Holiday Guide 2018 - Pittsburgh City Paper

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On the Cover: Pittsburgh holiday cookies by Bella Christie and Lil' Z's Sweet Boutique asweetboutique.com COVER PHOTO: JOHN COLOMBO

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Editor-In-Chief: Lisa Cunningham Managing Editor: Alex Gordon Writers: Ryan Deto, Hannah Lynn, Jordan Snowden, Amanda Waltz, and Maggie Weaver Director of Operations: Kevin Shepherd Graphic Designers: Maya Puskaric and Jeff Schreckengost Associate Publisher: Justin Matase Marketing and Promotions Coordinator: Connor Marshman Senior Sales Represenative: Blake Lewis Sales Representatives: Katilin Oliver and Nick Pagano Advertising Sales Assistant: Taylor Pasquarelli Digital Media Manager: Josh Oswald Circulation Manager: Jeff Engbarth

Contents copyrighted 2018 by Eagle Media Corp. All rights reserved.

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H E L P U S C R E AT E M O R E

Great Saves

hen “urban renewal” meant the demolition of houses and architectural landmarks, the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (PHLF) saved the former Allegheny Post Office building on the Central North Side. We used it as our office, converted it into the Old Post Office Museum and eventually donated it to the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, which has since expanded into other buildings.

Give to PHLF—make a donation or a gift of real estate or create a Named Fund—and help us lead preservation efforts that can transform historic neighborhoods and places like the former Allegheny Post Office.

For more information, contact Karamagi Rujumba: Karamagi@phlf.org 412.471.5808, ext. 547.

Renewing Communities; Building Pride

www.phlf.org

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018 5

The Horne's Department Store Christmas Tree

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CP FILE PHOTOS

^ Santa poses for photographs in the Holiday Market in Market Square.

To distract from the harshness of winter’s chill, Pittsburghers have created their own traditions and customs, making the season more bearable, and the landscape more colorful.

BY ALEXANDER POPICHAK INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

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ACE IT: Pittsburgh in the wintertime is not exactly pleasant. To distract from the harshness of winter’s chill, Pittsburghers have created their own traditions and customs, making the season more bearable, and the landscape more colorful.

What would a holiday kickoff be in Pittsburgh without fireworks, night markets, performances, and ice sculptures? This year’s Light-Up Night, on Nov. 16, promises all the above as the holiday lights of Pittsburgh are set aglow for the first time this season. Weather permitting, Downtown is always abuzz on Light-Up Night, so allow for extra commuting time.

While you're there, be sure to catch the lighting of the famous Christmas tree outside of the old Horne's Department Store, at the corner of Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street.

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS, CONTINUED FROM PG. 7

^ The winter flower and light show at Phipps Conservatory

No list of quintessentially Pittsburgh holiday stops would be complete without the Rink at PPG Place. The rink is open from mid-November through late February, weather permitting, and delights skaters young and old. Consider visiting ($9-14) on a weekday evening as the plaza comes alive without having to wait to skate.

Those seeking refuge from the chill can step inside the PPG Wintergarden, where local musicians perform throughout the season. The Wintergarden is also home to a perennial display of Santa statues from around the world.

A newer tradition, the Holiday Market, transforms Market Square into a village of vendors and offers visits with Santa for younger market-goers. This marks the market’s seventh year and is open from Light-Up Night through late December. Saturdays tend to be busy, but much like any Saturday in the Strip District, the wares on display are always diverse.

Phipps Conservatory’s annual winter flower and light show is a dazzling display of color both inside and outside of the Conservatory. On display from the end of November through the 8 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018

start of January, the rooms are each decorated with a different holiday-inspired style. Consider visiting (about $18/adults, $17 for seniors, free for some students) a little before the sun goes down as one of Phipps’ major highlights is the light display in the backyard garden. The wait will be worth it.

If a trek outside seems less-than-ideal, consider visiting the Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning in Oakland. The classrooms are transformed into winter wonderlands corresponding with the cultures of each room. The rooms on the first floor are free to visit, however visiting the rooms on the third floor of Cathy require either a self-guided audio tour ($4) or a group tour with a guide.

Across the lawn from Cathy is another mercifully indoor holiday space: the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Tree Display. With museum admission ($11.95-19.95), visitors can view themed trees spread about the museum’s Hall of Architecture.

While impossible to provide a definitive list, these holiday destinations are uniquely Pittsburgh and are sure to elicit the spirit of the season. •

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018 9

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Priory P riory Fine Pastries 528 E. Ohio St., North Side prioryfinepastries.com

Eat'n Eat Ea n Park Multiple locations eatnpark.com

Oakmont O akmont Bakery 531 Allegheny Ave., Oakmont oakmontbakery.com

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:

We live here!

We Pick up & Deliver!

There are new ways to give in Pittsburgh this holiday season, and they look fun.

BY RYAN DETO RYANDETO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

P

ITTSBURGH'S holiday season is steeped in tradition.

Whether it'ss Light Up Night or eating pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s, Pittsburghers love to stick to their routines during winter celebrations.

Holiday giving is no different in the region, with many long-standing charities leading the charge to provide for the needy.

But Pittsburgh is changing and so are some of the ways Pittsburghers give. Food kitchens are still filled with volunteers, and coat-drive boxes still occupy schools and workplaces, but there are new ways for Pittsburghers to be philanthropic. And they are all about having fun.

One highlight is the 12 Bars of Charity, a national organization that is making its Pittsburgh debut this December.

The group organizes bar crawls to raise money for local charities and has events in St. Louis, Denver, San Diego, Indianapolis, and other cities. Since 2012, 12 Bars has raised more than $350,000 and netted about 30,000 participants.

Bobby Conn, president of One80 Entertainment, which runs 12 Bars, says the goal of the crawls is to get as many people signed up as possible, and providing a “fun, interactive” event helps bring in numbers.

“It is a great way for people to give back and get involved with a charity that is near and dear to their heart without having to break the bank,” says Conn.

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CHARITY TRENDS, CONTINUED FROM PG. 17

“The charities not only benefit from the fundraising opportunity of presents, but it allows them to connect with people in a casual style, low-entry price point event.”

For around $30, participants get a sweatshirt, access to drink specials at participating bars, and free rides on a shuttle between bars. (Participating establishments are announced in November.) Bar crawlers donate $10 of participation price to the charity of their choice.

Participating Pittsburgh charities include: Animal Friends, Autism Speaks, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Humane Animal Rescue, Our Clubhouse, and Variety.

Another charity event capitalizing on trends and excitement is WQED’s Mister Rogers-themed Cardigan Party.

While Fred Rogers is an iconic figure in Pittsburgh, his profile around the country is shining particularly bright at the moment. Tom Hanks recently filmed a Rogers biopic in Pittsburgh, and the documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor? received widespread praise. Google even recently created a Mr. Rogers Google Doodle.

Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, party goers can visit the studio where it all started. People are encouraged to wear cardigans and sneakers. Mister Rogersthemed music will be played, and retro-snacks will be served. •

10 Local Charities

Toys for Tots Distribution nights: Dec. 14, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec. 15, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Location TBD. toysfortots.org Collection bins will be present throughout the region in the holiday season. New toys accepted.

Monetary donations also accepted.

Project Bundle-Up Polar Bear Jump Jan. 1, 2019, time TBA. Point State Park. projectbundleup.org Hit the icy three rivers water to bring warmth to those in need. Last year, the event raised $7,300 for Project Bundle-Up, which provides winter clothing to the less fortunate.

Light of Life Ministry Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 22, 5 a.m.-7 p.m. 10 E. North Ave., North Side. lightoflife.org Before eating too much and then passing out during

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football, consider serving a hot meal to those in need. Light of Life Ministry has been serving Thanksgiving meals to the needy for decades, and can always use volunteers. Sign up early – spots fill up fast.

WQED Cardigan Party Dec 19, 6-9 p.m., 4802 Fifth Ave., Oakland. wqed.org Come celebrate everything Fred Rogers at the Studio where he filmed his iconic show. Enjoy Mister Rogers-themed music and retro snacks.

Party is for guests 21 and older.

Family Volunteering at Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Dec. 15, 9:15 a.m.-12 p.m. 1 North Linden St., Duquesne. pittsburghfoodbank.org Bring the entire family out to prepare food bags and learn the value of volunteering. The session includes a tour of the food bank. Comfortable clothing is encouraged.

65 Roses Sports Auction Nov. 29, 6-10 p.m. 810 River Ave., North Side. www.cff.org/WesternPA Raising money for cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that can lead to frequent lung infections, is a worthy enough cause. But this sports auction provides additional motivation with the guarantee of a personally autographed football from a current Pittsburgh Steelers player.

12 Bars Charity Bar Crawl Dec. 14. Location and time TBA. 12barsofcharity.com/pittsburgh A bar crawl with the mission of raising as much money for local charities as possible. Money raised will go to charities like Animal Friends, Autism Speaks, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh.

Amen to Action, Meals for Hope Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. David L. Lawrence

Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Downtown. amentoaction.org Catholic organization hosting a pack-a-thon with the goal of packing 1 million meals for the hungry. The event is open to people of all faiths.

Turkey Trot North Park Nov. 22, 8-11 a.m. North Park Rose Barn, Pearce Mill Rd., Allison Park. ourownhome.org Enjoy a casual race around North Park before a big Thanksgiving dinner. Proceeds will benefit Our Own Homes, a local housing charity. Registration is $25, and participants must register by 12 p.m. on Nov. 7.

Mitzvah Day Dec. 25. Registration opens Nov. 27. jfedvolunteer.org/mitzvah-day The Hebrew word "mitzvah" means "acts of loving kindness." Join the Jewish Federation Volunteer Center for the 18th annual Mitzvah Day and volunteer to help people and organizations in need of some good deeds.

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Val Snyder from Handmade Arcade vendor Simon's Granddaughter PHOTO: JOEY KENNEDY

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Be kind to your Pittsburgh artists this holiday season

BY AMANDA WALTZ AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

F

OR THE TYPICAL reveler, the holidays mean getting together with family and friends, decking the halls with the finest fake boughs of holly that Target provides, and eating all of the cookies. For artists, however, this time of year means connecting with potential customers looking to bestow upon their loved ones the most unique, handmade gifts – in other words, not something from Target.

Luckily for artists and shoppers, the city becomes a veritable arts market once the holiday season rolls around. In 2016, a study by the website Yelp found that Pittsburgh ranked among the top U.S. cities for shopping local. Events like the pop-up marketplace, I Made It! Market, and other craft fairs offer plenty of opportunities for area artists to sell their wares to shoppers looking for that special piece of handmade jewelry, print, or wall decoration.

For the past 14 years, Handmade Arcade has provided a sales space for artists working in a variety of media. Among the many showcased vendors, shoppers will find the usual holiday favorites sought out at craft fairs, such as hand-poured candles and artisanal soaps, as well as animal masks, wool sculptures, photography, and metalworks.

“Handmade Arcade is committed to showcasing handmade, locally produced goods ... and has significantly supported expansion and growth within Pittsburgh’s arts, craft, and small business communities,” says Handmade Arcade’s director of marketing and outreach, Jennifer Baron.

This year marks Handmade Arcade’s largest event to date, with 190 artists, makers, and designers convening on December 8 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. If last year was any indication, it should bode well for the participating artists — in 2017, Baron says Handmade Arcade vendors saw a total of $400,000 in sales in one day.

But making that sweet holiday money as an artist requires a fair amount of hustle. It means packing and shipping items to shops, boutiques, and other sellers in time for the shopping crowds. It means trying to entice online shoppers with an Instagram post that requires more careful arrangement than a nativity scene at Sunday mass. It means standing at a vendor station for hours, forgoing snack and bathroom breaks in hopes that, unlike the dozens who ogled everything on display and then moved along, the next passerby might actually buy something.

So, much like with everyone else, the holidays are a stressful time for artists. With that in mind, skip the big retailer Black Friday sales this year and instead search for gifts on Etsy, at an independently-owned shop, or at a neighborhood gallery. •

handmadearcade.org imadeitmarket.com

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Matt Kopec (Buddy) and the cast of Elf The Musical PHOTO: JOAN MARCUS

Arts Abound 10 miscellaneous arts events for the holiday season

BY AMANDA WALTZ AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

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A Charlie Brown Christmas — Live on Stage!

National Geographic Live — Hilaree Nelson: Point of No Return

Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang when the Byham Theater brings a holiday classic to life.

Adapted from the 1965 TV special, the live stage musical follows Charles M. Schulz’s beloved comic strip characters as they try to rehearse their Christmas play, only to get caught up in the crass consumerism of the season. The show features the original jazz score by Vince Guaraldi, as well as holiday carols. Sun., Nov. 25. 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., 101 Sixth St., Downtown. $30-40. trustarts.org

The August Wilson Center welcomes adventurer Hilaree Nelson for an event about courage and perseverance in the face of incredible odds. Considered the first woman to summit Everest and its neighbor peak Lhotse in a single 24-hour period, Nelson takes the stage to describe how, in 2014, she and a team from National Geographic embarked on a harrowing journey to the summit of Hkakabo Razi, believed to be Myanmar’s highest mountain. Dramatic stills by photographer Cory Richards and clips from Renan Ozturk’s documentary, Down to Nothing, will accompany the talk. Wed., Nov. 28. 7:30 p.m. 980 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $25-45. trustarts.org

