This week I visited Whim Pittsburgh in Station Square, CJ’s in the Strip District, Shadow/Ava Lounge in East Liberty and the 4th of July Celebration on Arcena Street in the Hill District.

Ladies are exhaling at the Shadow Lounge in East Liberty

My first stop was at the Shadow/Ava Lounge where First Fridays held its event called “Exhale” which featured ladies night for the city of Pittsburgh and much more.

My next stop was at CJ’s in the Strip District where everyone was getting their party and dance on featuring Tee Jay on the 1’s and 2’s.

Dear Gwendolyn:

I am 34 years old with six children. Four months ago while at the grocery store I met a man in the parking lot. As he walked by, he smiled at me and I smiled back. He quickly turned around and asked for my telephone number. But first, he asked if I was a married woman. I informed him I was not and that I had just terminated a relationship two months prior.

Gwendolyn, this is the problem. At the instance of meeting this seemingly nice man, I decided not to give him my telephone number. I did so because it seems for the past 10 years I meet men—and later the relationship goes sour. Therefore, I don’t take my children anywhere. I leave them at home. It’s hard to find a good man when you have children—Mattie

From the minute that child came into the house, you knew you were in trouble.

You never asked for a brother or sister, but there you were. And from then on, you had to share toys, Mom, everything.

But it wasn’t all bad. With a sibling in the house, there was always somebody to play with. It pretty much doubled your toys. And best of all, you knew, down-deep, that somebody would always have your back.

But what if you were kept from your siblings and denied your birthright? Who would have your back then? Ky-Mani Marley says he loves his family, and he wishes for the closeness they should’ve had. In the new book “Dear Dad,” he explains.

Friday 16

Gallery crawl

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Department of Education and Community Engagement presents the Summer Gallery Crawl from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Cultural District. This is an arts open house showcase of an array of activities throughout the Cultural District with a mix of visual art, dance, music and more. The crawl will include a live outdoor performance by indie-soul recording artist Eric Roberson on the JazzLive Summer Stage and a performance by Chatham Baroque on the rooftop of the David L. Law­rence Convention Center. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, call 412-456-6666 or visit www.pgharts.org.