This week I visited Whim Pittsburgh in Station Square, The Melange Bristo Bar in Downtown, Pittsburgh, The Red Onion in the Hill District, The Drum Bar at the Rivers Casino on the North shore, Babylon aka The Yacht Club in the Strip District and Tim’s Bar in the Hill District.

My first stop was at the Red Onion in the Hill District where karaoke was in full effect with everyone coming out to show there skills on the microphone. People sang oldies, but goodies and the latest hits and it was a great time for everyone.

Casey Hampton fans came out in full force to wish him a happy birthday.

When the word magician is mentioned, images of David Copperfield, Criss Angel and David Blaine are instantly conjured up.

But in actuality, there are a crop of African-Americans who are holding it down in the world of illusion and sleight of hand.

JOHN HAMILTON

Some of those magicians include master illusionists John Hamilton and Kenrick “ICE” McDonald.

Hamilton was the first and only Black American in 1979 to represent the United States in the World Congress of Magic in Brussels. In 1986, Hamilton, who is originally from Cleveland, created “Magic With A Message,” a school assembly program enjoyed by over two million children of all ages.

Thursday 16

New exhibit

The August Wilson Center for African American Culture presents the “In My Father’s House” exhibit from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at 980 Liberty Ave., Cultural District. This is a mixed-media exhibition of five rooms in a house with each room highlighting the way people of African descent preserve and display visual art and material culture. It also tells the story of a fictional Pittsburgh family’s hopes, dreams, struggles and triumphs. Along with the rooms are several short films. For more information, call 412-258-2700 or visit www.AugustWilsonCenter.org.

Open wide, or close up tight?

When it comes to borders, that’s a question that divides countries, states and even families. It’s a question that might seem answerable with one word, either way, but it’s really not. Like everything these days, it’s complicated and contentious.

And then, there are the exceptions…

In the new book “In the Shadow of Freedom” by Tchicaya Missamou with Travis Sentell, you’ll read the story of one immigrant and his journey to the U.S., starting with his childhood.