Palace Theatre - Greensburg

CAROL OF THE KING

IRISH CHRISTMAS DANCE SHOW

Sun. December 2, 2018 - 4 PM

BEACH BOYS CHRISTMAS & HITS December 4, 2018 - 7:30 PM ^ A John Waters' Christmas: Holier & Dirtier

Jane Lynch A Swingin’ Little Christmas Award-winning actress and all-around entertainer Jane Lynch brings a bit of holiday cheer to the Greer Cabaret Theater with her A Swingin’ Little Christmas tour. Joined by Kate Flannery (most notable for her role as Meredith on the NBC series The Office), music producer Tim Davis, and The Tony Guerrero Quintet, Lynch and company sing selections from her retro-inspired Christmas album, including classics like “Jingle Bells” and “Up on the Housetop,” as well as original works like “Winter’s Never Cold (When You’re Around).” Mon., Dec. 3. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. 655 Penn Ave., Downtown. $45-55. trustarts.org

KENNY G CHRISTMAS SHOW December 10, 2018 - 8 PM TOMMYFebruary JAMES14,& THE SHONDELLS 2019 - 8 PM MASTERS OF ILLUSION - BELIEVE THE IMPOSSIBLE February 17, 2019 - 3 PM For tickets go to www.thepalacetheatre.org or call 724-836-8000

Midnight Radio’s Die Hard N’at Bricolage sets aside the argument over whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie for a Pittsburgh spin on the 1988 action flick starring Bruce Willis as wisecracking super-cop, John McClane. The Midnight Radio players bring to life all the explosions, glass-shattering gunfire, and other fun craziness of the film with Foley work and voice acting.

The show includes live audience participation, cued on anytime the applause sign flashes. Yippee ki-yay. Thu., Dec. 6- Sat., Dec. 22.

Times vary. 937 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $25-35. bricolagepgh.org

A John Waters’ Christmas: Holier & Dirtier John Waters is more naughty than nice when he returns to Pittsburgh to present the latest edition of his one-man spoken word holiday show.

A John Waters’ Christmas: Holier & Dirtier at the Carnegie Lecture Hall gives the legendary writer/director a chance to express his love of Christmas, all while adding his incisively funny takes on the chaos of the season. Get ready for questions about the sexuality of Santa’s reindeer, protesting nativity scenes, and other provocative subject matter. Sat., Dec. 8.

8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.), 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. $25-125. warhol.org

THE LATSHAW POPS SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS SHOW 22 Piece Orchestra, Singers, Dancers and a visit to Toyland

The Hip Hop Nutcracker The Benedum Center puts a twist on a holiday favorite when it presents The Hip Hop Nutcracker. Set in 1980s Brooklyn, the live show substitutes ballet with hip-hop choreography for a contemporary take on Tchaikovsky’s enduring work. Featuring guest MC Kurtis Blow, a dozen dancers, digital scenery, and an electric violinist, the reimagining transports young Maria-Clara and her Nutcracker prince back in time to the moment when her parents first meet in a nightclub. Tue., Dec. 11 and Wed., Dec. 12.

7:30 p.m. Seventh Street and Penn Ave., Downtown. $30-75. trustarts.org

November 24, 2018 - 8 PM - The Strand Theatre - Zelienople, PA For tickets call 724-742-0400 or online thestrandtheater.org December 14, 2018 - 7:30 PM - The Palace Theatre - Greensburg, PA For tickets go to thepalacetheatre.org or call 724-836-8000 December 16, 2018 - 2 PM - The Lamp Theatre - Irwin, PA For tickets go to lamptheatre.org or call 724-367-4000

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ARTS ABOUND, CONTINUED FROM PG. 23

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^ HIilaree Nelson: Point of No Return

Pittsburgh: Live & Onstage Kelly-Strayhorn Theater showcases a dynamic mix of local artists with two evenings of live art and performances. Pittsburgh: Live & Onstage highlights the work of Pittsburgh’s Witness inspiring multidisciplinary performances by the STAYCEE Pearl dance project, Bill Shannon, Anqwenique Wingfield, the Afro Yaqui Music Collective, slowdanger, and Blak Rapp M.A.D.U.S.A. The event is presented in conjunction as part of the NPN/VAN’s Annual Conference, an international forum for artists, arts leaders, activists, and others who seek to develop a more artist-centered, just and sustainable art world. Fri. Dec. 14 and Sat., Dec. 15. 8 p.m. 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty. Pay what makes you happy. kelly-strayhorn.org

History Explorers: Art of the Everyday Bring the kids for a day of color and creating at the Heinz History Center.

Inspired by the bright pop art of Pittsburgh native Burton Morris, History Explorers: Art of the Everyday encourages children ages 5-8 to create their own holiday-themed works. Throughout the event, children explore Pittsburgh stories through games, art, cooking, making, and other hands-on activities.

Wed., Dec. 19. 10:30-11:30 a.m. 1212 Smallman St., Strip District. $8. Free for History Center members. Registration required. heinzhistorycenter.org

Home Alone with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Here’s one for all you filthy animals out there. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra provides live musical accompaniment for a screening of Home Alone. The hit 1990 holiday comedy stars Macaulay Culkin as a young boy who defends his home from robbers after his family accidently leaves him behind for a vacation overseas. The symphony will play composer John Williams’ score as the film is projected in high definition on a super big screen.

Thu., Dec. 20. 7:30 p.m. Heinz Hall. 600 Penn Ave., Downtown. $25-105. pittsburghsymphony.org

Elf at Heinz Hall Santa appearances scheduled throughout the month.

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Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny muggins and go see Elf at Heinz Hall. The Broadway musical adaptation of the hit 2003 film starring Will Ferrell tells the story of Buddy, an orphan who stows away in Santa’s bag of gifts and becomes adopted by the elves at the North Pole. When he grows up and finds out his human origins, the unflappable Buddy journeys to New York City to find his birth father and spread holiday cheer. Wed., Dec. 26 – Sun., Dec. 30. Various times.

600 Penn Ave., Downtown. $31-96. trustarts.org •

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T

HE HOLIDAY season is the biggest travel MICROWAVES time of the year. Many leave Pittsburgh, What are Dave, guitarist: The best Christmas I had, where I didn’t leave but just as many stay and enjoy the the country, involved going to a movie and then getting sushi. snow, lights, and festive spirit. PittsPittsburgh John, drums and vocals: My favorite way to spend the holiburgh City Paper asked a few local bands days, although it doesn’t usually work out this way, involves musicians their favorite way to spend the musicians’ and lots of sleep and/or watching a movie at home with my better holidays in the steel city. half and our pets. favorite Chalk Dinosaur Johnny, bass: My favorite way usually involves listening to a lot of loud music and/or watching something that’s visually I like to have a big outdoor fi re at my parent’s house ways to in Franklin Park with my family. Other than that, I intense. I also like hanging lights and have a sweet tooth, so there’s usually an appreciation for colorful lighting and sweet like to catch a show at the Rex Theater, spend the sometimes stuff happening around that time for me. go to Phipps, walk around Market Square, or go to holidays? the movie theater.

