Veteran drummer Bill Kuhn reflects on six decades in Pittsburgh’s music scene and what keeps him playing. For Bill Kuhn, music has never been just a career—it has been a lifelong calling that began at the age of 4 when he received his first drum set. More than six decades later, the Peters Township resident is still performing, producing and shaping the sound of Pittsburgh’s jazz and R&B scene. “I knew then I had a love for music that would last a lifetime,” says Kuhn. Raised

The exceptional talent of West Mifflin Area High School students was on full display when they presented the spooky musical comedy “The Addams Family” in March. A cast of 38 plus the crew were directed by drama teacher Melissa Prutz, a seasoned professional who always does an amazing job shepherding the group. Audiences were delighted as they enjoyed the performance in the newly renovated auditorium. PHOTOS BY ADAM PISCITELLI OF PRIMETIME SHOTS

The Pittsburgh Philharmonic celebrates 50 years of bringing accessible, high-quality music to the region. For more than 50 years, the Pittsburgh Philharmonic has been bringing the power of live orchestral music to audiences across southwestern Pennsylvania—proving that passion, dedication and community can create something truly extraordinary. Founded in 1975 as the North Pittsburgh Civic Symphony, the orchestra was created to give local musicians the opportunity to perform c

Shaler Hampton EMS Director Eric Schmidt, Township Manager Judy Kording, and Commissioner Bill Cross announced the installation of 12 AEDs in 10 Township parks on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. On any given day, Shaler Township’s parks are filled with activity—families gathering, children playing, and neighbors enjoying the outdoors. Now, those same parks are also equipped with something even more powerful: the ability to save a life. In a partnership between Shaler Township and Sh

A Peters Township mom turns her passion for pottery into a warm, community-centered boutique. Sometimes, the right moment doesn’t arrive with a grand plan—it shows up in the form of a “For Lease” sign on a familiar street. For Samantha McVicker, that moment came while driving along Peters Township’s Valleybrook Road last winter. What she saw sparked something she had been carrying for years: a quiet but persistent dream of opening her own boutique. “I wrote my first business

The Farmers Market at St. James Church of the Divine Redeemer Parish has been a beloved community tradition since 2005 and is now celebrating its 22nd harvest season. Open every Saturday from April through the Saturday before Thanksgiving (9 a.m. until 1 p.m., rain or shine), the market features local farmers and merchants offering fresh, seasonal goods. With strong community support drawing large crowds each week, visitors can also enjoy nearby seating areas for relaxing and

Fort Couch Middle School student Juliette Hirzel pushes past limits to honor the legacy of World War II heroes. Juliette Hirzel crossing the 13-mile marker in the shadows of the Organ Mountains of New Mexico. It’s not every day that a 14-year-old chooses to test her limits. But for Juliette Hirzel, who took on one of the most grueling endurance challenges in the country, the 65-mile Bataan Memorial Death March, the challenge meant something more. The 14-year-old Fort Couch Mi

South Fayette resident Kathleen Stanley is helping reshape another local community through compassion, connection and a bold vision for affordable housing. For Kathleen Stanley, the path to transforming a community didn’t begin with a grand plan—it began with people. A longtime resident of South Fayette Township, Stanley has spent more than a decade working in Sharpsburg, where she now serves as executive director of Roots of Faith. When she first arrived, the borough faced s

In the heart of the community, Carnegie Municipal Park has a history that reflects the people who built it and those who continue to visit. Carnegie Municipal Park’s beautiful green space will be the scene for “Party in the Park,” a community celebration on May 30, from noon to 10 p.m. Vintage cars will make their appearance from noon to 3 p.m., and the entire park will resonate with the sounds of The Mansfield 5, The Jaggerz, and The Timothy Earl Bands. The evening will cul

The nexus of nature, community, faith and fun are providing an atmosphere of growth and spiritual development for all ages at WLD Ranch. WLD Ranch has summer camps for kids, teaches horseback riding and horse care, holds retreats for both men and women, and has programs for couples to enrich their marriage. It provides a community for believers to be strengthened in the quiet of nature’s serene backdrop. As Christy Preston, an instructor at the ranch, explains it, “Camp minis

