Self-Chef Mongolian Stir-Fry and Sushi to open in Castle Shannon on March 18 now open in Castle Shannon.

Self-Chef Mongolian Stir-Fry and Sushi will open in Castle Shannon on March 18 is now open in Castle Shannon, in the former Linden Grove spot. Signage went up in the fall at 1100 Grove Road (map).

The menu, posted on their official site, features primarily sushi, sashimi, rolls, and Japanese appetizers and desserts at this point:  

Self Chef, featuring Mongolian stir-fry and sushi, coming soon to Castle Shannon in former Linden Grove spot.

Self Chef, offering Mongolian stir-fry and sushi, is coming soon to Castle Shannon in the former Linden Grove spot. Its arrival was rumored for months, but signage visible from the T light rail line recently went up. It will be located at 1100 Grove Road (map).

Tuvan throat singers Alash Ensemble in Pittsburgh, November 15.

Tuvan throat singers Alash Ensemble will return to Pittsburgh on November 15.

Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing, a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. Masters of traditional Tuvan instruments as well as the art of throat singing, Alash are deeply committed to traditional Tuvan music and culture. At the same time, they are fans of western music. Believing that traditional music must constantly evolve, the musicians subtly infuse their songs with western elements, creating their own unique style that is fresh and new, yet true to their Tuvan musical heritage.

This is a reschedule of its March 7 concert and a day later than originally announced. The group will perform at the First Unitarian Church in Shadyside (map) from 8:00 pm. Tickets are available for purchase in-person at Jerry's Records, Government Center, Vinyl Remains, and Rosie's Records, or online via Brown Paper Tickets (which charges a 12% service fee).

Tuvan throat singers Alash Ensemble in Pittsburgh, November 15.

Tuvan throat singers Alash Ensemble will return to Pittsburgh on November 15.

Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing, a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. Masters of traditional Tuvan instruments as well as the art of throat singing, Alash are deeply committed to traditional Tuvan music and culture. At the same time, they are fans of western music. Believing that traditional music must constantly evolve, the musicians subtly infuse their songs with western elements, creating their own unique style that is fresh and new, yet true to their Tuvan musical heritage.

This is a reschedule of its March 7 concert and a day later than originally announced. The group will perform at the First Unitarian Church in Shadyside (map) from 8:00 pm. Tickets are available for purchase in-person at Jerry's Records, Government Center, Vinyl Remains, and Rosie's Records, or online via Brown Paper Tickets (which charges a 12% service fee).

Tuvan throat singers Alash Ensemble concert rescheduled to November 14.

Tuvan throat singers Alash Ensemble will return to Pittsburgh later this fall, as their concert has been rescheduled to November 14 from its original March 7 date.

Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing, a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. Masters of traditional Tuvan instruments as well as the art of throat singing, Alash are deeply committed to traditional Tuvan music and culture. At the same time, they are fans of western music. Believing that traditional music must constantly evolve, the musicians subtly infuse their songs with western elements, creating their own unique style that is fresh and new, yet true to their Tuvan musical heritage.

The group will perform at the First Unitarian Church in Shadyside (map) from 7:30 pm, and ticket information will follow.

Tuvan throat singers Alash Ensemble return to Pittsburgh, March 7.

Alash Ensemble will return to perform in Pittsburgh on March 7.

Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing, a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. Masters of traditional Tuvan instruments as well as the art of throat singing, Alash are deeply committed to traditional Tuvan music and culture. At the same time, they are fans of western music. Believing that traditional music must constantly evolve, the musicians subtly infuse their songs with western elements, creating their own unique style that is fresh and new, yet true to their Tuvan musical heritage.

The group will perform at the First Unitarian Church in Shadyside (map) from 7:30 pm. Tickets are available for purchase at Jerry's Records, Vinyl Remains, Long Play Cafe, Government Center, and online for $25, or for $30 at the door.

Mongolian folk metal band The Hu returns to Pittsburgh, November 8, opening for Iron Maiden.