Scratchy Blanket

BY JORDAN SNOWDEN JSNOWDEN@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Becki from Garter Shake

First is the Holiday Hootenanny! I absolutely love seeing the different local musicians getting together and playing fun holiday songs. I was lucky to be a part of it the last three years and getting to be around so much talent is just inspiring. Pittsburgh is lucky to have so many fantastic musicians.

Another thing I love is the holiday market in Market Square. It’s so neat to see all the fun gifts and crafts for sale, and you stumble across some awesome local musicians some nights as well.

Also, if you haven’t had the frozen eggnog margarita at Tako ... you haven’t quite lived yet.

Holidays are difficult for some of us, to be honest. It’s stressful seeing [relatives], but there are groups of young people in the music community who band together during the holidays because several of us don’t go see family. Our friends become family and we help each other through the season.

BjORDAN I celebrate all holidays in the ‘burgh with a trip to Bob’s Garage for karaoke, followed by Brillobox to see their light display, and finally, a late night stroll through the Allegheny Cemetery.

If it’s October and November holidays, I spend it in Ian Brill’s Light Vault at Spirit, especially Nov. 11 for the BjORDAN show [laughs]. •

Christmas Covers If you could pick one holiday song, what would it be?

CP asked a few musicians from Pittsburgh about holiday songs they have covered, and why.

Dan, of Bastard Bearded Irishmen We’ve been lucky enough to perform for the DVE Christmas party for the past few years and that has provided us the opportunity to learn and perform a holiday song every year. We enjoy the challenge of learning and arranging a new song. Picking a song involves variables such as: does it fit our style or sense of humor; can we make it fit our style or “Bastardize” it; can Jim (our singer) wear women’s clothes on stage, like when he and Danny wore women’s clothes and performed “Let It Go” from Frozen. We have done songs like “3 Ships A-Sailing,” we’ve covered a Bob Dylan version of “Must Be Santa,” all the way to “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” and “Santa Baby” and, of course, “Christmas in Killarney.”

We haven’t recorded any of them in a studio, but we have definitely talked about it because we do seem to have enough material to make an EP. Holiday albums don’t really go out of style and some of the arrangements we’ve worked on have been really fun to play. One day, A Very Bastard Christmas will be released! Just not any time soon.

Tai Chirovsky I did a cover of “Don’t Shoot Me Santa,” originally by The Killers, for the holiday collection A Very Misra Holiday

by Misra Records. It’s a charity collection, so artists donate a song and then we all get to participate and help a great cause.

Honesty, I picked the song because so many holiday songs are really overdone, and I didn’t think I could do one of them in a different way. I was on a time crunch and I wanted to do something fun. I’ve always admired The Killers for also donating a song a year to charity, so I followed suit. I called up my friend Joe Bray of All Day Productions and we met up with some recording equipment at my apartment. We spent all too long deciding which cheesy side instruments to go for (glockenspiel, jingle bells, mariachi trumpet ...). He actually does the voice of Santa on the track. It was a fun way to get in the Christmas spirit and to do some good.

Lou Christie I recorded “O Holy Night” which was part of the history of who I was growing up. I went to Moon High School, and I started singing that song every Christmas.

Whether I was in the junior choir or senior choir I sang led on “O Holy Night.” When I was recording, I went into Pittsburgh and recorded “O Holy Night” with the University of Pittsburgh Men’s Glee Club and it went all over the nation on one of those compilations with different people like Nat King Cole.

“Coldest Night of the Year” was one I picked to record because there’s nothing like winter in Pittsburgh or New York City. The whole each coast is just treacherous. But it’s just a nice song I did it with one of my background singers. But my favorite Christmas song will always be “O Holy Night.” • PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018 27

Trans-Siberian Orchestra CP FILE PHOTO

Holiday Concerts 10 local holiday season concerts

BY JORDAN SNOWDEN JSNOWDEN@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

28 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018

Thanksgiving Tradition: Rachmaninoff Rhapsody PSO director Manfred Honeck continues his Thanksgiving tradition of conducting an evening filled with captivating Viennese favorites. Debuting on piano is George Li, who will play alongside principal oboist Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida. Fri., Nov. 23. 8-10 p.m. Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., Downtown. pittsburghsymphony.org

Nghtmre Before Xmas

Sara Evans At Christmas

NGHTMRE is the soundtrack to your worst dreams.

Face those dark, trap, and future bass electronic fears at Nghtmre Before Xmas, with Midnight Tyrannosaurus, Ducky, and Swage. Fri., Nov. 30. 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

Stage AE, 400 N. Shore Drive, North Side. promowestlive.com

Named after her 2014 holiday album, Sara Evans makes a stop at Jergel’s on her annual At Christmas Tour. At Christmas includes holiday favorites like, “Silent Night” and “Winter Wonderland,” but with Evans' signature country twist.

Fri., Nov. 30. 8 p.m. Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, 103 Slade Lane, Warrendale. jergels.com

Pittsburgh Doo Wop Big Band Christmas Show Rewind to the '50s, '60s, and '70s this holiday season with sounds and rhythms of The Crystals, The Chiffons, The Miracles, Etta James, and more. Sat., Dec. 8. 7:30 p.m. Legacy Theatre, 700 Cumberland Woods Drive, Allison Park. thelegacylineup.com

Lindsey Stirling: The Wanderland Tour Winter is the season for classical music. With Stirling’s choreographed violin performances, get a classic music fix without a holiday denomination. Mon., Dec. 10. 7-11 p.m. Benedum Center, 237 Seventh St., Downtown. trustarts.org

Highmark Holiday Pops The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to take you on a sleigh ride.

The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Broadway’s Doug LaBrecque, and Santa Claus will also be on hand. Fri., Dec. 14. 8-10:30 p.m. Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., Downtown. pittsburghsymphony.org

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2018 It’s once again time to rock ’n’ roll into Christmas. But, this year, Trans-Siberian Orchestra won’t be performing the same old show.

To celebrate 20 years of touring, the band hits the road with an all-new production of The Ghosts of Christmas Eve. Fri., Dec. 28. 8 p.m. PPG Paints Arena, 1001 Fifth Ave, Uptown. ticketmaster.com

Buku with Of The Trees, Afterthought and more

Give the

t our Check ou ^ Miss Freddye's Blues Band at 2018 New Year's Eve Blues Bash

BEER CAVE!

Womp. Wompa. Womp. Bum. Bum. Bum. That’s the sound of bringing in the New Year, EDM style. Mon., Dec. 31. 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. The Rex Theater, 1602 E. Carson St., South Side. rextheater.net

ds6pax.com

GIFTO!F R BEOE VER 1 ,00 VARIETI 0 ES OF BEER !

