Mark your calendars, The Frick Pittsburgh has a packed schedule for its 11th Summer Fridays at the Frick season, including steelpans, jazz, food and so much more.
Hosted across the Point Breeze museum site, this year’s programming kicks off on June 27 with the Frick’s 4th annual “Make Music Pittsburgh” program dedicated to supporting all Pittsburghers in their pursuit of music-making during the summer. The opening event features The Barrels of Beethoven Ensemble, a group preserving the steelpan through educational programs and interactive activities and honoring the legacy of Pittsburgh steelpan builder, tuner and player Phil Solomon.
The fun continues throughout July and August with performances by jazz group The Stemtecs Band, Klezmerati, a musical group blending old-world melodies with new energy, and The Adorabulls, a high-energy band. The Farina Foundation will also be on-site every Summer Friday to collect instruments of any kind for their donation drive. The Frick will also collect nonperishable food for the Singing Winds Food Pantry, which is part of the Council of Three
Rivers American Indian Center.
Last season, Summer Fridays drove thousands to the Frick’s 10-acre campus, and a similar turnout is expected for one of Pittsburgh’s most-anticipated annual offerings.
“We love all the visitors who join us on Summer Fridays — many of whom know our site well and others who are meeting our organization for the first time,” Interim Executive Director Amanda Gillen said. “We hope everyone enjoys the grounds during our seasonal summer programming, as well as with our staple offerings like our award-winning Gilded, Not Golden tour of Clayton and our greenhouse, which will feature a free art exhibition this summer.”
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June 27: Make Music Pittsburgh
Join us as we celebrate musician Phil Solomon this evening. The Barrels to Beethoven Ensemble is dedicated to preserving the steelpan through educational programs and interactive activities. The organization was founded by Leigh Solomon Pugliano, daughter of steelpan builder, tuner, and player Phil Solomon, to honor her father’s contribution to the instrument and continue his work. The organization teaches both playing and building techniques, as well as the history of the Afro-Caribbean people who invented and perfected the instrument. June 26 has been declared as Phil Solomon Day in the City of Pittsburgh in honor of Solomon’s impact and dedication to the steelpan and steelpan education.
The 4th annual Make Music Pittsburgh celebration continues with partners:
Brighton Music Center and Unisound’s instrument “petting zoo” offers the youth and the young at heart the opportunity to learn more about instruments through hands-on interaction.
Farina Foundation will be on-site collecting instruments of any kind for their donation drive. The foundation furthers the vision of namesake Frank J. Farina, Jr. by providing scholarships, donations of refurbished instruments, financial support for instrument rentals, and lessons to children in need.
Food: The Café at the Frick, Affordable Elegance, Big Lou’s, Chicks’n Waffles, Frios Gourmet Pops, Hibachi Lou, Hummus Pittsburgh
July 25: Smooth Sounds & Dynamic Grooves
Formed in 2013 by Calvin Stemley, The Stemtecs Band performs covers and originals, bringing a vibrant mix of smooth and jazzy melodies. With a focus on musical integrity and dynamic nuance, the band captivates audiences with their engaging performances that span a variety of styles and genres. From jazz to pop and R&B to smooth jazz, The Stemtecs Band delivers an exciting and entertaining experience that showcases their unique sound and deep musical connection. The evening will feature: Calvin Stemley – saxophone, Gary Davis – bass, Brian Edwards – drums, and Keith Flowers – keyboards.
Food: The Café at the Frick, Brisketburgh, Frios Gourmet Pops, Hoshi, PGH Crepes, PGH Halal Food, Steve and Benny’s
Aug. 8: Klezmer on the Lawn
Think you know Klezmer? Think again. Klezmerati, led by Henry Shapiro, brings a fresh and dynamic twist to this rich musical tradition, blending old-world melodies with new energy. With the innovative acoustic plectrum guitar taking the lead, their sound reimagines Klezmer’s journey from Eastern Europe to modern-day America. Get ready for a performance that’s both deeply rooted in history and thrillingly contemporary. The evening will feature: Henry Shapiro – guitar, vocals, Alexander Fedoriouk – cimbalom, percussion, Steven Greenman – violin, Walt Mahovlich – clarinet, accordion, and special guest Tom Roberts – keyboard.
Food: The Café at the Frick, Chicks’n Waffles, Frios Gourmet Pops, Hoshi, Hummus Pittsburgh, PGH Crepes, PGH Halal Food
Aug. 29: 80’s Music and Beyond
The Adorabulls, a high-energy Pittsburgh band, play all your favorite dance tunes with a quirky twist using a variety of weird instruments like accordion, ukulele, acoustic bass, and a yard-sale-suitcase drum kit. Their signature sound is matched by powerhouse 3- and 4-part harmonies and playful lead vocal swaps. But they don’t just play music, they bring the party to life, engaging and entertaining the crowd with every beat whether you're singing along, dancing,
or just soaking up the fun.
Food: The Café at the Frick, Big Lou’s, Foxy Fran’s, Frios Gourmet Pops, Hibachi Lou’s, Revival Chili, Steve and Benny’s
Hours and Admission
The Frick Pittsburgh is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Summer Fridays. Free musical performances will be held on the North Lawn on the Frick grounds beginning at 6:30 p.m. Donations in support of the Frick’s public programming are appreciated, but not required. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor performances and activities may be canceled or delayed. Please visit the Frick’s website or follow the museum on social media for the most up-to-date event information.
Support
A special thanks to Highmark for sponsoring Summer Fridays.
Another special thanks to ZeroFossil for helping to reduce the Frick’s carbon footprint at Summer Fridays at The Frick with their overhead covering and audio services.
ZeroFossil cuts down on the carbon footprint of events by powering everything from sustainable
sources, delivering its equipment in vehicles that run on used veggie oil, and implementing
energy-efficient equipment and practices.
MORE FAMILY FUN?
The season will also be celebrated at the Frick through the new Summer Explorer Series. With a Summer Explorer passport available at the Grable Visitor Center, visitors can enjoy free, drop-in activities such as artmaking, historical exploration and storytelling every Tuesday and Saturday. Participants can win a prize by completing five activities. A full calendar of activities and on-site locations will be available in early June.
The Frick is also offering two summer camps this year – Mini Camp for kids 4 to 6 years old, and Art, History, Nature Camp for kids entering 2nd through 5th grade.
Outside of special summer programming, the Frick’s grounds and gardens will also be in full bloom and open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to dusk. Pittsburgh-based sculptor Atticus Adams will have a free, temporary art exhibition featured in the greenhouse this summer. More details will be announced at a later date.
And, the Frick’s award-winning Signature Clayton Tour Experience: Gilded, Not Golden will continue to run tours Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:15 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.
Plus, The Café at the Frick will feature outdoor, patio dining (weather dependent) in “Pittsburgh’s best backyard,” and The Car & Carriage Museum, open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for free, will continue to offer guided tours at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