Mongolian folk metal band The Hu will return to Pittsburgh on November 8. The Hu opens for Iron Maiden, and tickets for the 7:30 pm show at PPG Paints Arena (map) are available online. A self-description, from their official site:

In 2019, an NPR story put a spotlight on “a band from Mongolia that blends the screaming guitars of heavy metal and traditional Mongolian guttural singing,” accurately highlighting the cultural importance and unique musical identity of THE HU. Founded in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, THE HU, Gala, Jaya, Temka, and Enkush, are a modern rock group rooted in the tradition of their homeland. The band’s two most popular videos, “Yuve Yuve” and “Wolf Totem,” were produced by the band’s producer Dashka. The band’s name translates to the Mongolian root word for human being, and their unique approach blends instruments like the Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), Tovshuur (Mongolian guitar), Tumur Khuur (jaw harp) and throat singing withcontemporary sounds, creating a unique sonic profile that they call “Hunnu Rock.”

The Hu were last in Pittsburgh in September 2021.

Alash Ensemble in Pittsburgh, February 10.

Alash returns to Pittsburgh on February 10, 2024.

Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing, a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. Masters of traditional Tuvan instruments as well as the art of throat singing, Alash are deeply committed to traditional Tuvan music and culture. At the same time, they are fans of western music. Believing that traditional music must constantly evolve, the musicians subtly infuse their songs with western elements, creating their own unique style that is fresh and new, yet true to their Tuvan musical heritage.

The group will perform at the First Unitarian Church in Shadyside (map) from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Tickets are available for purchase at Jerry's Records, Vinyl Remains, Long Play Cafe, Government Center for $25, or for $30 at the door.

Alash Ensemble in Pittsburgh, February 10.

Alash returns to Pittsburgh on February 10, 2024.

Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing, a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. Masters of traditional Tuvan instruments as well as the art of throat singing, Alash are deeply committed to traditional Tuvan music and culture. At the same time, they are fans of western music. Believing that traditional music must constantly evolve, the musicians subtly infuse their songs with western elements, creating their own unique style that is fresh and new, yet true to their Tuvan musical heritage.

The group will perform at the First Unitarian Church in Shadyside (map) from 7:00 to 10:00 pm, with ticket information to follow later.

Mongolian folk-fusion band Tuvergen in Pittsburgh, September 21.

Tuvergen, a Chicago-based trio performing Mongolian folk-fusion, will perform in Pittsburgh on September 21.

An emerging act at world music festivals across the U.S., Tuvergen Band (“galloping” in Mongolian) is a Chicago-based folk-fusion trio founded by Tamir Hargana (lead vocals, folk lutes, morin khuur), Naizal Hargana (morin khuur, vocals), and Brent Roman (percussion, didgeridoo, vocals) in 2020. Hailing from Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, Tamir and Naizal bring some of the country’s most distinctive sounds to Tuvergen Band, including the cello-like horsehead fiddle (morin khuur), various folk lutes (the Tuvan doshpuluur and West Mongolian tovshuur), and khoomii throat singing. An ethnomusicologist and Asian percussion specialist, Roman augments these sounds with a custom hybrid drum kit of twenty global percussion instruments and didgeridoo. The trio use this rich instrumental palette to perform what they call “modern nomadic music,” incorporating bluegrass, blues, rock, and more into its repertoire of Mongolian and Tuvan folk songs and originals.

Tuvergen will perform at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh in Shadyside (map) from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.

Mongolian folk-fusion band Tuvergen in Pittsburgh, September 21.

Tuvergen, a Chicago-based trio performing Mongolian folk-fusion, will perform in Pittsburgh on September 21.

An emerging act at world music festivals across the U.S., Tuvergen Band (“galloping” in Mongolian) is a Chicago-based folk-fusion trio founded by Tamir Hargana (lead vocals, folk lutes, morin khuur), Naizal Hargana (morin khuur, vocals), and Brent Roman (percussion, didgeridoo, vocals) in 2020. Hailing from Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, Tamir and Naizal bring some of the country’s most distinctive sounds to Tuvergen Band, including the cello-like horsehead fiddle (morin khuur), various folk lutes (the Tuvan doshpuluur and West Mongolian tovshuur), and khoomii throat singing. An ethnomusicologist and Asian percussion specialist, Roman augments these sounds with a custom hybrid drum kit of twenty global percussion instruments and didgeridoo. The trio use this rich instrumental palette to perform what they call “modern nomadic music,” incorporating bluegrass, blues, rock, and more into its repertoire of Mongolian and Tuvan folk songs and originals.

Tuvergen will perform at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh in Shadyside (map) from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.

