eliza Niemi
6/7
doors 7p, show 8
Pierogi Palace
Eliza Niemi + band
I4A
Mase Phillips
Pittsburgh Grindcore Night w/ Morgue Breath, Retorsion, Thlurm Barbaro, Moisty, Mandatory Abortion, Underneath
ASM Booking presents a 7-band grindcore extravaganza at The Mr. Roboto Project featuring touring acts from California, Hungary, and Indiana.
ASM Booking presents Pittsburgh Grindcore Night on June 8th, 2026 at The Mr. Roboto Project in Pittsburgh, PA. Doors open at 5 PM. Seven bands for $15 at the door.
Lineup includes:
- Morgue Breath (on tour from California)
- Retorsion (on tour from Hungary)
- Thlurm Barbaro (on tour from Indiana)
- Moisty
- Mandatory Abortion
- Underneath
A night of heavy grindcore, death metal, and powerviolence with national and international touring acts alongside local Pittsburgh bands. $15 gets you all 7 bands.
Second Saturdays: Business Jazz
The Space Upstairs | SECOND SATURDAYS
doors open 8pm
performances 9pm-11pm
$15
JUNE 13 BUSINESS JAZZ
The music ensemble BUSINESS JAZZ presents an evening of durational musical performances with long-format improvisations by THE PILLOW PROJECT movement artists.
Established in 2007, SECOND SATURDAYS have been the signature jazz-happenings at The Space Upstairs, becoming a beloved staple of the local arts scene. This unique venue is not just a space; it is an immersive cool and separate world, lit by hanging light bulbs, vintage couches, coffee tables, deconstructed instruments, chalked poetry and wall of books to invite spontaneous inquiry, creativity and contemplation. The improvisational postmodern-jazz dance performances by The Pillow Project are captured in vivid splashes of light, as the synergy between sound and movement turns the space into a living canvas of artistic expression.
Plastic Wildflowers / Bat St. Chip / Some Pepper / Dylan Zeh + Derek Bendel + Eli Weidman + trē
Incurably Optimistic!
6/14
6:30pm start til 10:00pm
$10
Plastic Wildflowers
Bat St. Chip
Some Pepper
Dylan Zeh + Derek Bendel + Eli Weidman + trē
Email errantbookingspgh@gmail.com for more information
7D / The Playful Bunch (PHL) / Vesuvian (PHL) / Tuxis Giant (NYC)
7D / The Playful Bunch (PHL) / Vesuvian (PHL) / Tuxis Giant (NYC)
6/16
7:00PM start til 10:00PM
Skyzone 2 (in the backyard)
Bring cash for the performers
Email errantbookingspgh@gmail.com for more information
Swampwalk / Millie Dread / Haikunika (Spain)
Haikunika - synthpop from the south of Spain (aka Agent Triplex of Operation Re-Information) with special guests Millie Dread and Swampwalk
6/17
7pm
Poetry Lounge, 313 North Ave
21+
Tickets: $12 advance at Jerry’s Records, The Government Center, and Caliban
$12 plus service charge at Humanitix online
$15 at the door
Mai Khoi and the Dissidents at City of Asylum
Mai Khoi and the Dissidents at City of Asylum, promoting their new album “5 Years in Exile.” Out now on all platforms via Ropeadope Records
https://lnk.to/fiveyearsinexile
Misophonia: Decide Today, Funeral Parade of Roses, Lilac Web, Blood Noize, Cutups
MISOPHONIA: A queer experimental/industrial/electronic club night @ Club Pittsburgh.
Join us May 21 2026 for Misophonia 8! Digital Hardcore, Industrial, EBM, Gabber, and more -- all on the hottest dancefloor in the city!
Doors @ 8:30PM
Music @ 9:00PM
$17 adv + fees / $20 at door
Ticket also includes access to an All-Gender Night at the historic Club Pittsburgh bathhouse facility. This includes STEAM ROOM, HOT TUB, DRY SAUNA, SHOWERS, GYM, PRIVATE ROOMS & MORE
Tough Pill #58
Tough Pill 58
5/21
doors 7:30 / show 8
The Government Center, 715 East St
$10-15 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds!
