ongoingbox

ongoingbox t1_izy6rlz wrote

Reply to What's The Live Music Scene in Pittsburgh Like? by no_more_secrets

Skimmed through -- things that slipped through the cracks:

  • Pittsburgh Modular is based here, which is cool. There are some overlaps with the electronic/improvised music scenes. Also, overlap with the contemporary dance scene like PearlArts. Along those lines The Space Upstairs hosts monthly collaborations with musicians (mainly jazz or jazz adjacent) and the in-house dance company.
  • Whisper Nest is a cool bar venue. It's comfortable.
  • Journalism and preview-writing about local music has nose-dived pretty badly. Surely a national trend (Bookforum is closing up?!?!), but the lack of reviews of shows and albums, I think, hurts any momentum that the various local scenes could have. It also creates an archival void.
  • Did anyone mention the vinyl pressing plant that is forthcoming? That's exciting.
  • Fungus Books is also great for more rare (I suppose?) vinyl and books. Awesome spot!
  • Pittsburgh has a lot of waves regarding music scenes. I feel like the creative jazz scene is perking up since a few organizers and players moved to town a few years ago.
  • Recording studios: Just did a session at Audible Images. Sounded great and was painless. Had good experiences at Mr. Smalls (doing a small chamber trio collection of pieces) and The Church Recording Studio (rock and cont. classical/improv stuff)
  • And the contemporary classical scene is anchored by strong programs at Pitt, CMU, and Duquesne. There are a few musician-run ensembles doing great work here: Kamraton and NAT 28, come to mind. I think Alia Musica is on hiatus. This also goes in waves with whoever is graduating and sticking around town.
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