We Got the Music in Us

The Square is alive with the sounds of music — even if the our lunchtime and evening concerts are packed away until next summer. With winter coming on fast, the beat goes on and on indoors around the Square, hitting high notes in a diverse variety of musical genres from New Orleans accented tunes at NOLA to the South of the Border infused sounds of Las Velas.

         



One of the first night spots to host live music in the Square, NOLA on the Square gets in the swing of things Wednesday through Saturday with a spicy gumbo of sounds and bands that mix a little bit of jazz, a dash of blues and even a splash of rock from local talents such as the Boilermaker Jazz Band and John Gresh's Gris-Gris.


The result is a blend of music as unique as the food on the menu at this slice of the Big Easy in the ’Burg. So if you're in the mood for a little Crescent City Stomp, NOLA is a must-stop destination.

For a more Continental style, Perle' offers a French-Mediterranean atmosphere in this chic spot perched above the Square in what used to be the The Attic, the musical home of Pittsburgh's own jazz man Walt Harper. This cosmopolitan lounge rises above it all with an urbane vibe set by some of the city's hottest and most creative DJs. Unwind in style at the Champagne bar and order some small bites from the extensive tapas menu as Perle' lives up to its name as a pearl of a place.

For music that's mucho caliente, Mariachi is the specialty of the house at Las Velas on select Saturday evenings. This lively style of Mexican folk music is a perfect side dish to Las Velas' home-style nacho chips, guacamole and entrees handed down to chef David Montanez from his mom and grandmother.  And to enhance the entertainment, order a tasty, hand-mixed margarita at the bar while you enjoy the view of the bustling nightlife in the Square.

And while it's not "technically" within the boundaries, we're willing to think outside the Square to recommend the classic jazz at Andy's Wine Bar in the Fairmont Hotel. Most nights you can chill to the cool sounds of area talents such as Max Leake and Maureen Budway while you sip some of the finest designer cocktails in town.

So if you're looking to get in the rhythm of the city, there's no better place to keep your feet tapping all night long than Market Square.