A James Beard Award-winning chef, seven-time GRAMMY winner, acclaimed local author, and leading industry experts bring new ideas to light for Pittsburgh audiences at the Greer Cabaret Theater.
Can artificial intelligence comprehend morality? Where did “soul food” come from and where is it going? What really is ASMR? How can jazz and opera speak the truth? How did women’s chests become a billion-dollar business? Experts in their fields will address these questions and more through a series of five featured events at the Greer Cabaret Theater, April 3-8, 2024.
Highlights include Pittsburgh-based award-winning author Damon Young’s (What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker) interview with GRAMMY-winning jazz trumpeter/composer Terence Blanchard, who’s in town for his acclaimed performance of “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” the next evening. There’s an exclusive chance to dine with beloved local soul food restaurateurs, Carmi Express, as the James Beard Award-winning Adrian Miller explores the histories of soul food. Sarah Thornton’s “Tits Up” presentation uncovers the social and cultural significance of breasts. The world-renowned Vincent Conitzer examines the moral concerns of artificial intelligence. Plus, Chia Kwa explains the power of words and “autonomous sensory meridian response” and its thriving online community.
“Now in its 9th year, the Pittsburgh Humanities Festival has been reimagined,” said Randal Miller, Director of Programming for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “The goal of providing space for community conversation and thought-provoking entertainment by world renowned experts remains and these will now be standalone evening engagements at the beautifully renovated Greer Cabaret Theater. Thanks to Citizens for their generous support and The Humanities Center at Carnegie Mellon University for their ongoing commitment to this important festival.”
EVENT INFORMATION
Moral AI and How We Get There | April 3 @ 7:30 pm
Can computers understand morality? And what can we do to make AI safe and fair? World-renowned researcher in artificial intelligence and philosophy, Vincent Conitzer, examines the moral concerns of AI.
Tits Up: What Sex Workers, Milk Bankers, Plastic Surgeons, Bra Designers, and Witches Tell Us about Breasts with Sarah Thornton | April 4 @ 7:30 pm
Sarah Thornton has spent years excavating the diverse truths of mammary glands- from the strip club to the operating room. An experienced sleuth, Thornton resolves to venture behind the scenes to uncover the social and cultural significance of breasts.
Exploring the Tastes, Perceptions, and Histories of Soul Food | April 5 @ 7:30 pm
James Beard Award Winner Adrian Miller traces the journey of soul food from West Africa to the American West, ending with identifying the current and future trends in soul food cuisine. It is facilitated by a beloved soul food restaurant and Black Kitchen Initiative by Heinz grant recipient Carmi Express.
ASMR & How Strangers On The Internet Discovered It In Common with Chia Kwa | April 6 @ 7:30 pm
Long before the term “ASMR”(Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) was coined, people experienced it in their everyday lives. They didn’t know how to talk about it. Until now. Join Chia Kwa of Whisperlodge in exploring the power of words and how finding the right ones allowed internet strangers to unite into a thriving community. This presentation will end with a live ASMR demo using binaural audio technology.
Terence Blanchard & Damon Young: Creating Worlds Through Jazz | April 8 @ 7:30 pm
Seven-time Grammy Award-winner and renowned trumpet player Terence Blanchard will join in conversation with author and co-founder of VerySmartBrothas, Damon Young, on an evening centering on jazz, opera, and speaking the truth.
TICKETS AND DETAILS
Tickets are on sale now at TrustArts.org/Humanities or by calling 412-456-6666 or visiting the Box Office at Theater Square.
Categories: Arts and Ideas, Show Previews
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