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Searching for a fun-filled New Year's Eve? Look no further, this psychedelic funk band puts the ‘fun’ in funk. Mon., Dec. 31. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Stage AE, 400 N. Shore Drive, North Side. promowestlive.com

2018 New Year’s Eve Blues Bash Move, groove, and ring in the new year to the sounds of blues. Included in the price of the ticket is a buffet dinner, an open bar (8 p.m. – 1 a.m.) and a midnight buffet to satisfy those drunk munchies. Put on by the Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania. Mon., Dec. 31. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Moon Double Tree, 8402 University Blvd., Moon. bswpa.org

1118 S Braddock Ave

Swissvale, PA 15218

(412) 241-4666

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018 20 8 29

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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018 31

PHOTO: JOHN COLOMBO 32 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018

www.taipei-fc.com THE BEST Chinese Restaurant Fox Chapel has to offer!

Owner Steve Weng would like to welcome you to Taipei. You don’t have to travel far for good food. At Taipei, you can expect great comfort foods prepared by our kitchen chef to the beautifully crafted sushi dishes from the sushi bar. Pair your meal with good drinks from our full bar and excellent wine list.

Three unexpected recipes to spice up your holiday season

Thank you to our valued customers for your support and loyalty.

BY MAGGIE WEAVER MWEAVER@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

A

N INTERNET search for “traditional holiday meals” brings up one thing: turkey.

Ditch the turkey this year. Think beyond latkes. Who needs cranberry sauce? .Tradition deserves to be re-written. Try one of these three recipes to spice up your holiday season. Sponsored by turkeys worldwide.

HAPPY HOUR: Monday-Friday 4-6pm

1124 FREEPORT ROAD • FOX CHAPEL 4 1 2 . 78 1 . 4 1 3 1 Mon-Thu: 11am-10pm Fri & Sat 11am-11pm Sun: 11:30am-9:30pm

Sushi

Get handsy for the holidays and roll your own sushi. All you need is a pot of rice, seaweed, and some bamboo mats. Stay festive and dye the rice red. Feeling really fancy? Cut stars out of cucumbers. Forget California and go for the holiday roll!

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • •

1 cup sushi rice (makes three rolls) 2 cups water 3 Tbsp rice wine vinegar 2 Tbsp sugar ½ tsp salt Food coloring (red) Nori Chopped veggies, fish, cream cheese, etc.

Soy sauce, wasabi, ginger

Begin by rinsing the rice until the water runs clear.

Heat the two cups of water and add rice, cooking until the liquid is completely absorbed. Meanwhile, heat the vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside to cool.

Once the rice is finished, add the vinegar mixture and combine. To dye rice, add red food coloring.

Take a bamboo mat or dish towel covered in cling wrap and place a sheet of nori on top. Add rice and fillings then roll the sushi into a tight spiral. Slice and eat.

CONTINUES ON PG. 34

Give the Gift of Wonder with a Phipps Membership

A membership to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens makes a truly extraordinary holiday gift, giving friends, family members and colleagues year-round access to inspiring, ever-changing exhibits, exclusive events, unparalleled beauty and serene tranquility. Personalize your gift with a special message and choice of holiday card packaging.

phipps.conservatory.org/Membership PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018 33

HOLIDAY RECIPES, CONTINUED FROM PG. 33

Thai Curry Curry is low risk, high reward. You can make mistakes at every step and dinner will still be delicious. No slaving away over a boiling pot of potatoes this year. Instead, take a trip to the local Asian grocer.

INGREDIENTS:

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• • • • • • • •

Protein of choice Coconut milk Red curry paste Kaffir lime leaves Thai basil Eggplant, cut into small pieces Palm sugar Fish sauce

Heat a wok on the stove. Once hot, add a small amount of coconut milk. When the coconut milk boils, add curry paste and stir until fragrant. Add protein and cook until done. Add eggplant, basil, and lime leaf. Finish with palm sugar and fish sauce to taste. For a kick, add a few Thai chilies (be careful, they’re small but mighty). Serve hot over rice.

Champagne Gelatin Don’t drink champagne this year — eat it. Turn the New Year’s Eve classic into ramped-up Jell-O shots. Toast 2019 with style.

INGREDIENTS: • • • • • •

3

/4 oz. plain gelatin ½ cup sugar 1 bottle of Champagne or Prosecco 2 cups sparkling grape juice 2 cups water Fresh fruit

Wash, dry, and chill the glasses, ice cube tray, or pan for gelatin. Prepare an ice bath and set aside. Combine two cups of water, sugar, and gelatin in a saucepan over medium heat.

Stir until dissolved. Put the saucepan into ice bath until gelatin is lukewarm. Then, stir in champagne and grape juice. Pour the mixture into your containers and refrigerate. If you’ve decided to add fresh fruit, set for 30 minutes and push the fruit into the slightly thickened gelatin. Chill until set. • 34 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018

CAROL OF THE KING

THE IRISH DANCE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR SUN • 12/2 • 4PM

STOMP SAT-SUN • 11/24-11/25

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER THE MUSICAL WED • 11/28 • 6:30PM

GENERATION AXE MON • 12/3 • 7:30PM

REASON FOR THE SEASON CHRISTMAS TOUR TUE • 12/4 • 7:30PM

THE BEACH BOYS

CHRIS CHRISTMAS BRASSTACULAR SAT • 12/1 • 7:30PM

THE NUTCRACKER

WSO/LAUREL BALLET 25TH ANNIV. PROD. SAT-SUN • 12/8-12/9 WESTMORELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

KENNY G

THE MIRACLES HOLIDAYS & HITS TOUR MON • 12/10 • 8PM

Where to stock up on comfort food and drinks this season

BY MAGGIE WEAVER MWEAVER@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

For this festive time of year, CP picked out ten of our favorite places that nourish souls and appetites. Forget calorie counting, lose the summer diet plan, and break out the sweatpants. It’s holiday season.

Dor-Stop Restaurant. 1430 Potomac Ave., Dormont. thedorstoprestaurant.com

The Dor-Stop Restaurant is a tried and true Pittsburgh classic. Carbo-load with a stack of the restaurant’s artisan hotcakes. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee and lean into a lazy morning.

FRI • 12/14 • 7:30PM

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS SAT • 12/15 • 7:30PM

LOOKING FOR HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS?

CP FILE PHOTO

^ Drinking is more fun when you're surrounded with Christmas decorations at Bob's Garage.

Seasonal Eats

LATSHAW POPS SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS SHOW

A CLINT BLACK CHRISTMAS THU • 12/13 • 7:30PM

THE NIGHT RANGER BEFORE CHRISTMAS

GIFT CERTIFICATES

FEATURING NIGHT RANGER FRI • 12/21 • 8PM

AVAILABLE BY PHONE AT 724-836-8000 OR IN PERSON AT THE PALACE THEATRE BOX OFFICE!

