Events at the August Wilson Center

Adrianne Holmes-Redwood, Special Events Director of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, is always on the lookout for what Pittsburghers want next.

“I really feel like people are looking to connect more,” she said. “They just want to have a good time, and they definitely want to have an experience.” 

Visitors to the center have an array of exhibits and events to choose from. Gallery exhibitions include The Writer’s Landscape, a permanent space dedicated to the people and places of Pittsburgh that shaped playwright August Wilson and inspired his 10-play American Century Cycle. Running through August 29 is Nigerian artist Peju Alatise’s first US solo survey, I Will Belong to Only Me, which features her acclaimed sculptural installation “Flying Girls.”

From September 17 through 20, the center will host the annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. Sixteen acts will comprise the event, which includes a free street festival that Saturday and Sunday.

Last month, local favorite Sean Jones performed for the event’s fundraiser. Bistro To Go put on the member reception ahead of the concert. “I use them for everything,” said Holmes-Redwood. “The food was amazing. People loved it.”

Food at the August Wilson Center is also an avenue for deepening our understanding of its role in history and culture through its A Seat at Our Table culinary series. Its speakers have included American culinary historian Jessica B. Harris, whose book High on the Hog chronicles the creation of African American cuisine (and inspired a Netflix series of the same name), and Chef Eric Adjepong, a television personality who spotlights West African cuisine.

“It really, truly is a special place for all people,” Holmes-Redwood said. “I know it says the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, but it is for all people to come, learn, enjoy, have fun.”