The Benedum Center and Heinz Hall aren't the only places to see live theater or top musical acts perform locally.
The three remaining music halls at the Carnegie Libraries in Homestead, Braddock and Carnegie still bring new performances to their respective communities even though work is needed to modernize all of them.
The Carnegie Library of Homestead draws artists such as Joe Jackson, KT Tunstall and Colbie Caillat to the borough outside of Pittsburgh.
Kate Grannemann, executive director of the library, said the facility has seen a resurgence in recent years when popular rock acts began appearing at the hall.
The acoustics and history of the hall make it an attractive stop for national artists. "A lot of artists like historic halls," Grannemann says. "They like the ambiance."
Maggie Forbes, executive director of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie, says that appeal has helped the other theaters.
The young Republican and Democrat groups from Allegheny County will use the theater in Carnegie in April for a political debate. Forbes says they chose the location because of the old-fashioned feel to the theater.
"It's a real town-hall Americana space to do this," Forbes says. While the artists enjoy the setting, the residents and the communities enjoy the added attention.
Most of the shows at the Homestead theater are sellouts with more than 1,000 people filling the theater. "People are coming to Homestead," Grannemann says. "And most people haven't been here before."
For the residents of Braddock, the theater can serve as place to hone their artistic talents. An open mic night is held bi-monthly to give local talent a chance to perform.
"It's great to have local talent performing," Victoria Vargo, the Braddock Carnegie Library's executive director, says.
For Carnegie, the library and theater has brought theatrical productions that would otherwise be difficult to see.
Forbes says that's the most important aspect of keeping both the library and the music hall open. "This town owes its identity to the library," Forbes says.
Later this year, the Broadway musical "Urine-town" will be featured in Carnegie. Cultural events in Carnegie help the community as a whole. "If you want to see 'Urinetown,' you have to come here," Forbes says. "And maybe you can eat at our restaurants, too."
What impresses Forbes most is the community's willingness to take a risk based on what's playing at the library such as when Dansaq, a Latin music and dance production, came earlier this year. "The people came to see something they've never heard of," Forbes says.
While each theater hosts a variety of shows, each has an ongoing effort to modernize the facilities.
Grannemann says the electrical work in the Homestead hall could use an upgrade and the Carnegie library has a major campaign to raise funds for renovations.
But the library in Braddock is in most need of repairs.
"We have many needs and the music hall is one of those," Vargo says. The theater needs a sound system and curtain. "All the amenities that will make it a functioning music hall," Vargo says. With each of the 500 first-floor seats expected to cost about $500 each, Vargo says, the project is no small task.
Despite its condition, the facility still serves a purpose. The music hall has been home to a gospel festival and productions from the Quantum Theater.
"It's great to be able to come to things here," Vargo says.
Forbes knows about the importance of fundraising. The Carnegie library's capital campaign has raised about $5 million and has helped keep the music hall open for artists to perform and record.
Still, the programs that each theater has brought to its community make it a viable presence, no matter the condition.
"I think the audience would agree we could use new seats," Grannemann says. "But that hasn't stopped them from coming."
Shows at Carnegie Library of Homestead • April 7, 8 p.m. — Spoon with special guests The Walkmen and White Rabbits — $25. • April 12, 8 p.m. — The New Pornographers — $27 or $30. • April 19, 7:30 p.m. — Joe Jackson — $33.50 or $45.50. • April 21, 8 p.m. — Colbie Caillat — $30. • May 23, 8 p.m. — KT Tunstall — $31.50. Tickets for all shows are available through Ticketmaster. The Music Hall is annexed to the Carnegie Library of Homestead, located at 510 East 10th Ave. in Munhall. For more information, visit online at www.homesteadlibrary.org/music_hall.html#OtherEvents About the hall Open continuously since 1898, the Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead has hosted singers, orchestras, plays, operas, political rallies and weddings.
