“How was your weekend?”
I am a lucky person because I can often start the work week by answering that question with the reply, “Great! I went to work this weekend and had a lot of fun!”
That was certainly the case Monday, April 8, following the kickoff of our new Saturday Soirées series at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall. The solar event in the sky that day was a breathtaking and historical. But it didn’t eclipse the wonderful time I had in the “Carnegie Carnegie” Studio for An Evening of Jazz with the Tania & Jeff Grubbs Quartet.
The new Saturday Soirées series transforms the Carnegie Carnegie Studio space into an intimate nightclub with hors d’oeuvres, drinks and, of course, live music. As music hall director, one of the perks of my position is booking fantastic musicians to play in our hall and studio performance spaces.
In assembling this new four-part series for the studio, I knew Tania and Jeff would be a great way to kick things off. Tania connects with the audience, drawing you in as if you’re the only person in the room. Her vocal stylings are beautiful and seemingly effortless.
Bassist Jeff Grubbs plays brilliant jazz riffs on his upright bass when he isn’t onstage with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Their ensemble’s fun and sophisticated musicianship was the perfect pairing for the inaugural Saturday Soirée.
On June 22, immerse yourself in the music of the golden age of stage and screen at our next Soiree. Along with pianist Deanna Muro, dynamic actress and vocalist Daina Griffith treats us to the tunes you’ll surely recognize with Leading Ladies of Yesteryear inspired by icons such as Judy Garland and Barbara Streisand.
When it comes to the business of show, Daina does it all. She has performed in dozens of plays, musicals, TV shows, films and on the radio.
To continue the series this fall, we are thrilled to welcome Resonance Works back to the Carnegie Carnegie, after outstanding productions in both the music hall and the studio. On Oct. 5, they perform as part of the Saturday Soirées series in the studio.
With imaginative and genre-defying productions featuring everything from opera and musical theatre to orchestral, choral, and chamber music, they present a mix of evocative new works and timeless classics to challenge traditional assumptions about classical music and invite audiences to connect with works in fresh and unexpected ways.
And last, but by no means least, the 2024 Saturday Soirées series will finish up with the sensational Delana Flowers. Currently, you can find her on stage at the Madison Arts Center in Pittsburgh Playwright Theatre Company’s production of Dinah, bringing the story of Dinah Washington to life through music.
Don’t walk, but run, to see her portray Dinah Washington, one of the most popular African-American singers of the 1950s. And be sure to scoop up your tickets for Delana’s performance Classy, Jazzy, and a Little Bit Sassy here in the Carnegie Carnegie Studio on Dec. 7.
Attending the Saturday Soirées series is not only about the music but the whole experience. Our Studio provides cafe-style seating for these intimate concerts, each presented for one night only.
Your ticket includes hors d’oeuvres with wine and beer in addition to an evening with each of the fantastic artists mentioned above, all while benefiting the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall.
Why not elevate your plans for these special weekends? Visit our website at CarnegieCarnegie.org to select a table for you and a group of friends or a date and treat yourself to a great evening out.
Heidi Matthews is the music hall director for the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall.