Checking In: Artists Around the World featuring Staycee Pearl

By: KST Staff

Every Thursday at 2:00pm, KST Senior Producer Ben Pryor takes to Instagram Live for conversations with artists in Pittsburgh, throughout the US and around the world. They will connect on the impact of COVID-19 and adapting to working in the arts through a pandemic. Pryor kicks things off with Pittsburgh choreographer Staycee Pearl, Co-Artistic Director of Staycee Pearl Dance Projects and Soy Sos and PearlArts Studios. Check out Staycee Pearl and PearlArts Studios here: http://www.pearlartsstudios.com

Staycee Pearl is the co-artistic director of PearlArts Studios and STAYCEE PEARL dance project & Soy Sos (SPdp&SS), where she creates artful experiences through dance-centered multimedia works in collaboration with her husband and artistic collaborator, Herman Pearl. Staycee received her initial dance training at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. In 2010, SPdp&SS debuted at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, and served as resident dance company for the theater for three years. Staycee and husband/creative partner Herman Pearl proudly opened their dance/art/sound space, PearlArts Studios, in April of 2012. Since then the duo has produced several works including ..on being…, OCTAVIA, and FLOWERZ. Staycee is passionate about sharing resources and creating opportunities for the arts community by initiating project-generating programs including the Charrette Series, the In The Studio Series, and the PearlDiving Movement Residency. Checking In is a part of KST Global Stream, KST’s COVID-19 responsive online programming initiative.

Below is video of the conversation between Ben Pryor and Choreographer Straycee Pearl Check out the full schedule of upcoming guests here.

KST Global Stream: Down with ODD featuring LoRen

By: KST Staff

Every Wednesday at 2:00pm, KST Deputy Director Orlana Darkins Drewery takes to Instagram Live for conversations with the KST community in Pittsburgh, and across the USA. Join us to see how folks are managing the impact of COVID-19. To kick things off, Orlana was joined by Artist LoRen for a great conversation. Check out LoRen here: https://www.lolandmusic.com/ Listen to LoRen’s music on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/a-m-…

LoRen is influenced by a wide range of vocalists from soul artists including Lauryn Hill and Sam Cooke, and compared to the sweet country singing of Taylor Swift, LoRen (Guest – Wednesday, April 8) has a sound that is unlike any other. LoRen has been writing her own music since the age of 8 and is trained in both classical and Broadway music. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, LoRen has participated and won numerous talent shows, and has performed in front of thousands. In 2016 LoRen was featured in a Maybelline New York campaign as an artist and model that “Makes it Happen.” LoRen later collaborated with a house music producer in the Netherlands, for an international house music project. In 2018, LoRen was selected to be a panelist for the Advancing Black Arts Pittsburgh grants program. LoRen is currently studying Music production at Full Sail University. Down with ODD is a part of KST Global Stream, KST’s COVID-19 responsive online programming initiative.

Below is video of the conversation between Orlana Darkins Drewery and performer and 2019 Kelly Strayhorn Theater Futuremaker Loren Check out the full schedule of upcoming guests here.

19 Minutes with Joseph Hall and Dr. Jane Gabriels PhD.

By: KST Staff

In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, KST Presents has launched KST Global Stream, a new series of online programming. As a part of KST Global Stream, we are pleased to bring you 19 Minutes with Joseph Hall, a conversation series on Instagram Live featuring KST Executive Director Joseph Hall in conversation with Arts Leaders from around the world.

Below is video of the conversation between Hall and performer, singer, curator, producer and Executive Director of Made in BC – Dance on Tour, Dr. Jane Gabriels PhD. Check out the full schedule of upcoming guests here.

Sunstar 2020 Playlist!

By: KST Staff

It was on Thursday, March 12 that KST leadership and staff realized that we would not be able to host the 2020 Sunstar Festival. While the events of this year’s festival have been indefinitely postponed because of COVID-19, we are thrilled to share a taste of what the festival will be via the playlist below. Listen to tracks by Anqwenique Wingfield, RHYME, Inez, Clara Kent, Brittney Chantele and more. KST Presents will bring back Sunstar 2020 as soon as we are able!

19 Minutes with Joseph Hall & Charles Rice-Gonzalez

By: KST Staff

In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, KST Presents has launched KST Global Stream, a new series of online programming. As a part of KST Global Stream, we are pleased to bring you 19 Minutes with Joseph Hall, a conversation series on Instagram Live featuring KST Executive Director Joseph Hall in conversation with Arts Leaders from around the world.

Check out our first conversation below between Hall and writer and Co-Founder of BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, Charles Rice-Gonzalez. And check out the full schedule of upcoming guests here.

KST Welcomes Joseph Hall as Executive Director

By: KST Staff

KST is thrilled to welcome Joseph Hall back to Pittsburgh as the new Executive Director of Kelly Strayhorn Theater. Hall’s first day on the job was Monday, March 2. Check out the short message from Hall below and join us for his official community welcome reception as a part of Neighborhood Happy Hour on Thursday, March 19 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at Kelly Strayhorn Theater. HUNY will be there DJing sounds! Check back for more details on Hall’s first 100 days with KST and exciting news about the future of the institution.

Neighborhood Happy Hour: Homecoming and Welcome Reception for Joseph Hall

Thursday, March 19
7:00pm – 9:00pm

Kelly Strayhorn Theater
5941 Penn Ave. 15206

Free & Open to the Public
RSVP Now!

This monthly social at the KST Lobby Bar brings the people of East Liberty together! Grab a drink, meet your neighbors and chat over a snack from a local food truck. Invited guest speakers spark conversation and each event offers community members an opportunity to share news, announcements, and information about other East Liberty happenings, events, and concerns!

This season’s first Happy Hour will be a Homecoming and Welcome Reception for KST’s new Executive Director, Joseph Hall. Join us as we invite East Liberty and all of Pittsburgh to welcome Hall back to town! Enjoy music by one of Pittsburgh’s hottest DJ’s “HUNY,”  delicious appetizers, KST Lobby Bar cocktails and more!