Alash Ensemble Tuvan Throat Singers in Shadyside, February 3.

The Alash Ensemble Tuvan Throat Singers will perform in Pittsburgh again on February 3.

Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing (xöömei), a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. What distinguishes this gifted trio from earlier generations of Tuvan throat singers is the subtle infusion of modern influences into their traditional music. One can find complex harmonies, western instruments, and contemporary song forms in Alash’s music, but its overall sound and spirit remain decidedly Tuvan.

The performance will be at First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh in Shadyside (map) from 7:30 pm (doors open at 7). Tickets are available at the door for $30 or for $25 in advance at Jerry's Records in Squirrel Hill or Government Center Records on the North Side. (The ensemble's official site points to an online ticket seller, but the poster says they are no longer using Brown Paper Tickets.)

Alash Ensemble Tuvan Throat Singers in Shadyside, February 3.

The Alash Ensemble Tuvan Throat Singers will perform in Pittsburgh again on February 3.

Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing (xöömei), a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. What distinguishes this gifted trio from earlier generations of Tuvan throat singers is the subtle infusion of modern influences into their traditional music. One can find complex harmonies, western instruments, and contemporary song forms in Alash’s music, but its overall sound and spirit remain decidedly Tuvan.

The performance will be at First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh in Shadyside (map) from 7:30 pm (doors open at 7). Tickets are available at the door for $30 or for $25 in advance at Jerry's Records in Squirrel Hill or Government Center Records on the North Side. (The ensemble's official site points to an online ticket seller, but the poster says they are no longer using Brown Paper Tickets.)

Alash Ensemble Tuvan Throat Singers, March 27 at Spirit Lounge.

The Alash Ensemble Tuvan Throat Singers will perform in Pittsburgh on March 27.

Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing (xöömei), a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. What distinguishes this gifted trio from earlier generations of Tuvan throat singers is the subtle infusion of modern influences into their traditional music. One can find complex harmonies, western instruments, and contemporary song forms in Alash’s music, but its overall sound and spirit remain decidedly Tuvan.

Tickets for the show at Spirit in Lawrenceville (map) are now available online.

Alash Ensemble Tuvan Throat Singers, March 27 at Spirit Lounge.

The Alash Ensemble Tuvan Throat Singers will perform in Pittsburgh on March 27.

Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing (xöömei), a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. What distinguishes this gifted trio from earlier generations of Tuvan throat singers is the subtle infusion of modern influences into their traditional music. One can find complex harmonies, western instruments, and contemporary song forms in Alash’s music, but its overall sound and spirit remain decidedly Tuvan.

Tickets for the show at Spirit in Lawrenceville (map) are now available online.

Mongolian heavy metal band The Hu in Pittsburgh, September 17.

Mongolian heavy metal band The Hu will play the Carnegie Music Hall in Homestead on September 17.

In 2019, an NPR story put a spotlight on “a band from Mongolia that blends the screaming guitars of heavy metal and traditional Mongolian guttural singing,” accurately highlighting the cultural importance and unique musical identity of The HU. Founded in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, The HU, comprised of producer Dashka along with members Gala, Jaya, Temka, and Enkush, are a modern rock group rooted in the tradition of their homeland. The band’s name translates to the Mongolian root word for human being, and their unique approach blends instruments like the Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), Tovshuur (Mongolian guitar), Tumur Khuur (jaw harp) and throat singing with contemporary sounds, creating a unique sonic profile that they call “Hunnu Rock.”

Tickets for the 8:00 pm show are available online from $32 (plus fees). The Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead is located at 510 E. 10th Ave. in Munhall (map).

Mongolian heavy metal band The Hu in Pittsburgh, September 17.

Mongolian heavy metal band The Hu will play the Carnegie Music Hall in Homestead on September 17.

In 2019, an NPR story put a spotlight on “a band from Mongolia that blends the screaming guitars of heavy metal and traditional Mongolian guttural singing,” accurately highlighting the cultural importance and unique musical identity of The HU. Founded in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, The HU, comprised of producer Dashka along with members Gala, Jaya, Temka, and Enkush, are a modern rock group rooted in the tradition of their homeland. The band’s name translates to the Mongolian root word for human being, and their unique approach blends instruments like the Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), Tovshuur (Mongolian guitar), Tumur Khuur (jaw harp) and throat singing with contemporary sounds, creating a unique sonic profile that they call “Hunnu Rock.”

