BEST BETS
PITTSBURGH — In its seventh production, “Esther, the Musical” written by Valencia resident Jeannie Allen, will be staged Sept. 29 and 30 at First Presbyterian Church, 320 Sixth Ave.
The play reflects the Old Testament story of one woman who was inspired by God and changed the course of history.
The Broadway-style show features 18 original songs in a variety of styles.
Allen is a professional pianist, vocalist and teacher. She has written more than 100 songs and had four albums released.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children. Call 412-471-3436.
SAXONBURG — Penn's Colony Festival and Folk Art Marketplace goes on the weekends of Sept. 22-23 and 29-30 at the festival grounds on Saxonburg Boulevard.But previous to the festival, the grounds will be the site of a wine tasting called Wine Time at the Colony, from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 8.Along with Pennsylvania wines, also featured will be food, arts and antiques.Admission is $20 and includes a souvenir glass and tastings. Nontasting admission is $10. Those attending must be 21 with a current ID.Visit www.pennscolony.com or www.winetimeatthecolony.com for more information.
GREENSBURG — Several Butler County exhibitors are to participate in the 19th annual Pennsylvania Arts & Crafts Colonial Festival Friday through Monday at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds near Greensburg.They include Janet Haugh and Lisa Tracy, both of Butler, Jim and Connie Pinkerton of Prospect, and Raymond McConnell of Karns City.Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Monday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.Admission is $6 for adults, $5.50 for senior citizens, $1 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children younger than 6.For more information, call 724-863-4577 or visit www.familyfestivals.com.
WARRENDALE — The Model Engine Collectors Association will have its annual convention, EXPO XIII, Sept. 8 and 9 at the Four Points Sheraton Pittsburgh North.There will be engine displays beginning at 10 a.m. Sept. 8 and running of antique and unusual engines in the afternoon, including pre-war model airplane engines.There will be a large engine and engine-related items swap meet from 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 9.For fees, contact Bill Mohrbacher, MECA president, by calling 724-846-4658 or sending e-mail to gwmfox35@comcast.net.
FRANKLIN — The Barrow-Civic Theatre, 1223 Liberty St., presents the third annual Rockin' Labor Day Weekend starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday with Johnny Angel and the Halos.”On Saturday, Billy “Crash” Craddock will present his country rock at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, rock 'n roll band Lawyers, Guns and Money will play at 7:30 p.m.Call the box office at 800-537-7769 or 814-437-3440.
MCKEES ROCKS — Playwrights from Pittsburgh, Montana and New York will premiere three one-act plays in week one of the Pittsburgh New Works Festival Sept. 6 to 9 at the Father Ryan Arts Center, 420 Chartiers Ave.“A Light Subject Matter” by area playwright Sara Baines-Miller looks at five women who find themselves at an abortion clinic for five different reasons.Montana playwright Connie Dillon penned “Art Initiates Life” in which a man wrestles with his responsibilities versus what he really wants out of life.“Seeing Purple People” by New York playwright Michelle Gusto explores 10-year-old Chrissy's struggles with insecurities, bullying and body issues.Curtain times are 8 p.m. Sept. 6 and 7, 5 and 8 p.m. Sept. 8 and 2 p.m. Sept. 9.Tickets are available in advance for $15, season passes to attend all four weeks of the festival are $40. Visit www.pittsburghnewworks.org.
PITTSBURGH — The exhibit “Inventing the Modern World,” which showcases decorative arts and design innovations from World Fairs, opens Oct. 13 at the Carnegie Museum of Art, 4400 Forbes Ave.The exhibit assembles more than 200 art objects from the fairs.Carnegie Museum of Art will supplement the traveling portion of this exhibition with its own objects from fairs, making it the largest venue of the four-city tour.For more information, call 412-622-3131 or visit www.cmoa.org.
