Get the scoop on happenings and trends in and around Pittsburgh with 90.5 WESA Morning Edition host Josh Raulerson and Yelp Pittsburgh's Rachel Carlson. They scope out cool events and let you know what to plan for weekly on the Social Club podcast. Have a suggestion? Email [email protected]
Pour One Out In The Monongahela: Social Club Signs Off
It's a sad day for the Social Club gang, this is our final episode. We're so grateful to everyone who's listened over the last few years and hope to share Pittsburgh happenings in a new format one day, too. So, for one last time, 90.5 WESA's Sarah Kovash, Josh Raulerson and Rachel Carlson of Yelp Pittsburgh fill you in on what's happening this weekend. You can nosh on some local treats, check out cooking demonstrations and check out local businesses at Farm to Table Pittsburgh at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Friday night offers a tasting featuring local spots like Market Street Grocery, Wigle Whiskey and Oakmont Olive Oil Company . Or check out "Farm to Flask Craft Mixology" on Saturday. And check out the galaxy at the Carnegie Science Center's 21+ night on Saturday . Check out a fake moon landing, build your own rocket and look to the stars in Buhl Planetarium. You can also fill up on adult beverages at the cash bar. Or if you feel like dancing, head to Stage AE to Shake
3/24/2017 • 12 minutes, 51 seconds
Don't Look For Anyone Stomping Grapes At Pittsburgh Winery: Social Club, March 10
Get out your best green garb for the parade and St. Patrick’s Day parties this weekend. But before guzzling down some green beers, Social Club’s Sarah Kovash, Josh Raulerson and Rachel Carlson of Yelp Pittsburgh check out Pittsburgh Winery in the Strip District. Syma Hajian joins us to talk about what’s new at the winery – and how they don’t actually make wine by stomping grapes with their feet (yes, she’s heard that “I Love Lucy” joke already). It’s actually a popular music venue and Hajian says if you want to join a party that’s all about wine, check out their Chilean harvest Grape Stomp at the end of April – exact date TBD. Until then, you can spend the weekend taking in all of the St. Paddy’s festivities, starting with the parade downtown Saturday morning . You can also join a bar crawl on the South Side or check out Market Square’s “ Irish Fair in the Square .” (Photo via Raif Smallkaa / Flickr )
3/7/2017 • 23 minutes, 5 seconds
We Get You Through The Winter Blues: Social Club Feb. 17
It may be the middle of winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find anything fun to do! WESA’s Sarah Kovash, Josh Raulerson and Rachel Carlson of Yelp Pittsburgh have you covered for a weekend full of fashionable – and tropical outings. Start the weekend early with the Carnegie Museum of Art’s Third Thursday: A Celebration of Iris van Herpen . You can check out the museum’s newest exhibit, featuring unique clothing by the Dutch fashion designer. Many of the pieces are a marriage of fashion, tech and feature unconventional materials. Visitors are encouraged to wear their “most fashion-forward ensemble,” dance and check out a lip bar at the CMOA Store. Or pretend you’ve left the Pittsburgh winter for a warm, tropical locale and head to Phipps Conservatory. You can check out the Tropical Forest Congo Festival on Saturday , where visitors can sample African-inspired food from the café, listen to live music and make crafts. And if you’re feeling cheeky, check out the Carnegie Science
2/14/2017 • 12 minutes, 8 seconds
East End Brewing Helps Plan Your Valentine's Day: Social Club Feb. 2
This week, 90.5 WESA’s Sarah Kovash, Josh Raulerson of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Rachel Carlson of Yelp Pittsburgh travel to East End Brewing’s new tap room in the Strip District. While sipping on some brews, owner Scott Smith talks about all the work that goes into his carefully crafted beers and the delights of being in the Strip District (hello Gaucho takeout!) You can also hear more about brewing and beer making at East End’s “Between two Fermenters” talk at the taproom Tuesday night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. And if you’re feeling some beer for Valentine’s Day, East End is hosting a beer brunch with prohibition pastries on Sunday, Feb. 19. Feeling artsy? Check out the Mattress Factory’s Breakfast in Bed on Sunday . In addition to checking out the museum, you can sip on mimosas and bloody marys, as well as nosh on a continental breakfast. If you’re looking for something more traditional, you can try wine and chocolate tasting at Smallman Galley on Friday, Feb. 9. Or
