Love & Art

                                            Pittsburgh, PA

I've never been to Pittsburgh before. But I wanted to go there with my partner, who was born there and had not been back in over 30 years. I wanted to see things through her eyes, but so much had changed in those 30+ years, she wasn't always sure what she was looking at.

Growing up near the Connecticut River, I have always had a soft spot for river views, and where we stayed for three nights was right by the banks of the Mononghela.

I took a little walk around and explored the River Park on Soiuthside.

There was much more to explore in Pittsburgh, and the first place on the list was the Andy Worhol Museum.

Downtown Pittsburgh is a bit of a mess. Understandably, the collection of bridges and highway overpasses dominate a large park of the urban scene. Three professional sports teams play in downtown which further limits the way the city can present itself, but one of the glorious revelations is the way Pittsburgh has repurposed many of its collection of old brick warehouses. Many of the factories and steel mills are gone, but downtown boasts one of the largest Art Museums in America, with several stories devoted to Andy's art.

and in one of those perfect moments, we discovered a re-creation of Andy Worhol's famous Screen Tests, where a subject was filmed in B&W for three minutes, sitting completely still and motionless.

We stumbled upon another exhibit that also warmed my heart.

The final day was blistering hot (they all were) but we managed to visit two other important sights in Pittsburgh. Starting with the Zoo/Aquarium, where my heart continued to melt.

and the final iconic visit to the Duquesne Incline.

Which brings us to the end of this small story that meant so much.

 

  

Bridges

On my way to Pittsburgh, PA

I have never been, although I drove through once 20 years ago when I was on a college tour with my '80s band. I always wanted to explore the City, but never had a reason to. My partner happens to be from there, and hasn't been back in qute some time. I have a few days off and we get to go on a little vacation together..

 

Back To The Woods

 Tucked among the trees at a crossroads between Boston and Providence is an open air concert theater that is affectionatly referred to as "Great Woods". Over the years different corporate sponsers have added their name and logo to the place, but just like the Boston Garden, we still call it Great Woods.

Over the years I have seen the following performances there

(Between the years 1986 to 2000) 

Roger Waters

Tom Petty

Lyle Lovett

Aerosmith

Lollapalooza 98

Bad Company

Kiss

I may have forgotten a show or two, but I doubt it, because it was always such a memorable time, and I always enjoy a good concert. Especially if it Rocks.

After Modest Mouse played a lengthy opening set (we missed Cat Power) The Pixies opened their set with the power chords to the song "UMass" and you knew they were home.

St. Louis Bliss (Part Two)

 

20 Years Later!

I chose a two room suite at the 21c Museum Hotel. A converted YMCA a few blocks away from where our friends were to be married. The former basketball court now houses a rotating gallery of contemporary art.

We had some nice city views from our living room on the top floor.

We had our first meal at the Coffeehouse/Bistro called Good Press. The ceiling had some vibrant designs.

The next day, we visited Gateway Arch National Park and spent a little time walking around.

One of those sights that needs to be seen in person to grasp the concept of just how massive a structure it really is.

We visited Ballpark Village for lunch and a Cardinals game was taking place. We were able to watch it on a screen and hear the announcer loud and clear. Occasional roars from the crowd while we ate local Bar-B-Que.

The next day, we attended our friends wedding at the City Museum, and stayed up all night singing Karaoke songs in the West End on the Delmar Loop. Everyone had a blast.

Finally, a visit to St. Louis would not be complete without seeing the St. Louis Zoo and the St. Louis Botanical Gardens. Both were outstanding.

Four Days were just barely enough time to savor the experience, but I hope to return someday. New friends and memories were made, and the weather was picture perfect.

St. Louis Bliss (Part One)

 

20 years ago, I was on traveling the Midwest in a van with three other musicians. We were performing at four colleges in Chicago, Kentucky, Iowa and Missouri. The first show was in Springfield, MO 

Not a very memorable place, but I thought it was amusing that we went halfway across the country from one Springfield to another, and managed to drive through Springfield, Ohio in the proicess.

Also not very memorable.

On the other hand, we did manage to briefly stop in St. Louis just long enough to visit Gateway Arch National Park. That was pretty interesting, especially marveling at just how massive it is. I wanted to spend more time exploring the city, but we had to continue our drive to Springfield.

Standing on the banks of the Mississippi River, with the Gateway Arch behind me, I gazed up the Riverboat Casino Queen moored on the East St. Louis side. I was a fan of the Wilco song of the same title and wondered where it was located. Wonder no further.

Fast forward 20 years: My partner informed me that two of her friends are getting married in St. Louis, so now I had a chance to actually explore the city like I had hoped. Downtown has a poor reputation as far as safety, but what I've learned from visiting any city as an outsider is most every major downtown is fine during the day. If you are traveling at night on foot in a busy area you are generally fine, but be wary of your surroundings. The later in the evening, the more caution should be taken. 

and nothing good happens after 2AM.

As far as food... the Pizza in St. Louis looks a little gross. I tolerated Chicago deep dish when I was there on tour 20 years ago, but I had eaten at UNO's a handful of times, so it wasn't a shock to eat what I likened to a casserole. St. Louis Pizza is the opposite. They don't used yeast, so it's a cracker thin crust, the sauce is extra oregano sweet, and the cheese is a some weird processed stuff caled Provel. 

I'm not excited.

I'm all on board with the local BBQ however.