Tough Pill is a creative music and performance series held primarily at The Government Center in Pittsburgh. Tough Pill seeks to create space for practitioners while also expanding the scope of the experimental art audience. It's not always this, but it's always good... so always come!
May 21st
Doors 7:30
Sounds 8:00
$10 suggested NOTAFLOF
Ѧ Cottage
@spectraljulian
Ѧ cottage-
improvised feral sing-along agitprop sludgy noise punk?
/////
Belcher/Bendel/Farkas/Parker/Weidman/Zeh
@belchercomp
https://jasonbelcher.bandcamp.com/
@dylanjzeh
@drkbndl
@eliweid
//////
Radium Girl
Radium
https://www.instagram.com/radiumgirlmusic/
https://open.spotify.com/album/3Kk5K3Mfp1ZCG4lZlWkGdP
Dance punk, alt-rock, no bullshit indie rock
////
Hesperus
Minimalist post punk
Yessi (live) / JZKL + I4A / Malzof + Carrie Sours (DJs)
Sweet Abyss: A Night of Transgender Dance Music
5/20
7-11PM
Bantha Tea Bar, 5002 Penn Ave
$5-20
Yessi (live)
JZKL + I4A - Pancake of the Infinite | JZKL | Sweet Abyss
Malzof + Carrie Sours (DJs)
visuals by Malzof
Gay Psychedelic Vibes, Esoteric Lounge Music + more
the Yawp Shop: improvisational singing group
THE YAWP SHOP IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!!!
Haley has graciously opened her space in Millvale, 7th Sense Salon, to host the Yawp Shop every Tuesday evening from 7-8:30pm.
Group starts back up May 19th.
The purpose of the group is to express, sing with other people in the community, and have fun!!! No previous experience is required! We are here to have a thartic and community building experience. Vocal warmups, improv singing, and cover songs abound !
Only 10 spots available each week! So sign up ahead of time to secure your slot. $25 at Drop In Classes — feel imagine generate
RELEASE YOUR INNER DEMONS.
Feedback Loop
5/18
7:30-10:30pm
PearlArts Movement and Sound, 818 Braddock Ave, 15104
Feedback Loop occurs the third Monday of every month. This is a space dedicated to the sharing of music where producers/musicians/artists can receive friendly and constructive feedback from others in artistic community.
Live score by Ill-Fitting Party for Maya Deren's "Ritual in Transfigured Time"
Live score by The Ill-Fitting Party (Dee Armagost + Dylan Sidoriak) for Maya Deren’s “Ritual in Transfigured Time” on 16mm
5/16
7:30pm
OPEN CONCEPT 4
OPEN CONCEPT 4 — Group art show — Free party
5/16
6-8pm
Radiant Hall, 734 Thompson Ave, McKees Rocks
featuring works by
Adrian Jones
Erin Harper
Isabella Schubert-Jones
Margaret Cox
Stephanie Martin
Please join us for sights, sounds and party!
THAT LIKE THIS at Millvale Music Festival
That Like This at Millvale Music Festival
5/16
5:40pm
Lemon Tree Stage
That Like This is an improvised music collective led by Corey Hackathorn
Wake Robin at Millvale Music Festival
Wake Robin at Millvale Music Festival
5/16
2-3pm
Rainbow Raccoon Park Stage
Wake Robin is a newly-formed folk group featuring Hannah Standiford, Judy Swanson, + Annick Odom. The band draws from old-time traditions, the folk revival, early bluegrass, and their own original songwriting woven together with close harmonies.
