Love Stories
edited by katie mavrich

Cover Update: Shelly Verszyla
Since her debut on WHIRL’s January 2006 cover (W47) in her wedding dress with KDKA-TV chief meteorologist and new husband Jeff Verszyla, Shelly Verszyla has given birth to two sons, Alexander and Carson. She’s also been busy with the chocolate line b. sweets, which she started in 2004 with her cousins Erica, Bree, and Lindsay Bashour. From the addictive Crackin’ Up (milk chocolate covered graham crackers) to the delicious Nutty Moment (milk chocolate smothered peanut butter crunch bars) and even Pillow Talk (chocolate covered marshmallows), ladies everywhere will delight in a box, or two, or three, on Valentine’s Day! And, brides-to-be can use the treats for wedding and shower favors, and more. For ideas on how to plan your wedding, check out the WHIRL Wedding Guide, on newsstands now! For more information on b. sweets, call 877.GET.BSWT. — K.M



Lindsay Bashour, Bree Bashour, Shelly Verszyla, Erica Bashour


Danke shoën, Mr. Newton

Viva Las Greensburg
Fans of the legendary Wayne Newton don’t have to cross the country to see Mr. Las Vegas live this month — they only need to travel to Greensburg’s Palace Theatre on February 12. He celebrated 50 years of entertaining on the Las Vegas Strip last year with a new show, Once More Before I Go, at the famous Tropicana hotel and he’ll no doubt perform some of his biggest hits at The Palace, including “Danke Shoën,” “Red Roses for a Blue Lady,” and “Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast.” For tickets or more information, call The Palace Theatre at 724.836.8000. — K.M.

 

 

 


Melissa Ferrick

Indie Rock Royalty
The queen of indie folk rock is returning to Pittsburgh this month for a show at Club Cafe on February 24. Over her last 10 years of touring, she’s racked up several beloved memories of our hometown, including playing with the late great Chris Whitley, a sound check at Metropol with Jeff Buckley, on-air visits to WYEP radio, playing at The Rex with Bitch, and covering “Miss Liberty” in front of Dayna Kurtz, herself. “I love that room,” Ferrick says of The Rex. “I like that town a lot,” she says of Pittsburgh. “And I know how to get around, oddly enough,” she adds, laughing. She also recalls Italian dinners at Café Allegro, coffee at The Beehive, and smelling — but never really eating — a Primanti’s sandwich. Her new album, Goodbye Youth, is the singer/songwriter’s most raw and honest recording to date. “Heart Beat” is luscious and sexy, while the track “I’m Going to Break Your Heart” is brash and passionate. Ferrick’s cover of Bush’s “Glycerine” will remain on playlists for the next 10 years, at least. For tickets or more information, call Club Cafe at 412.431.4950. — Victoria Bradley

 

 

 

 


Cabaret stars Carlos Feliciano, Liam Moran, Danielle Pastin, Jonathan Beyer, Deborah Selig and Dean Kokanos

Off Broadway
Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artists will make us laugh out loud on February 26 when they present the annual Cabaret. These local stars will entertain in several ways — ranging from performances of Broadway selections and novelty songs to some unexpected surprises. However, you might not want to bring the kids, as this free-wheeling revue can get risqué! In addition to the show, your ticket includes dinner and admission to the new home of the Pittsburgh Opera in the Strip District, which proves to be the perfect intimate setting for this light-hearted production. For tickets and more information, call the Pittsburgh Opera at 412.281.0912 x225. — Erin Mawe


Bianca Amato plays Titania and Hippolyta

Shakespeare in Love
The O’Reilly Theater will be almost unrecognizable this month after being transformed into an enchanted forest for Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Pittsburgh Public Theater presents the humorous masterpiece through February 21, and we don’t want to let this opportunity pass us by! The whimsical comedy tells the story of four star-crossed lovers and a crew of characters that guarantee to entertain. As it is worked into a new production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream proves to be as scintillating and timeless as Shakespeare intended. For tickets or more information call the Pittsburgh Public Theater at 412.316.1600. — E.M.

 

 

 

Jazzy Jessica Lee

All Jazzed Up
Every Friday in February, popular local artists will perform an extensive array of jazz music in Sewickley for the Sweetwater Jazz Series, sponsored by Clearview Federal Credit Union, Orr’s Jewelers, Penguin Book Shop, and Prudential Preferred Realty. February 5 brings Jessica Lee, who combines soul and R&B with a strong emphasis on blues. Howie Alexander Trio performs traditional and contemporary jazz on February 12. February 19, Robbie Klein mixes things up with an eclectic mix of Latin and R&B. Rounding out the excellent selection is Max Leake, performing modern jazz on February 26. For tickets or more information, call the Sweetwater Center for the Arts, 412.741.4405. — E.M.