feature By Nicole Barley, Andrea Bosco, and Rachel Jones Contributing Writer Katherine Christoff

Looking to turn up the heat on your summer calendar? These concerts, galas, and gatherings will have you celebrating the season in style. Plus, we’re commemorating the return of the Point State Park Fountain!

Water Works Venture Outdoors: Kayak The fountain Breathe in the great outdoors with Pittsburgh’s trails, parks, and at Point State waterways. Kayak Pittsburgh, a project of Venture Outdoors, offers Park is a point hourly kayak and bicycle rentals in the , Millvale Riverfront of reference, an Park, and North Park. Several guided, themed kayaking programs are undeniable icon, a available all summer through Venture Outdoors for $30-$75. Alyson Walls sentinel of the city’s of Venture Outdoors says kayaking on Pittsburgh’s three rivers is popular three rivers — and with tourists and long-time residents. “It’s a great way to see the sights this June marked — including the city skyline, Point State Park, historic bridges, PNC the magnificent Park, and — from a new vantage point and experience the return of the water tranquility of the water,” Walls says. “You might also spot birds, fish, and sculpture. After other wildlife along the shore.” Even first-time kayakers need not worry. a dry spell due to The flat-water kayaking is perfect for beginners, and it’s easy to pick up two year’s worth of the technique after just a few minutes of instructions from the staff. But renovations, the reinvigorated fountain and surrounding park, first you will definitely feel the established in 1974, is the largest reconstruction in burn! “It’s a great upper State Park history. The fountain’s central column reaches heights of body and core workout,” 150 feet, and improvements include a cascade waterfall, new stone Walls says. “I also find paving surfaces, plumbing, and lighting. The fountains three fanned it very peaceful, quiet, water features, referred to as “peacock tails,” symbolize the three and relaxing to listen rivers, and so, the magical place where the Allegheny, Ohio, and to the water lapping Monongahela Rivers converge (along with the Wisconsin Glacial around your kayak and Flow aquifer, which runs quietly and powerfully underground) is paddle. Solo kayaks the point where we begin our summer in the city. From kayaking are $16/hour, tandem to biking, picnics to people watching, there’s plenty to see and do kayaks are $21.50/hour, along Pittsburgh’s riverfront. Visit the fountain between 7 a.m. and 11 and bicycles are $8/ p.m., spring through fall, and soak in the beauty of the city. For more hour. Kayak Pittsburgh, information, visit pointstatepark.com. kayakpittsburgh.org.

Photograph by Cayla Zahoran, from Venture Outdoors. Three Rivers Regatta The Three Rivers Regatta is the largest event of its kind in the country, and, in its 36th year in the city, The Grand Slam Package this year’s celebration promises to be a surging Fairmont Pittsburgh is teaming up with the Pittsburgh Pirates to offer the Grand Slam success. Attend the free festivities at Point State Package. Enjoy two tickets to a Pittsburgh Pirates game at PNC Park, overnight Park, including two fireworks shows, presented accommodations in a PNC Park-view guest room at Fairmont Pittsburgh, hotel by Zambelli Fireworks, on July 3 and of course, parking, homemade Cracker Jacks, a baseball glove to take to the game, and use on July 4. Jefferson Starship will headline the of an in-room Nintendo Wii baseball game. Get in on this home run deal Thursday main stage, and the Powerboat North American through Sunday until September 22. Rates start at $329 per night. Fairmont Pittsburgh, Championships will have the rivers rocking. Get the Downtown. fairmont.com/pittsburgh. PNC Park, North Shore. pirates.com. complete schedule at threeriversregatta.net.

