Theater Square Garage Roof
September 10
6 – 11 p.m.
Bathrobes, White Russians and stunning skyline views will converge on top of Downtown’s Theater Square Garage, for the second installment of the Rooftop Shindig.
The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) and Pittsburgh Filmmakers have teamed up to present the new summer series, which drew some 500 people for its debut on August 13th. The party with a view continues on Wednesday, September 10th, with a screening of the cult classic film, The Big Lebowski, along with a concert by local band Jimbo and the Soupbones.
A 1998 crime comedy film written and directed by famed siblings Joel and Ethan Coen, The Big Lebowski stars Jeff Bridges as the inimitable Jeff Lebowski, an unemployed Los Angeles slacker and avid bowler forever known as “the Dude.” Thanks to a case of mistaken identity, the Dude meets a millionaire, who is also named Jeffrey Lebowski. When the millionaire’s trophy wife is kidnapped, the plot thickens and the antics ensue.
Beloved for its idiosyncratic characters, dream sequences, unconventional dialogue and eclectic soundtrack, the cult flick is celebrated with special screening events all around the world every year. Loosely inspired by the work of British-American novelist and screenwriter Raymond Chandler, The Big Lebowski also stars John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, John Turturro and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Don a robe in homage of the film’s star and you’ll receive a discount on the Dude’s fave cocktail, the White Russian.
Providing the night’s live soundtrack prior to the film screening will be Pittsburgh-based band Jimbo and the Soupbones. Blending funk, rock, soul and blues, the quintet features Jimbo Jackson (acoustic guitar, vocals), Jason Caliguri (electric guitar, vocals), Sean Clements (bass), Nate Vagias (percussion) and Nick Tolkacevic (drums). The Soupbones have opened for Bon Jovi at Consol Energy Center, have appeared on the festival circuit and are currently working on a new CD.
Turning the top level of the 10-story Theater Square Garage into a festive summer destination, each Rooftop Shindig includes games, entertainment, fresh fare and specialty cocktails. Offering handcrafted food and drink for sale are Sonoma Grille, Perlé, Woodfired Flatbreads and Pop Stop. The Shindig’s environs are outfitted with colorful beach chairs, café tables and inflatable furniture that are for sale during the event. The Rooftop Shindig is expected to return during the summer of 2015 with expanded programming dates.
The event is free and open to the public. In the event of rain, the Rooftop Shindig will take place on Thursday, September 11th.