VALJEANNE JEFFERIES

Beautiful and transforming are the words that first come to her mind when author Valjeanne Jefferies describes what excites her about the craft of writing.

“It allows you to change the circumstances around you. If you can envision a world that’s better than you live in, you can create an imaginative environment and fill it with extraordinary people,” explained Jefferies who currently resides in Alabama and is a graduate of Spelman College and North Carolina Central University.

That’s the exact formula Jefferies implemented when she wrote the science fiction/fantasy Immortal series of books. The series includes “Immortal”, “Immortal II: The Time of Legend” and “Immortal III: Stealer of the Souls.”

Pittsburgh City Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle and his supporters at the Duquesne Club in Downtown Pittsburgh.

SCENE FROM ‘CLYBOURNE PARK’—Chandra Thomas and Bjorn DuPaty in a scene from “Clybourne Park.”

Playing multiple characters in one production is right in Chandra Thomas’ wheelhouse.

“I love solo shows and multiple characters. That’s the kind of stuff that’s so rich and it gets to the core of people’s humanity. It really shows the human experience,” said Thomas who resides in New York.

Thursday 16

Jazz Jam
CJ’s Restaurant & Lounge presents “The Roger Humphries & RH Factor Jazz Jam Session” at 8 p.m. at 2901-2911 Penn Ave., Strip District. There will be live jazz and fun every Thursday night. Must be 30 years or older and there is a dress code that will be enforced. No tennis shoes, sweats, or athletic gear. For more information, call 412-642-2377.

Friday 17

Spring Show
The McKeesport Art Group presents the 55th annual Spring Show from 5-9 p.m. at Renziehausen Park, the Jacob Woll Pavilion, Sycamore Dr., McKeesport. The show will run through May 19. For more information, call 412-469-2710 or visit www.mckeesportartgroup.com.

First Voice Festival
The August Wilson Center for African American Culture presents the First Voice Festival at 8 p.m. at 980 Liberty Ave., Cultural District. Fellow Bridgette Perdue will perform “Wake Up And Dream.” This concert integrates music, dance, multimedia and visual art. The show features her original pop and R&B music. For more information, call 412-258-2700 or visit www.augustwilsoncenter.org.

Saturday 18

Ceramics Workshop
The Senator John Heinz History Center presents a Ceramics Workshop from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 1212 Smallman St., Strip District. The workshop will teach the origins of a stoneware pitcher featured in the “From Slavery to Freedom” exhibition. It includes a docent-led exhibit tour and all materials needed to decorate and glaze one’s own replica of the piece. Reservations are required. For more information, call Sarah Rooney at 412-454-6373 or serooney@heinz­his­tory­center.org.

Sunday 19

Last Peformance
The Pittsburgh Public Theater presents “Clybourne Park” at the O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Ave., Cultural District. “Clybourne Park” is set in a Chicago house on Clybourne Street in both 1959 and 2009. The play begins in 1959 with a man who tries to convince the White homeowners to not sell their home to a Black family. Act 11 takes place 50 years later and the neighborhood is Black. A White family buys the home with intentions to tear it down and build a larger property, but a Black couple comes along and challenges their plans. The play will run through May 19. For more information, call 412-316-1600 or visit www.ppt.org.

Monday 20

Savoy Jazz
Savoy Restaurant presents Savoy Jazz from 5-9 p.m. at 2623 Penn Ave., Strip District. Every Monday guests can enjoy live jazz in a sophisticated atmosphere with the Roger Humphries Trio and a special guest each week. This week’s guest will be jazz guitarist Jimmy Ponder. For more information, call 412-281-0660 or visit www.savoypgh.com.

Tuesday 21

JazzLive
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents JazzLive at 5 p.m. at the Backstage Bar at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District. Every Tuesday guests can enjoy hot jazz from some of the most talented jazz musicians, cool drinks and great people. The featured guest will be Kenia. There will also be a performance from 5-8 p.m. from ark Lucas. For more information, call 412-456-6666 or visit www.trustarts.org.

Wednesday 22

Solo Exhibits
The August Wilson Center for African American Culture presents Solo Exhibits from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at 980 Liberty Ave., Cultural District. This exhibition showcases fiber art, printmaking, paintings and sculptures from the artists, Leslie Ansley, Tina Brewer and Jo-Anne Bates. Each artist has drawn inspiration from journeys recalling African-American heritage, reflecting on Diaspora or Pilgrimages to the African continent. The exhibit runs through June 29. For more information, call 412-258-2700.

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