Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society

This summer, we're celebrating by highlighting some of the musicians who've performed on a Calliope stage multiple times in the last 5 decades. As we commemorate our 50th anniversary, we're grateful to all of the musicians who participated in Calliope concerts and helped to inspired our audiences.

Today, we're featuring musician, storyteller, and songwriter, Ellis Paul who performed at The Roots Cellar in 2011 and most recently in 2024. "Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues and renders them as provocative works that are as timely as they are timeless." Audiences quickly feel connected to the singer from the second he's on the stage- although in 2024 he didn't confine himself to the stage. He left the stage so he could sing directly to audience members, while standing right next to them.

We loved having as a repeat customer at The Roots Cellar. Did you attend either of his shows? Drop a comment with your memory of his performance!

If you've been to a Calliope concert in The Roots Cellar, then you've been in the Marshall Building. This space is currently being used as a storage facility, and not as a place where community members, artists, and organizations could gather, create, learn, and connect.

We want to change that. If you want to advocate for this space to be open to the public, here's how to tell City Council what you would like to see at the Marshall Building.

1. Attend the in person meeting on Tuesday, June 9 at 10:00AM in City Council chambers, City-County Building, 414 Grant Street, 5th Floor.

Make sure you sign up to speak at the meeting by submitting the request form online, or by calling the city clerk's office at 412-255-2138. Note that the deadline for registration is 9:00AM on the morning of the meeting and that registered individuals are allotted three minutes to speak.

2. Share your thoughts with the council virtually. If you can't attend the meeting, you're welcome to email your statement to [email protected]. Don't know where to start? DM us for a template.

Celebrate Make Music Pittsburgh Day at Schenley Plaza!

Hailing from Maryland’s Hub City, Hagerstown, and reaching out to the Mid-Atlantic region, the Shade Tree Collective is a bluegrass band that brings a fresh twist to traditional sounds while honoring the roots of this beloved genre. Formed in 2021, this ensemble is known for harmonious vocal stylings, intricate instrumentals, and soulful storytelling that are at the core of bluegrass music.

No tickets are needed, but we will accept tips for the artists both online and at the show. The suggested tip is $15, and any amount is welcome.

This concert is presented in coordination with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

Another season in the books!

This mainstage season we traveled to Brooklyn all the way to Colombia, and everywhere in between. Our performers packed the stage with a variety of instruments including banjos, fiddles, basses, a clarinet, and even an electric guitar. There's no doubt that the stage was filled with talent.

But there's something else we noticed- you! We know that many of you drove through intense snow to join us at the Original Pittsburgh Winery to listen to the beautiful voice of Lily Henley. And it was totally worth it. You show up to every concert ready to sing along, dance in the aisles, and clap your hands off.

If you're interested in continuing to show your support, we'd love to see you join the Calliope Giving Circle! The Calliope Giving Circle celebrates our 50th anniversary, and comes with membership benefits. Visit the link in our bio, or check out www.calliopehouse.org/donate/ to learn more.

Last summer we invited Penna Players to perform under the tent, but unfortunately Mother Nature didn't cooperate and we go rained out. That said, we're very excited to welcome them to The Roots Cellar on May 14!

The band "curates a sound that spans vintage & classic jazz, swing, and blues sounds from the early 1900s." There's no doubt that this show will have you on your feet!

Tickets are live on our website (www.calliopehouse.org) on thru our LinkTree.