Arts & Entertainment
Pittsburgh's 'Green' Concert Series Produces Sun-Drenched Sounds
The lunchtime concerts, held in Allegheny Square, are produced by the New Hazlett Theater and the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.
Did you know that the good 'ol middle-age star we call the sun can provide power for live music concerts? In its fourth summer season, Pittsburgh's first "green" concert series is back and bigger than ever.
Produced in collaboration with the New Hazlett Theater and Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, the Solar Concert Series reflects SLB Radio Productions' mission to present innovative and accessible audio-based programming, and to unite its broad audience with local talent.
Of the nine concerts in the series, seven remain, and all are powered by a solar-energy sound system. The concerts, held in Allegheny Square, feature some of the region's most talented musicians.
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How does it work? The eco-friendly system captures the sun's rays through solar panels, creating a more sustainable method of electricity. The system's solar panels charge controllers, which in turn infuse batteries. The captured solar energy is then transferred into an electronic current that carries the sound through the P.A. system.
Curated by SLB, the series includes artists featured on its popular radio program, The Saturday Light Brigade, heard weekly on six radio affiliates by 60,000 families in 15 counties across Western Pennsylvania and portions of Ohio, as well as on PCTV and at www.slbradio.org.
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So why not spend your lunch hour enjoying a free concert, taking in Pittsburgh's historic, urban outdoors and discovering some of the latest applications of solar power?
"We are proud to support this unique community concert series," said Sue Sloan, executive director of the PPG Industries Foundation. "It offers great summer entertainment featuring local talent, and the solar-powered sound system is very exciting.
"Solar and other sustainable energy technologies are of great interest to PPG. The company provides innovative glass that helps solar power modules to operate more efficiently, as well as fiberglass and coatings that help to strengthen and protect wind power turbines and towers."
The audience is invited to check out the sound system, built by Dave Bjornson, technical director of the New Hazlett Theater, prior to each performance.
For performer bios and more information, visit:
July 6: Ortner Roberts Duo
July 13: Big Snow Big Thaw
August 3: Midge Crickett
August 10: Tom Breiding
August 17: Joy Toujours and the Toys Du Jour
August 24: Paula Purnell
August 31: Brewer’s Row
In the event of rain, concerts are held inside the Children's Museum Café. Lunch is available for sale in the café, and at nearby businesses on East Ohio Street. Outdoor seating, picnic tables and blankets are provided. Concerts are free and open to all ages.
Today, a solar-powered sound system can also be found at national festivals such as the Vans Warped Tour, which is North America’s longest running music tour — founded in 1994 by Lollapalooza veteran Kevin Lyman.
Note: The construction of the Allegheny Public Square Revitalization Project will not affect the Solar Concert Series.
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