Friday 19
Poetry Slam
Fred “Fu” Underwood presents the “Listen is Silence” Poetry Slam at 7 p.m. at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty. This poetry slam is set up to listen to stories of the young people. This is a way for them to express themselves. For more information, call 412-363-3000 or visit www.kelly-strayhorn.org.
Black Nativity
The University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Africana Studies presents “Black Nativity: A Christmas Gift” at 8 p.m. at the Pitt Alumni Hall, 4227 Fifth Ave., Oakland. The performance features Pitt’s Shona Sharif African Dance and Drum Ensemble, and is based on Langston Hughes’ musical dramatization of the “Christmas Story.” The performance will run through Dec. 21. For more information, visit www.pitt.edu.
Saturday 20
Ubuntu Holiday
The Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company presents “Ubuntu Holiday” at 8 p.m. at the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, 937 Liberty Ave., Cultural District. The production, written by Kim El and directed by Mils James, is a full-length version of a one-act play about a Kwanzaa celebration that is interrupted by a disrespectful Christian guest. While rancor and controversy threaten to disrupt the festive atmosphere, in the end the joy and good feelings of the season win out. The production will run through Dec. 30. For more information, call 412-687-4686 or visit www.pghplaywrights.com.
Sunday 21
Christmas Star
The Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre presents “Christmas Star” at the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, 937 Liberty Ave., Cultural District. This presentation, written by Ray Werner and directed by Monteze Freeland, tells the story of an Iraq war veteran, his Vietnam-veteran father and bewildered mother gathering for a Christmas Eve celebration. Patriotism, post-traumatic stress disorder and the meaning of family all jostle for attention in this through provoking holiday themed play. The production will run through Dec. 28. For more information, call 412-687-4686 or visit www.pghplaywrights.com.
Monday 22
Savoy Jazz
Savoy Restaurant presents Savoy Jazz Mondays from 5-9 p.m. at 2623 Penn Ave., Strip District. Every Monday guests can enjoy live jazz in a sophisticated atmosphere. The attire is business casual and the evening will include its Christmas Special featuring the Roger Humphries Trio with Charlie G., Fred Pugh III, Etta Cox, Shawnee Lake and Judi Figel. For more information, call 412-281-0660 or visit www.savoypgh.com.
Tuesday 23
JazzLive
BNY Mellon/Jazz presents JazzLive at 5 p.m. at the Backstage Bar/Cabaret at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District. Every Tuesday guests can celebrate a decade of jazz in the Cultural District and enjoy hot jazz from some of the most talented musicians. Benny Benack and Friends will be the featured performers. For more information, call 412-456-6666 or visit www.trustarts.org.
Wednesday 24
Live Jazz
The Rivers Club presents Wednesday Night Live Jazz from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Rivers Club, One Oxford Centre, 301 Grant St., Downtown. Every Wednesday night local artists, many from the Pittsburgh Jazz Society’s Hall of Fame, will perform. There will be a Jimmy G’s jazz buffet and more. This event is free and open to the public. Upscale casual attire, no jeans, is required. For more information, call 412-391-5227.
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