Holiday Greetings from the Square

Sure we can hear the dog days of summer barking around Market Square these days, with Tuesday’s KidsPlay and the Carnegie Library Reading Room, the City's biggest Farmers Market and Lunchtime concert series on Thursdays, and Iron City Sound Dowtown Live! every Friday. While we always enjoy watching people head to the Square to soak up some sun during lunch or to chill for a bit after work, we're putting out the call this Summer for performers to help us ring in a cool new holiday tradition in the Square this year — the first ever Peoples Gas Holiday Market.

Inspired by the centuries' old Yuletide markets of northern Europe, such as the Christkindl Market in Germany, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market will add a continental accent to the Square with upscale vendors selling decorations and gifts inspired by Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland and other countries that contributed so much to Pittsburgh's culture and heritage. The market opens for business on November 24, immediately following the 32nd annual My Macy's Holiday Parade, and will operate between the hours of 11am - 8pm right up to December 23. It's going to be a great way to find that extra special gift for the extra special people in your life.

And to make the Peoples Gas Holiday Market even more exciting, we're looking for local performers to add their special talents to the festivities.  We think this is an extraordinary way for dancers, carolers and performers of all types and nationalities to bring some of Pittsburgh's most endearing cultural and ethnic holiday traditions, songs, dances and stories in Market Square — the heart of Downtown. Show times are scheduled for 12noon - 2pm and 5 - 7pm Sunday through Friday with additional performances held every Saturday during the Holiday Market from 11am - 8pm. So if you want to show Pittsburgh you're talent this holiday season — or know of a group or individual who does — submit a performer application before Friday, September 28, 2012.

Speaking of talent, the Iron City Sound Downtown Live! FREE concert series continues this Friday with another round of upcoming stars paired with local legends. Best known for their high-energy, classic rock sound, the Granati Brothers headline this week's show with their homegrown blend of soaring harmonies and guitar-driven power pop. Favorites around town for decades, this family affair has shared the stage with popular rock n' roll hall of famers, such as Van Halen! Just starting her own legacy, Danielle Barbe opens the evening with her own brand of pop-rock tunes. With prime time TV soundtrack credits already in her brag book, Danielle's working with major industry professionals, including producers who have worked on studio albums by Bon Jovi and the All-American Rejects. As always, the music starts at 5pm and rocks until 8pm.

From live music to go along with the summer breeze, to the coolest international talent this holiday season, there's always something happening in the Square.