Pittsburgh Folk Music Fans Will Love Calliope
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Looking for a fun and unique way to enjoy Pittsburgh’s thriving folk music scene? Look no further than Calliope! This vibrant music venue offers a variety of folk music performances throughout the year, and is sure to please even the most discerning music fan.
Introducing Calliope
What is Calliope?
Calliope is an American Folk music duo based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The group is made up of singer-songwriter Katie Bisson and fiddler Jacob Gitlin.
The duo takes its name from the musical instrument, the calliope, which was popular in American circuses and fairgrounds in the early 20th century. The calliope’s distinctive sound is created by a steam whistle, which emits a shrill, high-pitched noise when the musician presses a key.
The sound of the calliope is often associated with Americana and nostalgia, two themes that are prevalent in Calliope’s music. The duo’s songs are rooted in the narrative tradition of Folk music, and they often tell stories about real-life people and events.
In addition to their original songs, Calliope performs traditional Folk songs from the Appalachian region. These songs are often about topics such as love, loss, work, and death.
Calliope has released two albums: an EP entitled “Songs from the Mountain” and a full-length album called “Stories from Home.” You can learn more about Calliope on their website or by following them on social media.
What can you expect at a Calliope show?
First and foremost, expect to have a good time! Calliope shows are filled with toe-tapping tunes and plenty of good cheer. But there’s more to a Calliope show than just the music.
When you come to a show, you can expect to see a wide variety of people enjoying the music. There are families with young children, couples on date night, and groups of friends old and young. Everyone is welcome at a Calliope show!
The dress code is casual, so you don’t need to worry about what to wear. Just come as you are and be ready to have a good time.
At a Calliope show, you can expect to hear a mix of traditional folk songs and modern folk-inspired tunes. You’ll hear familiar songs as well as new ones that you’ll be singing along to in no time.
No matter what your musical taste is, you’re sure to find something you like at a Calliope show. So come on out and enjoy some great music in good company!
The History of Calliope
How did Calliope get started?
Calliope began in 1977 as a music festival on the South Side of Pittsburgh. The name Calliope was chosen to represent the type of music that would be played there – traditional, acoustic music from around the world. The first year, the festival featured two stages and attracted about 1,500 people.
In subsequent years, the festival grew in popularity and became a five-day event. The music roster expanded to include regional and national acts, and the audience swelled to more than 10,000 people. Today, Calliope is one of the largest folk music festivals in the country.
What has Calliope accomplished?
Calliope has been Pittsburgh’s preeminent folk music organization for nearly four decades. We have presented hundreds of concerts featuring local, national, and international touring artists in a wide variety of musical genres. We have produced dozens of educational events and workshops for people of all ages. We have helped to launch the careers of many emerging Pittsburgh-based musicians. And we have been a vital part of the Pittsburgh music scene, promoting traditional music and supporting the local music community.
The Future of Calliope
Established in 1983, Calliope has been a staple in the Pittsburgh folk music scene. For 37 years, the organization has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the folk music heritage of the region. With a strong focus on education and community outreach, Calliope has helped to shape the folk music landscape of Pittsburgh and the surrounding area.
What does the future hold for Calliope?
Only time will tell what the future holds for Calliope, but we are confident that it will be a bright one! This unique project has brought together some of the most talented and passionate people in the Pittsburgh music scene, and we cannot wait to see what they come up with next. Folk music has been a part of our city’s fabric for generations, and we believe that Calliope will help keep that tradition alive for many more to come.
How can you get involved with Calliope?
There are many ways to get involved with Calliope! We always welcome new performers, volunteers, and donations.
If you’re a musician, we’d love to have you perform at one of our events. We have a regular lineup of folk musicians, but we’re always looking for new talent to showcase. We also welcome acoustic and unplugged performers of all genres.
If you’re not a musician but would still like to help out, we’re always looking for volunteers to do everything from help set up and tear down at events to working on marketing and social media.
And of course, we welcome any and all donations. Calliope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so your donations are tax-deductible. Your generous support helps us keep the music playing!
