Squirrel Hill Night Markets

By Scott J. Bell

Sixth Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Murray and Forbes, will feature local musicians as part of the Night Market evenings starting in July.   Strategically located at the end of the blocked off section of Forbes, Sixth Presbyterian is the perfect place to sit, relax and enjoy the eclectic musical offerings. Revered Vincent Kolb, Senior Minister at Sixth says,  “We hope that on a hot evening, people will take a break from the heat and stop in at 6th and listen to some great music.” All concerts will begin at 7:00pm and are free and open to the public.

On July 11, the concert will feature soprano Charlene Canty with pianist Larry Allen.  Ms. Canty is well known for her “sumptuous voice” and “beautiful tone” across the international stage.  She is adept in many musical styles including opera, lieder, traditional sacred and gospel.  She has promised an offering of many different styles.  Larry Allen is currently organist and choirmaster for Mt. Lebanon Lutheran Church.  He is equally at home in many musical settings and has been seen all over the world as an organ recitalist, collaborative pianist and choral conductor.

On August 15, the Squirrel Hillbillies will grace us with a selection of their unique blend of folk, blues, and country music.  From Squirrel Hill to England and all points in between, musicians Jenny Wolsk Bain and Gary Crouth charm audiences wherever they go.  “Jenny and Gary connected with everyone in the house through their fresh songs, lively playing and engaging stories.  We were hooked for the night,” said Don Ash, the owner of Black-Eyed Susan Acoustic Cafe in Angelica, NY.

In September, the Trio Nova Mundi will be in Squirrel Hill after recent outreach trips to Africa and Mexico.  Violinist Maureen Conlon Gutierrez, cellist Elisa Kohanski and pianist Becky Bullock are currently the ensemble-in -residence at Grove City College.  As their name implies, they are focused on music from the Americas in many diverse styles from traditional to tango to contemporary. Individually and collectively, these musicians have won many international competitions and have been seen on virtually all of the world’s most prestigious musical stages.

Sixth Presbyterian Church is an enthusiastic supporter of the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition.  Peter Kaplan, former Coalition President and member of Sixth Church had this to say about the upcoming concerts: “We at Sixth Presbyterian are excited to be part of the Night Market festivities.  It gives us a chance to open our doors and connect with the community.”