Available until September 22 July 2 -4

Available until July 2 August 31 Save the Sea Turtles Bruno Mars Make a splash with the Save the Sea Turtles Package, which Celebrate Fourth of July early with an explosive performance includes overnight accommodations at Fairmont Pittsburgh, four by Bruno Mars. The smooth singer is performing at CONSOL tickets to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, a sea turtle stuffed Energy Center with special guest Ellie Goulding. As part of The animal, and a $25 donation to the Pittsburgh Zoo’s Sea Turtle Moonshine Jungle World Tour, this show will have you dancing, Second Chance program. The program rescues injured sea turtles singing, and swooning all night. Missing this concert will from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia beaches and definitely feel like getting locked out of heaven!CONSOL Energy sends them to the Pittsburgh Zoo for rehab. Soak up this special Center, Uptown. ticketmaster.com. Bruno Mars, brunomars.com. Thursday through Sunday until August 31. Rates start at $299 per night. Fairmont Pittsburgh, Downtown. fairmont.com/pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Highland Park. pittsburghzoo.org.

Photographs from the Pittsburgh Pirates, Three Rivers Regatta, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, CONSOL Energy Center. Summer in the City own mus cht ic Fe ts st eu iv D al

Mac Miller - Welcome home! Mac Miller july 6 2013- returns to his old stomping venues grounds as part of The park house, james street gastropub, the rathskellar @ max's allegheny tavern, main stage @ foreland st., stedeford's re- Space Migration Tour. The Deutschtowncords, artists image resource,Music peanutz, Festival key west, bistro to go Celebrate the booming local music scene with an all-day one-time WHIRL cover star & Co. & more... will be tearing up Stage AE festival bandsin historic Deutschtown! More than 40 live bands, Meeting of Important People, The Harlan Twins, Bastard Bearded Irishmen, with special guests Chance rangingRound Black from Ghosts, rock Locks andand Dams, blues Chet Vincent to bluegrass and The Big Bend, and Autobahn, electronica,

Ishtar, Grand Piano, Big Gypsy, The Red Western, Brewer's Row, Dave O'Brien the Rapper, Vince Staples, willTrio, play Triggers, in Legsa variety Like Tree Trunks, of indoor The FED, Nic and Lawless outdoor and his Young venues Crimina- across the les, Neighbours, Nerve Ending, Gene Stovall, Mega Def, Tracksploitation, DJ Three, and The Internet. We know NorthChrome SBabyide. Jesus, Food DJ Harry trucks Lurker, willThe Wreckids, be available, Blue X Baxter, butFaithful admission Sin- is free.ners, ADanfter Pritchard, running Ike Mississippi, two Tyree successful Morgan, Household Deutschtown Stories, Blue Red- Bar Crawls he’ll be reppin’ his hometown shift, Motometer, Weird Paul, Casino Bulldogs, Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo, The with some of our favorite in the fall,Dressed Cody Frets, W Adadsdad,alters The was Banned, inspired & Hot Metal toBridge host a summer event.www.deutschtownmusicfestival.org “With the music www.facebook.com/DeutschtownMusicFestivalwe already have in this neighbor- tracks, including “Party on hood — be it the Parkhouse, James St., or the Elks — music Fifth Ave.,” “Knock Knock,” was a natural choice as a new venture,” Walters says. “My and “Frick Park Market.” hope is to inspire new people to come and see how awe- Stage AE, North Shore. some our neighborhood is and for some of our other venues promowestlive.com. Mac to take on having live music.” Deutschtown Music Festival, Miller, macmillerofficial.com. deutschtownmusicfestival.org.

