Brillobox & Vietnam Veterans Pavilion (Schenley Park)
May 2 & 3
5 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Cambridge has Honk, Providence has Pronk and now Pittsburgh has Pittonkatonk Brass Festival.
The brainchild of Pittsburgh-based DJ, promoter and designer Pete Spynda, the lively two-day festival kicks off on Friday, May 2nd at Brillobox, with a May Day Music and Labor Roundtable from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public, the discussion will explore a wide range of topics, from how labor issues impact musicians locally and globally to DIY practices and the Internet’s problematic relationship with musicians.
Six panelists will share diverse opinions and experiences and then open the discussion up to the audience. Presented by The Center for Arts and Society, The Listening Spaces Project and Pandemic, the discussion will be followed by a free party featuring performances by MC Boogat (Montreal) and DJ Pandemic Pete (Pittsburgh).
Pittonkatonk turns up the volume on Saturday, May 3rd, with its main festival attraction at the Vietnam Veterans Pavilion in Schenley Park. Part music festival, part grassroots potluck and family BBQ, Pittonkatonk boasts an impressive lineup of local and national bands bringing the brass. Free and open to all ages, the concert starts at 3 p.m.
Featured national acts include the Providence, RI-based 18-piece brass punk band What Cheer? Brigade, a Pittsburgh favorite which blends traditional Balkan brass with samba, hip hop and Nola sounds; the funky 27-piece Detroit Party Marching Band, who are just back from a tour of Europe; and the Black Bear Combo, a prolific 8-piece Balkan brass ensemble from Chicago, IL with with roots in the Pittsburgh area.
Representing the home turf will be the high-octane samba group Timbeleeza; Pittsburgh’s favorite parade collective, the May Day Marching Band; C Street Brass featuring musical talents from Carnegie Mellon; and the festive Colonel Eagelburger’s Highstep Goodtime Marching Band.
Pittonkatonk is run by a dedicated crew of local volunteers. To support the event and get involved, contribute to the festival’s Indiegogo Campaign.