This summer, two young athletes from Plum Borough will step onto the rink and the international stage, proudly wearing the red, white, and blue of Team USA. Brayden Caliguiri, 16, and Tyler Brenner, 17, have each earned spots on the United States national team for the 2026 International Street and Ball Hockey Federation World Championships, set to take place in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia from July 1–5, 2026. Brayden will compete in the ISBHF U16 Men’s World Championships, whil

Ross Township’s resident orchestra, the Pittsburgh Philharmonic, celebrates 50 years of bringing accessible, high-quality music to the region. For more than 50 years, the Pittsburgh Philharmonic has been bringing the power of live orchestral music to audiences across southwestern Pennsylvania—proving that passion, dedication and community can create something truly extraordinary. Founded in 1975 as the North Pittsburgh Civic Symphony, the orchestra was created to give local m

Richland Township’s designation as the 100th Bird Town in PA highlights a growing commitment to conservation and community. In a milestone moment for both conservation and community pride, Richland Township has been named a Bird Town by Bird Town Pennsylvania—a designation that reflects years of grassroots effort and a growing statewide movement toward sustainability. Richland is the 100th Bird Town in the state. “It means the township is the ‘capstone’ of a decade-long movem

Bethel Park junior Sophia Willis took center stage at Carnegie Hall in February. Soph performs the role of Ursula in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” Photo by Thomas Evans Photography. For Sophia Willis (Soph), music has always been part of her life—but this year, it reached a whole new level. The 16-year-old junior at Bethel Park High School recently earned the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall, a milestone that many young artists only dream of. “It was exhilarating,” sa

Greensburg entrepreneur Alexandra Gerstel transforms wedding flowers into timeless, wearable art. For Alexandra Gerstel, beauty has always been about more than what meets the eye—it’s about meaning, memories and the stories we carry with us through the years. As the founder and artist behind Preciosa Jewelry Co., the Greensburg native has built a business rooted in transforming special moments into lasting keepsakes. Gerstel launched her company in August of 2022, shortly aft

This center is an oasis of wildlife in the heart of a suburban area, providing a quick getaway to a natural plant and animal habitat. Located in the heart of Green Tree at the corner of Hillcrest Ave. and Crestmont Dr., the Green Tree Nature Center is easily accessible for a quick reset—whether an early-morning visit, a lunch break or an after-work walk to get your steps in. The 18-acre oasis features plenty of native plants and flora in its forested area, along with lots of

How courts are becoming the hottest summer hangout in the south suburbs. In the rolling hills and leafy cul-de-sacs of Pittsburgh’s south suburbs, a new sound has officially overtaken the Friday night roar of high school football stadiums and the Sunday afternoon crack of a baseball bat. It is the rhythmic, plastic pop-pop-pop of the pickleball, a sound that has transformed the region into one of the sport’s most intense hotspots for active older adults looking for low-impact

Moon Area High School graduate Hannah Davis is now serving her country as a soloist and concert moderator staff sergeant with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band! As a member of this band, Staff Sgt. Davis is part of a tradition that began in 1798. She often performs in front of dignitaries at official functions, including U.S. Presidential inaugurations, state funerals and arrival ceremonies for foreign ambassadors and military personnel. Although Davis has been

With over 80 years of history, Kubrick Brothers Garden Center blends personalized service, evolving design trends and deep community ties to create something truly enduring. Long before it became a treasured destination for gardeners and homeowners, Kubrick Brothers Garden Center began as something much simpler—a small, family-run produce stand in the 1940s in Brushton, Pennsylvania. Founded by five brothers—including the late Clarence Kubrick, father of current owner John Ku

Mars Area High School students presented “The Wizard of Oz” on March 13–14 in the school auditorium, bringing L. Frank Baum’s beloved story to life. The production followed Dorothy Gale—portrayed by Jenna Smith—as she was swept away to the magical land of Oz and journeyed to the Emerald City, meeting unforgettable characters along the way. Performances included one evening show and two Saturday performances. PHOTOS BY JOSH SCHWOEBEL