Tickets for the 8:00 pm show are available online from $32 (plus fees). The Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead is located at 510 E. 10th Ave. in Munhall (map).

Pitt sends message to its student community about racism and xenophobia against Asian students.

Kenyon Bonner, the Vice Provost and Dean of Students at the University of Pittsburgh, sent an announcement to the Pitt student population yesterday about the coronavirus's potential impact on health and well-being. The message also included a message about curbing racism and xenophobia that has been directed against Asian-American and international students at Pitt:

In addition to our physical wellness, it is important that during this time we remain committed to our communal well-being. Pitt aims to be an inclusive community in which everyone feels like they belong and are valued. Disappointedly, some members of our community have used the coronavirus as a vehicle to spew hateful rhetoric targeted at some of our international, Asian American students, and people who are perceived to have been in contact with COVID-19. This type of treatment is wrong, insensitive, harmful, and contrary to the University’s values. Although this outbreak started in China, having Chinese ancestry – or any other ancestry – does not place a person at higher risk for this illness.

As you discuss the coronavirus, please keep a few considerations in mind:

• Memes and jokes often stem from offensive stereotypes
• Jokes about Asian connections to the coronavirus normalize racist and discriminatory behavior
• Fact-check information before sharing on social media. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) are credible resources
• Empathize with those who have contracted COVID-19 or whose friends or family may be at risk, rather than blaming them
• Read the WHO A Guide to Preventing and Addressing Social Stigma

Together, we can make our campus feel inclusive for everyone by treating each other with dignity and respect and sharing accurate information with our fellow community members.

One day left for fundraising for new Screenshot: Asia film festival and media series at University of Pittsburgh from September 2020.

A festival organizer writes with an update on fundraising for the new Asian film festival and media series hosted by the University of Pittsburgh from September 2020:

I wanted to update you on the progress we are making on bringing a new and improved Asian Film Festival to Pittsburgh.

I'm not sure how much you have heard about this, but Pitt will now host the festival each September (now called Screenshot: Asia), which means that the event will have much more student and faculty participation in addition to strong support from the Pittsburgh community. Screenshot Asia will be the umbrella organization for our own Japan Documentary Film Award, and they will support year-round Asian film programming (including showing silent samurai films with live musical performances like the benshi I brought last year).
We have been raising money for the Film Festival in order to prove to Pitt that we have broad community interest. Would you consider making a donation to support us?

A few reasons to support us:

• Pitt has the strongest film studies program in the city (actually a strong nation-wide reputation), and we are well positioned to make this an amazing event for the university, for Asian communities living in Pittsburgh, and for anyone who loves Asian cinema.
• Contributions start at five dollars. Any level of support would be appreciated!
• One of our students is featured in our promotional film (but you'll have to watch the video to find out who!)

We have just one more day until the campaign ends. We are making excellent progress at nearly 80% of our goal. Please take a look and consider supporting us. Many thanks!

You can click here to go directly to the EngagePitt campaign (or copy and paste the address here: https://engage.pitt.edu/project/16914).

Fundraising closes at 11:59 pm on December 3.

Screenshot: Asia was announced in September 2019. It will fill---aiming to fill to excess---a void left after Silk Screen closed in 2018 due to persistent sexual harassment by its CEO, and after Pittsburgh Filmmakers shuttered its theaters and programming in November.

Mongolian heavy metal band The Hu in Pittsburgh, November 18.

Mongolian heavy metal band The Hu will play at Mr. Smalls on November 18. From the band's official site:

The HU is a band from Mongolia that blends heavy metal and traditional Mongolian throat singing. Their first two videos (“Yuve Yuve Yu” and “Wolf Totem”) immediately went viral garnering the band over 18 million views. The explosive reaction to The HU resulted in a number of features about the band in international media such as NPR, ET India Times, Playboy Mexico, Jack Canal+Fr, Hong Kong 01, DW News Germany and others.

The band’s name The HU, is the Mongolian root word for human being. They call their style “Hunnu Rock”…inspired by the Hunnu, an ancient Mongolian empire, known as The Huns in western culture. Some of the band’s lyrics include old Mongolian war cries and poetry.