July 6 July 12

July 9-21 July 12

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Pittsburgh is heading under the sea for the first time, as the Pittsburgh CLO presents Disney’s Ticket packages include: The Little Mermaid. The Broadway hit tells the treasured tale of a mermaid, Ariel, who dreams of General admission: • $40 in advance for members a life as a human. Jessica Grové, who plays the • $50 in advance for non-members magical mermaid, and an outstanding cast sing • $75 day-of and at the door the favorite tunes by eight-time Academy Award Includes passport to gallery crawl and winner Alan Menken, like “Part of Your World” and dance party “Kiss the Girl.” The stunning set at the Benedum Center is sure to delight children and adults alike. Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Partners Board VIP admission: Benedum Center, Downtown. pittsburghclo.org. • $85 in advance for members and presenting sponsors UPMC and UPMC • $95 in advance for non-members Health Plan are hosting the seventh annual • $125 day-of and at the door CONSOL Energy Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh. Includes complimentary reserved The festivities kick off with a gallery crawl parking at Theater Square, passport to at 5:30 p.m. and close at 9 p.m. with a dance gallery crawl and dance party, access party at the for desserts! “It’s to two secret VIP destinations during an exciting venue because people have the the crawl with distinct menu items, chance to go to the Byham to see shows, but speciality cocktails, and installations by they don’t have the chance to go on-stage local artists. themselves,” says PCT Manager of Individual Giving Heather Masterson. The all-inclusive Jetsetter admission: event features an exclusive dinner party; • $500 in advance sensational, unlimited cocktails; a private Includes two VIP tickets, complimentary reserved parking at Theater Square art show; and music by the Boilermaker Jazz Garage, a Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Band. “It’s a terrific way to enjoy the city on membership at the Leader Partner level a summer night.” Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, for one year, and special recognition as Downtown. trustarts.culturaldistrict.org. a Jetsetter Individual Sponsor.

Photographs from Billy Bustamante, by Adam Milliron, Cayla Zahoran. 19th Annual Pittsburgh Blues Festival The Blues Fest is back for another year of food, fun, and vendors — accompanied by the music of popular, local blues bands! Presented by Peoples Natural Gas, the The Eagles event will be held at Hartwood Acres Last February, the Eagles released a and will benefit the Greater Pittsburgh documentary of its career called “The History Community Food Bank. Bring a bag of of the Eagles.” To celebrate the event, the band Sign up groceries for donation, and Friday’s launched a summer tour of the same name and online with the admission is free! Listen to smooth it swoops down to Pittsburgh this month. Check Ruckus code WHIRLJULY sounds by Los Lonely Boys, Miss Freddye into the Hotel California, er, we mean CONSOL for $10 off! & Blue Faze, Youngblood Blues Camp, and Energy Center, and enjoy a stellar show. CONSOL Pittsburgh more. Plus, grab treats at Joyce’s Copper Grab a buddy, and let’s Energy Center, Uptown. ticketmaster.com. Kettle Fudge or take a hot-air balloon get muddy! Ruckus Pittsburgh offers a Eagles, eaglesband.com. ride — perhaps after a stroll to the food challenging yet manageable obstacle trucks. A KidZone, featuring arts, crafts, adventure in 2-mile, 4-mile, or Kids Mini and healthy snacks will be available. Ruckus courses. The real feat will be The personal cooler donation fee is $15. conquering Mt. Ruckmore, a 2.5-story, Admission on Saturday and Sunday is $30 60,000-pound monster that’s seven per day, in advance ($35 at gate), or $50 obstacles rolled into one. If admiring a for a weekend pass — kids’ admission birds-eye view of the course is more your is free. A shuttle bus is available from speed, stick around for the after-party Pittsburgh to Hartwood. Pittsburgh Blues for just as much fun. Washington County Festival, 412.460.BLUE. pghblues.com. Fairgrounds, Washington. Ruckus Sports, runruckus.com.

