It’s the 45th anniversary of the Drue Heinz Prize! Together, we’re honoring 45 years of one of America’s most significant short fiction awards, with readings from current prizewinner Bill Gaythwaite as well as alumni prizewinners Caroline Kim (2020) and Kelly Sather (2023). Join in on this celebration of short fiction, followed by a public reception of charcuterie and wine. 

Pittsburgh Jazz Legend (MCG Jazz) Lou Stellute returns to City of Asylum with his own group! Joining forces with Antonio Croes, Ava Lintz, and George Heid III, this group is known for its spontaneity and improvisation. With a sixth sense attuned to jazz, these musicians listen and respond together in the moment, resulting in a musically inventive, totally spontaneous, and wholly original performance that is beautiful, funky, and free. The program features jazz standards as well as two entirely improvised compositions.

Join us on this spooky evening for a community Halloween event, a perfect night out for the whole family!

Whether it’s a place, a person, or just a peaceful feeling, home can take many forms. This November, Story Club Pittsburgh (created by the former producers of The Moth Pittsburgh) settles down with stories searching for, finding, changing, and reimagining the special notion that is Home.

Pat Metheny is one of the most acclaimed jazz musicians playing today. He reinvented the traditional jazz guitar sound with his first album, Bright Size Life (1975), and he has continued to redefine the genre by utilizing new technology. Pat Metheny has won 20 Grammy Awards in a record-breaking 12 different categories, and he has spent most of his life on tour, averaging between 120 and 240 shows a year since 1974.

As the weather gets colder, what’s better than curling up with your community for a movie night? For the better part of a decade, City of Asylum has been partnering with Reel Q to bring unique, international queer films to audiences for free in a series known as “Reel Stories.” From dramas to documentaries to playful rom-coms, we are honored and delighted to serve as a platform for these beautiful works to reach new audiences. Stay tuned for more details on this November screening!

Reel Q is one of the oldest LGBTQ+ film festivals in the world. Starting in 1985, Reel Q’s mission has been to increase the availability and accessibility of queer film in Pittsburgh and its surrounding region, highlighting the diverse experiences of our worldwide community.

It’s a Thursday Night Jazz Album Launch! In a concert sure to make the audience come alive, lifelong bassist Dwayne Dolphin shares tracks from his latest project, Let The Music Play. Dwayne’s inspiration for this album sprang from his desire to bring back the dance element of jazz to the scene. If there’s one thing Dwayne and his Fo’tet know, it’s that jazz is the music of the people—not the music of an awkward elevator ride. Let The Music Play came to be through a passion for creating and sharing happy music. This album launch embodies that passion, resulting in a buzzing performance that’ll make you glad you brought your dancing shoes. 

More than eight decades ago, jazz impresario Norman Granz had the idea to present informal jazz jam sessions on a formal concert stage. He began his musical experiment at Philharmonic Hall in Los Angeles in 1943 and was quickly met with great success. As his idea and organization grew, he soon found himself face-to-face with the nation’s Jim Crow culture. Bearing witness to the ways Black American artists were affected by the restrictions and manipulations of Jim Crow–era America, Granz leveraged his power as a successful and shrewd businessman to ensure all Jazz at the Philharmonic artists traveled first-class and were treated first-class. This Thursday Night Jazz performance celebrates not only Norman Granz, but the incredible musicians he supported in these historic jam sessions. 

Cucina Alfabeto will be closed for Thanksgiving. Wishing you all a wonderful Holiday! We’ll look forward to seeing you after.

The year might be coming to a close, but before you start thinking about your resolutions for 2026, Story Club Pittsburgh (created by the former producers of The Moth Pittsburgh) wants you to take a closer look at your past. This December, Story Slam checks out the skeletons in the closet and everything that’s been swept under the rug…it’s time to talk about your Unfinished Business.