PHIL VASSAR THU • 1/24 • 7:30PM

THE ULTIMATE JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE SAT • 1/26 • 8PM

CASH UNCHAINED

TAMBURITZANS SUN • 1/27 • 2PM

WESTMORELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS

THU • 2/14 • 8PM

HEART STRINGS SAT • 2/16 • 7:30PM

GET THE LED OUT FR-SA • 1/18-1/19 • 8PM

ABBA MANIA THU • 2/7 • 7:30PM WESTMORELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

MASTERS OF ILLUSION BELIEVE THE IMPOSSIBLE SUN • 2/17 • 3PM

MUSIC & MAGIC SAT • 3/16 • 7:30PM WESTMORELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

RHYTHM OF THE DANCE SUN • 3/17 • 6PM

KATHLEEN MADIGAN

HOT DOGS AND ANGELS TOUR FRI • 3/22 • 7:30PM

REO SPEEDWAGON MON • 4/8 • 7:30PM

Bob’s Garage. 1372 Freeport Road,

CARMINA BURANA SAT • 4/27 • 7:30PM WESTMORELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

O’Hara Township.

If you need a kick of holiday spirit, head straight to Bob’s Garage. It’s Christmas chaos.

THE 5TH DIMENSION SUN • 4/28 • 3PM

THE SOUND OF MUSIC NATIONAL TOUR SUN • 5/5 • 7:30PM

BRIAN REGAN FRI • 5/10 • 8PM

DOWNLOAD THE PALACE THEATRE MOBILE APP FOR THE LATEST EVENTS AND INFORMATION!

Kelly’s Bar and Lounge.

6012 Centre Ave., East Liberty.

Kelly’s Bar and Lounge makes a mac better than your mother’s. This mac n’ cheese is baked to order and comes out piping hot with a char-splattered cheesy crust.

CONTINUES ON PG. 36

THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS SAT • 5/11 • 7:30PM

THE LETTERMEN SUN • 5/19 • 3PM

PETER NOONE

& HERMAN’S HERMITS SAT • 6/22 • 7PM

VICKI LAWRENCE & MAMA A TWO WOMAN SHOW SUN • 6/23 • 3PM

21 W. OTTERMAN STREET, GREENSBURG PA • 724-836-8000 • FREE PARKING FOR WEEKEND & EVENING SHOWS!

MAMMA MIA THE MUSICAL FRI-SUN • 11/16-11/18

RIVER CITY BRASS

PALACE THEATRE COMING EVENTS

WWW.THEPALACETHEATRE.ORG PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018 35

SEASONAL EATS, CONTINUED FROM PG. 35

an urban bistro in the heart of mt. lebanon

CP FILE PHOTO

^ Soup dumplings at Everyday Noodles

Everyday Noodles. 5875 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. everydaynoodles.net

711 washington rd. mt. lebanon

412.306.1919 www.bistro19.com

Everyday Noodles in Squirrel Hill perfects the art of soup dumplings.

Each bite, balanced with searing hot soup and steamed dough, warms you to the core.

S&D Polish Deli. 2204 Penn Ave., Strip District. sdpolishdeli.com S&D Polish Deli serves up classics like stuffed cabbage and Haluszki. For New Year’s luck, stock up on the deli’s Polish spin on PA Dutch superstition, kielbasa, and sauerkraut.

Biddle’s Escape. 401 Biddle Ave., Regent Square. biddlesescape.com .com

This eclectic coffee shop really ally will help you escape ... from winter. Warm yourself up with their wide-range of seasonal easonal drinks, including indulgent, marshmallow-filled allow-filled hot chocolate worth savoring. g.

People’s Indian. 5147 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. peoplesindian.com n.com Sink into the warm spices off Indian food at People’s. Sneak off too the lunch buffet, a smorgasbord of curry, rry masala masala, naan naan, and more more.

Piper’s Pub. 1828 E. Carson St., South Side. piperspub.com

Gift ideas for the outdoor lover #shoplocal

Piper’s will keep your Guinness full and heart happy with traditional European dishes.

Enrico Biscotti Co. 2022 Penn Ave., Strip District. www.enricobiscotti.com

Nothing says "holiday" like traditional Italian food. Enrico Biscotti Co. will keep you in a festive mood with homemade cannoli and biscotti.

Acacia. 2108 E. Carson St., South Side. acaciacocktails.com Acacia recently reopened its doors and we couldn’t be more thrilled.

Take refuge in the seasonal menu of hot drinks with a kick. • 36 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018

Thank you for all of your support during these recent disasters.

There’s a lot to do, and you help us do it!

Connecting People’s Resources with People’s Needs www.brothersbrother.org • facebook.com/BrothersBrother • 1200 Galveston Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15233

Introducing Sloane Street

by Gadbois Jewelry, a uniquely classic collection now available at Henne Jewelers. www.hennejewelers.com

Jewelers for Life®

S H A DY S I D E

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018 37

Food

A DV E RTO R I A L

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Carmella's Banana Old Fashioned This banana infused whiskey cocktail is sure to tickle your taste buds with its VZHHW FKRFRODWH DQG EDQDQD Ĺ´DYRUV HQMR\ E\ WKH Ć&#x201C;UH WKLV KROLGD\ VHDVRQ RU stop by Carmella's and let us make one for you.

Ingredients: 1.5 oz banana infused Bourbon 3 dashes chocolate bitters 1 dash brown sugar simple

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in mixing glass. Add ice, stir, strain RYHU ODUJH LFH FXEH LQWR ZKLVNH\ JODVV *DUQLVK ZLWK GHK\GUDWHG EDQDQD

Round Corner Cantina The Stocking Stuffer 5RE +LUVW %DU 0DQDJHU DW 5RXQG &RUQHU &DQWLQD VD\V Ĺ?WKLV GLYLQH \XOH WLGH FRFNWDLO SDLUV SHUIHFWO\ ZLWK D FXGGOH EXGG\ LQ IURQW RI WKH KHDUWK ZKLOH URDVWLQJ FKHVWQXWV Sweet and smokey baking spices balanced with citrus and pepper.â&#x20AC;?

