Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 - Saturday, March 5, 2011
30 artists. 12 events. 4 days.
KST's SUNSTAR Music Festival celebrates the best of women music makers with a four-day lineup of concerts, parties, talks & more. From Bhangra to Bluegrass and everything in between, SUNSTAR showcases the vibrancy and diversity of independent female artists. In addition to concerts and special events, the festival includes workshops for young women who are interested in the creative process of the performing arts.
How can digital media help queer and marginalized communities represent themselves? SUNSTAR kicks off with a screening of "un/binded desires," a film by nationally acclaimed director Mónica EnrÃquez-EnrÃquez. The film shows parallel images of bondage as an expression of queer difference accompanied by conversations with queers exploring their parents' histories of migration while speaking about their own desires. A director's talk follows the screening presented in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh's Women's Studies Program, Cultural Studies Program, and Humanities Center.
Wed March 2 | 7PM - 9PM | FREE |
The SUNSTAR Social is the place to mix and mingle with festival artists and your friends at Kelly Strayhorn Theater! Local band, The Sectionals featuring Erika May, provides the music to our opening gathering of friends and fans. SUNSTAR features an exciting line up of emerging and established female artists for a full schedule of concerts, workshops and discussions. Featured SUNSTAR Music Festival performers include Carolina Chocolate Drops, DJ Rekha, Shara Worden/My Brightest Diamond, Samita Sinha and Rebecca Walker.
Thur March 3 | 5PM | FREE |
Time Magazine named Rebecca Walker one of the fifty most influential American leaders under forty because of her transformative views on race, gender, sexuality and power - an award which has been followed by many others. Author of the original Third Wave primer To Be Real: Telling the Truth and Changing the Face of Feminism, Walker brings her unique perspective to SUNSTAR for a lecture, Q&A session and book signing.
Thur March 3 | 6PM | $15 |
Visceral. Classical. Experimental. New York performer/composer Samita Sinha combines traditional Northern Indian classical music with experimental sound. Sinha fuses and expands the boundaries of language and culture with her unique style in this mesmerizing performance. Sinha performs her solo piece, "Cipher," based on the Hindustani classical vocal composition known as tarana. In tarana, certain words and syllables based on Persian, Arabic, and Sanskrit phonemes are sung at a fast speed. Sinha accompanies her voice with three microphones and three boxes, including electronic tabla and electronic tanpura. These instruments that have trapped a centuries-old tradition of acoustic finery into convenient, portable boxes.
Thur March 3 | 8PM | $15 |
Mixing elements of opera, cabaret, chamber music, and rock, My Brightest Diamond is the project of multi-instrumentalist Shara Worden. A classically trained musician, Worden dazzles audiences with her avant rock performances. Featuring performances by singer/songwriter Bridgette Perdue, poet Christina Springer, poet Kelli Stevens Kane, and DJ Mary Mack.
Thur March 3 | 9PM | Shadow Lounge | $10 |
Think you are the next SUNSTAR performer? This after-school program features a mash-up of culturally diverse music for young women ages 11-19 with a focus on women and image today. Featuring performances by Alumni Theater Company, Dr. Goddess, Kaitlin Hunter of Dreams of Hope, Kellee Maize, Shaina Wallace of Hip-Hop On L.O.C.K., SolSis, and Staycee Pearl dance project.
Fri March 4 | 3PM - 5PM | $5 |
Pittsburgh, are you ready to Bhangra? Internationally acclaimed DJ Rekha brings an all out dance party to SUNSTAR. One of the leading American exponents of Bhangra music, DJ Rekha specializes in the style and mixes dancehall, dub, and hip-hop into her sets. Based in New York City, she hosts the long-running monthly club night Basement Bhangra, which has been held at Sounds of Brazil (S.O.B.) since 1997. You don't want to miss out on the hippest dance party this city has ever seen!
Fri March 4 | 9PM - 2AM | $15 |
It's hard to contain the energy and enthusiasm of Rhiannon Giddens. Her life story reads like a post-modern novel with overlapping plots. Talents and fascinations, whims and obsessions tumble over each other and pour in a fiery stage performance rooted in disciplined virtuosity. It's the training of opera overflowing into the unchained world of old-time music. Listen to Rhiannon's story and ask questions at this exclusive SUNSTAR event.
Sat March 5 | 2PM - 3PM | FREE |
The KST lobby transforms into an urban market place showcasing the talents of local female entrepreneurs. Come early to shop a variety of items including jewelry, clothing, and handmade crafts.
Thur March 3 | 4PM - 9PM |
Fri March 4 | 2PM - 5PM
Sat March 5 | 8PM - 10PM
The Grammy-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops are the newest and youngest players in a long lineage of Black String Bands. Interpretations of songs by Tom Waits and Blu Cantrell reside comfortably next to Depression-era blues and traditional work songs. Rolling Stone Magazine described the Carolina Chocolate Drops' style as "dirt-floor-dance electricity". If you ask the band, that is what matters most. It's OK to mix it up and go where the spirit moves. Featuring performances by ABAFASI, DJ Shorty Rock, Sonji, and Vanessa German.
Sat March 5 | 8PM | $25 |
Festival Closing Party
800.838.3006 to purchase tickets.
412.363.3000 tickets for groups of 10 or more
Buy a SUNSTAR Festival Pass to access all festival events and activities with the exception of Carolina Chocolate Drops. Tickets for Carolina Chocolate Drops may be purchased separately. SUNSTAR passes are $50 General, $25 Artists, Students and Zip Code 15206.
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