lavender lilt at Millvale Music Festival
lavender lilt at Millvale Music Festival
5/16
1:50pm
Butler St. Art District
May Day Marching Band at Millvale Music Festival
May Day Marching Band at Millvale Music Festival
5/16
1:40pm
Redfish Bowl Art Bus @ Burghers Brewing
NAT28 at Millvale Music Festival
NAT28 at Millvale Music Festival
5/16
12:30pm
St. Nicholas - Maxo Vanka Murals
The Goodfoots at Millvale Music Festival
The Goodfoots at Millvale Music Festival
5/16
12:20-1:10pm
Sedgewick Street
Erik Lawrence / Ross Antonich / Dylan Zeh / Derek Bendel / Jeff Berman
Vinyl Release Show of “2 of 3” by Dylan Zeh, Derek Bendel, Ross Antonich, Erik Lawrence
5/15
8pm
The Government Center, 715 East St
with special guest Jeff Berman
no cover
Holy People at Incurably Optimistic with I4A, Rachel + Justin, DJ Mayby
Holy People at Incurably Optimistic with I4A, Rachel + Justin, DJ Mayby
5/15
7pm
428 Rebecca St
TV-MA (LA), Slugg (CLE), Voiddweller, Frogonbough, Pterratactl, farrah faucet, nasty taxi (vis)
an evening of queer noise, whimsical electronics, and head-scratching tantrums by a whole clown car’s worth of local and non-local cuties. what a blessing to be in community. masks highly encouraged.
5/14
7pm
The Maple Leaf, 115 Sedgewick St, Millvale
$10-20 p.w.y.c.
feat. statements and improvised offerings from:
TV-MA (LA) - electroacoustic cabaret. apocalypse-core rockstar.
Slugg (CLE) - electro sludge cutie and master of hair play and plate spinning.
Voiddweller - digital hardcore / noise rap / new digital extremity
Frogonbough - feedback & livecode generated sculptural ribbing
Pterratactl - noise forest of amplified objects + samples + winds
farrah faucet - the stickiest of transsexual power electronics. what’s that smell?
nasty taxi (vis) - sour cow flavoured milk for your retinal pleasings
John Hardin (EtherAir)
John Hardin aka EtherAir (electric didgeridoo, theremin, found sounds)
Thu May 14. 7:30 pm. All ages. $15 at the door (cash only).
Bantha Tea Bar. 5002 Penn Avenue. Friendship/Garfield.
from the wilds of Northern California
JOHN HARDIN (aka EtherAir)
performing with electric didgeridoo, theremin, found sounds
and field recordings
https://johnhardin.bandcamp.com/album/equinox-to-easter
with two special local guests!
John Hardin lives off-grid deep in the forest in Northern California where he produces original music in a solar powered studio. He makes many of his own instruments from recycled materials and found objects. He seeks to transcend civilization through music, so he rejects musical traditions born of civilized culture and instead cultivates wild, feral, and untamed musical impulses.
Plant Matter / I4A / Chameleon Treat
Plant Matter / I4A / Chameleon Treat
5/13
7pm
Bantha Tea Bar, 5002 Penn Ave
$10 all ages
performers on Bandcamp:
Weapons of Subversion: Ineffable Slime (New Mexico) / Echo Lightwave Unspeakable / Mallard Theory / Bestiality Network
Weapons of Subversion
5/11
7pm
Bantha Tea Bar, 5002 Penn Ave
Ineffable Slime (harsh noise from New Mexico)
with local support by
Echo Lightwave Unspeakable
Mallard Theory
Bestiality Network
$10
Foundation #27
Pittsburgh Sound Preserve is curating ad hoc groupings of folks who attend Open Improvisation Lab. We hope to create space for more people to improvise more often. We can commune with each other through creative expression... right now!
Foundation Improvised Music Series
2nd Sunday of every month
7pm at Bantha Tea Bar, 5002 Penn Ave
$10-20 suggested donation. No one turned away for lack of funds!