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Instructions: &RPELQH DOO LQJUHGLHQWV VKDNH RQ LFH DQG VWUDLQ 6HUYH LQ D PDUWLQL

38 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018

A DV E RTO R I A L

Pancetta Wrapped Lamb Loin Ingredients: 2 fresh artichoke bottoms

1 cup red wine

FXSV H[WUD YLUJLQ ROLYH RLO

MXOLHQQHG UHG RQLRQ

3 sprigs fresh thyme

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2 boneless lamb loins

1/2 cup beef or chicken Stock

12 thin slice pancetta Salt and pepper

1 tbsp. capers WVS EDOVDPLF YLQHJDU

Instructions: 3UHKHDW RYHQ WR o ) 0L[ DUWLFKRNHV H[WUD YLUJLQ ROLYH RLO

Eighty Acres Kitchen & Bar

WK\PH ED\ OHDYHV OHPRQ MXLFH VDOW DQG SHSSHU LQ D VDXFH SDQ 6LPPHU RYHU low heat for 15 minutes or until the artichokes are tender. Set aside. Heat scant DPRXQW RI ROLYH RLO LQ FDVW LURQ RU RYHQ VDIH VNLOOHW RYHU PHGLXP KLJK KHDW (YHQO\ EURZQ ODPE ORLQV RQ DOO VLGHV 5HPRYH IURP KHDW DQG DOORZ WKHP WR FRRO VOLJKWO\ :UDS WKH ORLQV LQ SDQFHWWD DQG UHWXUQ WKHP WR WKH VNLOOHW %DNH IRU PLQXWHV or until internal temperature reaches 125o ) 5HPRYH IURP SDQ DQG DOORZ WR UHVW 'HJOD]H WKH SDQ ZLWK UHG ZLQH RYHU PHGLXP KHDW $GG UHG RQLRQ DQG UHG EHOO SHSSHU &RRN IRU PLQXWHV $GG .DODPDWD ROLYHV EHHI RU FKLFNHQ VWRFN FDSHUV DQG EDOVDPLF YLQHJDU &RRN IRU PLQXWHV

Pumpkin Soup in a Pumpkin Shell Ingredients: 3/4 cup bacon 1/2 cup butter

1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. mace

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4 3/4 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

Kosher Salt and cracked pepper to taste

2 1/2 cups milk 1 cup cream, 3 to 4 cups chicken stock 1/2 cup honey 1 tbsp. crystallized ginger, minced 1 tbsp. brown sugar WVS PDUMRUDP

2/3 cup whipping cream 2 tbsps. chopped Italian parsley 1 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme 1/2 tsp. freshly cracked pepper 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted Crispy bacon.

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All in Good Taste Productions: Bob Sendall PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018 39

Bob's Burgers' "Christmas in a Car" IMAGE: ©2013 FOX AND ITS RELATED ENTITIES

40 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018

FOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, AND ALL SEASONS...

The TV show holiday h lid episode i d is better than holiday movies

BY HANNAH LYNN HLYNN@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

I

N THE WEEKS following Halloween, Christmas decorations begin creeping into storefronts, trees pop up in windows, and holiday movies start airing en masse on TV. Everyone has their favorite holiday movies, but what no one will admit is that the holiday special episode of a TV show is better than a holiday movie.

A Christmas movie in theaters is a hard sell. With few exceptions, the most popular holiday movies are decades old, and what new movies do arrive in theaters during the season are expensive, criticallyacclaimed Oscar bait. And there are almost no movies released about Thanksgiving, because there’s such a short window of celebration that the premise quickly seems irrelevant (and people don’t clutch to the joys of Thanksgiving as desperately as they do with Christmas).

Enter, the holiday special episode of your favorite TV show. The function isn’t quite the same, since so much of TV is aired via streaming platforms, but there is something that makes the familiarity and brevity of a TV show the perfect vehicle for conveying the warmth and weirdness of the holiday season. Already deep into a series, viewers know the characters well enough to know what to get them for Christmas, whereas a movie throws new characters at you and expect immediate and unconditional love. And while holiday movies tend to go broad, trying to appeal to everyone and therefore resonating with no one, TV shows already know their audience and can get into specifics.

In its second season, The Office aired its “Christmas Party” episode, which features Michael hijacking a Secret Santa exchange, Jim attempting to declare his feelings to Pam with a teapot, and the introduction of Bob Vance. Workplace Secret Santa gifts are such a specific awkwardness, but can also be surprisingly sweet, like realizing a coworker actually does know you well and might even be a friend. Movies can’t encompass that.

In another personal favorite, Gilmore Girls tackles the specific panic of overlapping holiday plans in the episode “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving.” Lorelai and Rory have committed to four different Thanksgivings of varying extremes that include a whole bird in a deep fryer and pious Korean guitar playing. A movie would have to wrap up all the dirt Thanksgiving dredged up neatly, but a show can leave it hanging for future debate.

Other great holiday episode classics include Bob’s Burgers’ “Christmas in a Car,” Mad Men’s “Christmas Waltz,” and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s “The Gang Squashes Their Beefs.” But pick any of your favorite shows, and they probably have at least one satisfying Christmas episode.

Holiday movies are fine, but holiday episodes work with ingredients viewers already know and love and hate and suspend their daily activities for a brief period of celebration, however warm, awkward, or exhausting that may be.

OVER 100

RESTAURANTS WAITING ON YOU

EatSustainably.org

The perfect vehicle for conveying the warmth and weirdness of the holiday season

•

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018 41

^ Call Me By Your Name

Holiday Movies

The

Mister Bunch

10 not so popular holiday movies

BY HANNAH LYNN

HLYNN@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

There are only a few movies anyone ever talks about around the holiday season: Love Actually, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, Die Hard. Some might call these movies grating, or even terrible. Here is a list of alternative holiday movies, ranging from an animated telling of the Holocaust to Dolly Parton’s life story.

1. When

Harry Met Sally

While not traditionally thought of as a Christmas movie, this flawless film encompasses the spirit of Christmas and New Year’s Eve. 2. An

American Tail

If you Google “Hanukkah movies,” all the results are Holocaust movies.

This one, about immigrant cartoon mice, is still a Holocaust movie, but marginally more uplifting.

3. Call

Me By Your Name

This movie about a bright, decadent summer in Italy culminates with a snowy and bittersweet holiday in Italy.

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4. The Nightmare Before Christmas

The marketing department for this movie was very smart in making it suitable for both Halloween and Christmas.

CONTINUES ON PG. 44

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5. Dolly

Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors

When Dolly Parton was a kid, she started using makeup because she loved the way the "town trollop" looked. She plays that "town trollop" in this movie based on her childhood.

6. The

Ultimate Christmas Present

The classic Disney Channel original movie about two girls who find Santa’s snow machine and accidentally start a blizzard in California.

7. Shop

Around the Corner

Set around two rival shopkeepers during the Christmas season, this movie is the base for the modern classic You’ve Got Mail.

8. The

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9. Bridget Jones’s Diary

Another perfect romantic comedy that happens to be set around the holiday season.

10. Shrek

the Halls

Nothing screams Christmas like an ogre and a donkey in a swamp.

44 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2018

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A discussion on mischievous Yiddish vagabonds and matzo balls

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L

AST YEAR, the Pittsburgh City Paper interviewed Eric Kimmel, author of the beloved children’s Hanukkah book Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins and it sparked a conversation about the market/lack of market for children’s Hanukkah books in general. That led to a purchase of an inexplicably conceived children’s book called The Mohel from Mars. Now a year later, CP writers/Hanukkah celebrators Hannah Lynn and Alex Gordon look back on Jewish children’s books and memories from Hanukkahs past.

