HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUGUST WILSON BLOCK PARTY!

In its second year, the August Wilson Birthday Block Party promises to become a tradition, uniting Pittsburghers and visitors in a happy event in honor of the great playwright. On Sat., April 29, Noon-5 pm, the party will take over several blocks extending eastward from the August Wilson House (AWH) at 1727 Bedford Ave. in the Hill District.

The free event is for all ages. Attractions will include food trucks and vendors of many kinds, performances, singers, dancers, drummers, children’s activities, a fire truck, a glimpse of AWH restoration, tours of the August Wilson Park, fun, friendship and, of course, a cake!

Hourly on the half-hour, 12:30-4:30, there will be excerpts from AW’s plays performed in the AWH backyard, while on the hour, 12:00-4:00, there will be music, song and dance performances further up Bedford.

August Wilson (1945-2005) would be 72 on April 27. As one of his greatest fans, Denzel Washington, who spent much of 2016 in the Hill filming “Fences,” has said, “August is one of the five great American playwrights,” and, “you just play the music” of his language. He came to the Hill to get the music right.