May 10th lineup:
Chris Coleman
David Williams
Mara Schlosser
Laura Fidalgo
unmade place: The Universe Online, Ivana, Caleb A. Smith, Okapi (Ashville)
unmade place: sound text experiments
5/9
8pm
telephone, 5120 penn ave
$5-15 notaflof
The Universe Online - ghost alien communications
Caleb A. Smith - original theatrical piece “The Orb,” which follows the story of a young boy, so stricken by grief that he turns to desperate measures to relieve himself of its heavy weight
Okapi (Ashville) - avant-folk duo of upright bass and cello, harmonium & voice; contemporary interpretations of Appalachian-style murder ballad themes and other folk music elements, thematically confronting relationship between man and the divine feminine of nature.
Ivana
flyer by May Wilcher
Second Saturdays: Steve Ippolito & Continuum
The Space Upstairs | SECOND SATURDAYS
doors open 8pm
performances 9pm-11pm
$15
MAY 9 STEVE IPPOLITO & CONTINUUM
Established in 2007, SECOND SATURDAYS have been the signature jazz-happenings at The Space Upstairs, becoming a beloved staple of the local arts scene. This unique venue is not just a space; it is an immersive cool and separate world, lit by hanging light bulbs, vintage couches, coffee tables, deconstructed instruments, chalked poetry and wall of books to invite spontaneous inquiry, creativity and contemplation. The improvisational postmodern-jazz dance performances by The Pillow Project are captured in vivid splashes of light, as the synergy between sound and movement turns the space into a living canvas of artistic expression.
anticipation porn
anticipation porn, the live score band!
5/9
doors 7, show 8
8-10 bones, pay-what-you-can
come thru to see the film that inspired the name…
Fundraiser Show: You Be You Music School
Fundraiser Show : You Be You Music School
📅 Saturday, May 9
🕔 5:00–10:00 PM
💵 $10 Suggested Donation
🎵 Featuring: Kaston Guffey, Georgia English, Derek Johnson, and Van Gilder
You Be You Music School does the kind of grassroots, community-centered work that aligns so closely with what we value as libraries, accessible arts education for everyone. Let's help spread the word!
Mick's Acoustic Jam
5/9
4-7pm
Acoustic jam at Mick’s (all instruments welcome except possibly electric guitar)
For details, email Mick: MCL2@pitt.edu
Pittonkatonk
PITTONKATONK | May Day Community Celebration
Friday, May 8 from 7-10pm
Saturday, May 9 from 1-11pm
Vietnam Veterans Pavilion, Schenley Park
featuring locals May Day Marching Band, Timbeleza, Big Blitz, Eagleburger Band, the KRUNK movement and traveling artists Yeison Landero (Colombia), Undertow Brass Band (Providence), PUULUUP (Estonia), Mariposas Galacticas (Philly), Detroit Marching Band
Mosaic / Blott / Divot
The Government Center, 715 East St
5/8
doors 7, music 8
$10
Come catch some all new PGH bands!! Mosaic, Blott, & Divot!
Just a Word
Just a Word
Friday, May 8, 2026
7:00 pm
KST’s Alloy Studios | 5530 Penn Ave
Tickets: $25
In Just a Word, dancer and choreographer Kaila Carter explores the concept of what it means to be on either side of an apology, and the different ways people respond to that experience. Through expressive movement, Just a Word delves into the relationships between the things and people we love and how they shape us, hurt us, and hold us.
Local artists from various disciplines also present their work, making this an evening of shared artistry and community.
James Brandon Lewis & The Messthetics
James Brandon Lewis & the Messthetics
5/7
7pm
free
City of Asylum, 40 W North Ave
In a month celebrating infusion, collaboration, and unique performance, Jazz Poetry 2026 welcomes DownBeat Magazine Artist of the Year James Brandon Lewis back to City of Asylum. Lewis returns with his punk-jazz group The Messthetics, featuring Anthony Pirog on guitar, Joe Lally on bass, and Brendan Canty on drums. The evening begins with improvisational collaborations with visiting poets, followed by a brief intermission and a full set from the band. The Messthetics—formed by Fugazi bandmates Joe Lally and Brendan Canty with guitarist Anthony Pirog—blend adventurous rock textures with expansive jazz improvisation, creating a dynamic live experience alongside Lewis’s powerful saxophone work.