July 13 July 19-21 July 23

July 13 July 18 July 22-26

A Toast to Little Hearts Experience a summer evening in Shadyside tasting fine wines and viewing the unique collection of automobiles housed at Auto Palace Porsche at A Toast to Little Hearts, a benefit supporting the Heart Institute at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Night in the Tropics Presented by The Children’s Spend a “Night in the Tropics,” Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation surrounded by exotic birds and reggae Heart Institute Auxiliary and tunes at the National Aviary’s annual ArtCity: Green Artists Morgan Stanley, guests are Join artist educator Alison K. Babusci for a week of summer party. The fundraiser, which invited to attend the VIP reception making art and helping the planet. At ArtCity: Green benefits the Aviary’s programs, will from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and general Artists, children are invited to explore creating works offer signature drinks and dining admission from 6:30-9 p.m. Dress of art out of recyclable materials and traditional selections from 30 of the city’s best is summer corporate casual. mediums. After looking for inspiration in Pittsburgh’s restaurants and bakeries. Groove A limited number of VIP tickets Cultural District and contemporary artists who use to music by The Freedom Band and are available for $175 per person. recyclable materials, the students can experiment enter raffles to win penguin and parrot General admission tickets and discover in groups how to create something paintings, and a Caribbean cruise! This are $125. To order online, visit beautiful out of what was supposed to be trash. year, a special rate is being offered for showclix.com/atoasttolittlehearts, Registration fees are $95 for the first child, and $75 groups of six or more: $45 per person. or for questions, call Karen for subsequent siblings. Trust Arts Education Center, Doors open for VIP ticket holders Depperman at 412.692.3933. Downtown. Register online at TrustArts.org. ($125/per person) at 6 p.m. and at 7 p.m. for general admission ($60/per person). National Aviary, North Side. aviary.org.

Photographs from Ruckus Sports, CONSOL Energy Center, by Christina Shields, from Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Summer in the City Under the Sun Tour 2013 Attention all 90s fans: The summer tour of your dreams is coming to Stage AE! The Under the Sun Tour features Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, Gin Zoo La La! Blossoms, Vertical Horizon, and Swing by the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium for its 15th Annual Summer Safari, “Zoo La La!” Fastball for the ultimate pop- Partiers can stroll while enjoying live entertainment, tasty bites, and the zoo’s award-winning alternative-rock fusion. From exhibits. Guests can quench their thirst with libations by Bacardi and Clique Vodka. Chaired by “All Star” to “Every Morning” Anita and Joe Moran, the event will feature sounds by The Standard Band, The Inconsiderate and everything in between, this Few, DJ Mike Mason, Calypso Gypsies Steel Drum Band, and D.I.J.T. If you’re looking to go show is the best we’ve ever VIP, tickets are $125 and include optimal parking, a private party area — sponsored by Duane had. Stage AE, North Shore. Morris — from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with live entertainment, massages by Massage Envy, and VIP-only promowestlive.com. Under the lines at all bars. General admission tickets are $80 in advance and additionally include five drink Sun Tour, underthesuntour.com. vouchers. Get there! Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Highland Park. pittsburghzoo.org.

July 24 July 26

July 30-August 4

Buddy — The Buddy Holly Story Relive the glory days of rock ‘n’ roll with Buddy —The Buddy Holly Story at the Benedum Center. Charles Hardin “Buddy” Holly took the music world by storm with his pop hits and amazing stage presence before his tragic death at age 22. The Broadway show tells his story through more than 20 of Buddy Holly’s hit songs, including “Peggy Sue” and “Everyday.” With his trademark glasses and slicked back hair, “Buddy” is ready to shine. Oh, boy! Benedum Center, Downtown. pittsburghclo.org.

More Music! July 2 July 8 July 14 July 17 July 19 July 21 Gregg Allman, Fitz & The Tantrums, Big Time Rush and Vans Warped Tour, , Stage AE The Heartbreaker Byham Theater Mr. Smalls Funhouse Victoria Justice, First Niagara Pavilion Tour: Heart with First Niagara Pavilion July 19 Jason Bonham’s July 11 July 18 July 6 Lynrd Skynrd & Led Zeppelin O.A.R., Stage AE Music of Led Taylor Swift with Ed July 14 Bad Company, First Experience, First Sheeran, Heinz Field Great Big Sea, Zeppelin with Niagara Pavilion Niagara Pavilion July 13 Hartwood Acres Pittsburgh Symphony July 8 Belle and Sebastian, Orchestra, Heinz Hall July 20 July 28 Stage AE One Direction, July 16 Zac Brown Band, Joy Ike with Johnny First Niagara Pavilion CONSOL Energy Center The Flaming Lips, July 18 Miller, Hartwood Stage AE Jimmy Buffett, First Acres Niagara Pavilion

Photographs from Amy O’Neill/Pittsburgh Zoo, Summer in the City • Visit whirlmagazine.com for more events! Alison Whitlock.