Alex Gordon: Did you read Christmas books as a kid?

Hannah Lynn: The only one I can remember is The Polar Express, but my family is all Jewish on both sides so we never really did Christmas books or movies.

AG: Not even Home Alone?

HL: Nope. Most Christmas movies I saw were at friend’s houses.

Like my parents didn’t forbid it or anything we just didn’t really have any interest.

AG: When I was a kid, the South Park episode about being Jewish on Christmas was very popular, and it was one of the first storylines I remember about that.

HL: I remember the Rugrats being Jewish and having a Passover episode or something Did you read Christmas books?

AG: Yup, we did The Night Before Christmas. But Herschel was huge for us. My mom gave it to everybody in every corner of our family.

HL: Were they stoked when you interviewed the author?

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• “The table,” Hershele replied.

HL: Hahaha.

AG: He’s a rascal.

HL: Did you have a Christmas tree?

AG: Yup! When I was a kid, I made a Star of David out of popsicle sticks as an ornament and my parents still bust it out every year.

HL: My best friend when I was little lived across the street, and I’d go over and decorate theirs, and I think made a little Star of David ornament for it. At one point in elementary school, I

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HANUKKAH TALK, CONTINUED FROM PG. 49

heard of someone else having a Hanukkah bush and I was like, “Mom, I want one!” and she said, “Absolutely not,” which, in hindsight, is fair!

AG: Had to Google that.

Wikipedia is sassy about it: “It may, for all intents and purposes, be a Christmas tree (without any Christian ornaments).”

AG: Do you think there are families that buy a new one every year? And keep like a scrapbook? Cuz I do!

HL: I bet also like fancy people who get tired of the same menorah/ don’t wanna clean the wax off it.

Is [your boyfriend] Shawn Jewish?

AG: Last question: Are you stepping it up and trying matzo ball soup this Hanukkah? Or sticking with latkes?

HL: No. Last Hanukkah, like a month into dating, I made him come over along with a bunch of my friends and made everyone latkes. And it was my first time making them.

HL: Probably just latkes but last year a friend came to visit (in January, not even on a holiday) and we made matzo ball soup together from my grandma’s recipe, which is pretty laborious.

AG: Was it his first Hanukkah?

HL: Yes. AG: My parents let me invite friends when I was a kid. For one of the nights at least. You? HL: I don’t remember, but I assume so.

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AG: I just remember my friend kinda grinning when we did the blessings. Not maliciously. But I think the first time you hear it, it’s so rote and we kinda had the rhythm of it down.

But it turned out so good. I was very impressed with myself.

HL: Oh yeah.

AG: I was a vegetarian when I was a kid (not for moral reasons, I just thought meat was gross) and I refused to eat matzo balls because they looked like meat.

AG: The sort of one-two-threebeat of baruch. Atah. Adonai.

HL: It’s weird ‘cause I say that thing without a second thought but also can’t translate it really.

AG: One time when I was a kid I asked my dad for a translation and he was like, “Umm, God is good. King of the universe.”

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HL: Did you have one menorah in your family?

AG: Oh yeah. It looks like something Indiana Jones would find, but I think my mom got it at TJ Maxx or something.

HL: Me and my sister each had our own and then my parents had one and we’d alternate which one got lit.

AG: You go for dense or fluffy?

HL: Fluffy, I think

HL: Omg. AG: Finally my dad was like, “Alex, it’s like bread.”

HL: They couldn’t be less meat.

Have you ever made them?

AG: No, but I plan on trying this year. Any tips?

HL: I like a lot of dill in the soup and when I made them I put a little in the matzo balls and they were good. I’d also saved and froze a leftover chicken carcass/ bone and threw that in with rest of chicken, it added more flavor.

AG: K I’ll keep you posted.

Happy Hanukkah.

•

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Maybe that’s what Christmas has been missing all these years: an enemy.

BY ALEX GORDON ALEXGORDON@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

N

O ONE CAN SAY for sure why it happened when it did, but at some point in the mid- to late2000s, folks all around the world caught the Krampus bug.

Though the mythical Christmas devil has roots dating back hundreds of years in Norse, German, and Greek folklore, the character has enjoyed a popularity kick in the past decade, with a handful of B-movies, themed parties, books, annual listicles, parades, and who knows what else.

You might remember Market Square’s annual Krampusnacht festival, but if you slept through that and this is all news to you, Krampus is basically a punitive goat-demon version of Santa Claus who carries chains.

That sounds objectively terrific, so the question is why did it take the character so long to catch on? Even ignoring that the myth is super old, horror-Christmas crossovers have proven reliably successful since 1993’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. What took so long to get Krampus on the marquees? Here are four theories on why the myth is so hot right now.

1. In the 2015 film version Krampus, the protagonist is a little boy who’s bummed about his family’s lack of holiday spirit. It turns out even having Adam Scott and Toni Collette as your parents and Allison Tolman as your aunt isn’t enough to keep the holiday gloomies away. They’re a bunch of cynical, ungrateful, materialistic dicks, which leaves the door open for Krampus and his chains to get involved. Calling out consumer culture in Christmas movies is nothing new,

but maybe we’re just starting to embrace the hypocrisy of the holiday and take it to its logical end: a goat-demon who kidnaps children.

2. Along those same lines, maybe Santa Claus isn’t really speaking to folks the way he used to. He’s a lovely dude, but in the era of anti-heroes (aka mean men that people like for some reason), the whole nice-guy shtick feels a little one-dimensional. So it’s appealing to think that under all that red felt is a vengeful, angry demi-god.

Maybe Santa Claus isn’t really speaking to folks the way he used to.

3. Remember “The Dayman” episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadephia? When Charlie pitches the musical, the rest of the gang is confused because the plan has no enemy. “Who versus? Who are we doing it versus?” Maybe that’s what Christmas has been missing all these years: an enemy.

4. Lastly, the most reasonable theory: the Halloween season is too short. With the crisp weather arriving later every year, people are nostalgic for the autumns of their youths. By combining the two holidays that earmark the season, we’re able to extend it and reclaim some semblance of fall. Krampus lets us inject Halloween into the winter holiday season, turning the whole three months into an amorphous swirl of sweet holiday action. That’s a good thing. Thanks, Krampus.

•

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Day One: Stretch your legs at Panama Rocks Scenic Park, an enchanting world of towering rocks and passageways. The rocks are 300 million year old quartz conglomerate that reach upwards of 60 feet. Become an “axpert” axethrower at the park’s Axcellent Adventures course.

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Continue on through Lake Erie Wine Country, stopping at some of the more than 20 wineries. Paranormal activity at the Dunkirk Lighthouse stems from military artifacts and unrestful spirits of past lighthouse keepers. Schedule in advance to join a group tour or book a private investigation.

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