Brightwood Civic Group

Whats Going on in Marshall Shadeland?

First Annual Books 'n Beats was a blast! If you missed it this year, keep your eye out for next years event. Get out and meet the good folks in Marshall Shadeland.

Books & Beats is a free one-day event on Saturday, August 28th from noon to 9PM in the Marshall-Shadeland (aka Brightwood) neighborhood at Brighton Road and Woods Run Avenue. Presented by Brightwood Civic Group, the Northside Leadership Conference, and SSB Bank, the event unites music and literacy by engaging the community with family-friendly games and activities, book and poetry readings, live music at local businesses and on the lawn at the Woods Run Branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

“Books” will include contributions by Carnegie Library Woods Run Branch, readings by City Books’ artists in residence and RE Visions. Book giveaways for children and young adults will be provided by RE Visions and Reading is FUNdamental. RIF will also have its bookmobile on-site. Backpacks with books and literacy aids will be distributed to neighborhood children.

“Beats” will be in the form of live music performances from 2 to 9PM at the Main Stage on Central Avenue near the Library by a demographically and sonically diverse lineup, including Bill Henry Band, Samurai Velvet, Ishtar, Sierra Sellers, KELS and Royce. Additional performances by London Johnson’s Magnificent Street Entertainers, Colonel Eagleburger’s High-Stepping Good-Time Band, DJs and other musicians will be on the Brighton Road Stage, the Carnegie Library Lawn Stage and various sidewalk spots in the area.

Family-friendly entertainment and activities will be provided throughout the day by O’Ryan the Amazing (stilt walker/juggler), Puppets by Dave English, Airbrush Tattoos, Jumping Jumperoo (inflatable obstacle course/bounce house), Mad Science interactive STEM exhibitions, WORK and more! Skateboarding demonstrations will be provided by Trash to Thrash. There will be food vendors, including local neighborhood businesses. The Northside Christian Health Center will be providing COVID-19 info and vaccines.