2/7/2017 • 32 minutes, 37 seconds
We're All About '80s Night & Craft Beer: Social Club Jan. 26
It’s another weekend full of beer, wine and … Miami Vice? WESA’s Sarah Kovash, Rachel Carlson of Yelp Pittsburgh and Josh Raulerson of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council fill you in on what’s happening in the ‘Burgh this weekend. Start your Friday with some maple beer at Wigle Whiskey’s Strip District distillery . The local whiskey makers paired up with Latrobe’s Four Seasons Brewery to create Old Sap. Wigle says, “we distilled Old Sap from malt and maple syrup before aging the spirit for over two years.” Mmmmm. And if you want more craft beer, check out Southern Tier, which officially opened on the North Shore this week. If only Sarah and Rachel could figure out exactly where it is … Check out some of the brewery’s classics, like Pumking and their IPAs. But Rachel says they’ll be making and testing some new creations right here in Pittsburgh. Or get the party started early Saturday morning with Wine on the Three Rivers at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center . It’s only $10 to
1/27/2017 • 25 minutes, 18 seconds
Beer, Sumo & Groundhogs Make For A Great Weekend: Social Club Jan. 20
This weekend's gonna be weird. WESA's Sarah Kovash, Josh Raulerson of the PA Environmental Council and Yelp Pittsburgh's Rachel Carlson are back with the interesting ... things happening about town this weekend. If you just can’t wait for Groundhog Day next month, head to Penn Brewery Friday night ! The *real* Punxsutawney Phil will be there, as well his namesake beer, Punxsutawney Philsner (yay puns!) While you’re there, try some of their dang good pierories. And if you love beers and want to give to a good cause, Friday you can sample craft brews at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 7th Annual Pour for a Cure . Local restaurants will also offer some food to nosh on and proceeds from the $50 ticket goes toward helping “millions of patients battling blood cancers.” Saturday, you can sample some more beer at Brews and Bites at the Rex Theater . Spend three hours sipping drinks from local spots like Arsenal Cider, Rivertowne and Penn Brewery, as well as bites from the Vandal, Spork,
1/20/2017 • 20 minutes, 40 seconds
Social Club: Wear Your Ugly Sweater While You Finish That Last Minute Shopping
We know you’re itching to get a few more miles out of your favorite ugly holiday sweater and squeeze in some last-minute holiday shopping. That’s why 90.5 WESA’s Sarah Kovash, Yelp Pittsburgh’s Rachel Carlson and Josh Raulerson of the PA Environmental Council have you covered. Kick off your weekend with some cross-holiday fun at Wigle Whiskey in the Strip District for their Chrismukkah whiskey release. The distillery will debut its Northern Exposure (aged in maple barrels!) whiskey and the Demeter Landlocked, aged for two years. It’s $10 and a sure opportunity for an ugly sweater. In fact, you can take your sweater over to Carmella’s on the South Side later that night for the ugly sweater competition and some craft drinks. You could win a $50 gift card. Or test out your sweater at Mt. Lebanon’s Hitchhiker Brewing on Saturday night. You’ll have to show up to find out what the prize is. And if you’re in need of some last minute gifts, check out Vintage and Handmade holiday at the Ace
12/16/2016 • 22 minutes, 41 seconds
Social Club: Fill Up On Cookies And Start Your Holiday Shopping
We’re back from the holiday! WESA’s Sarah Kovash, Rachel Carlson of Yelp Pittsburgh and Josh Raulerson of the PA Environmental Council took a two-week hiatus to stuff their faces, find the best pizza costumes and relax. So now, we’ve got all the local happenings to get you ready for the holidays … or holidaze, as Rachel puts it. You can start the celebration with some cookies on the Lawrenceville Cookie Tour . Don’t worry if you missed the kick off Thursday, you can enjoy cookies while you shop along Butler Street, through Sunday. Or spend your Friday night at the shire of the Carnegie Science Center, for “Lord of the Rings” after dark ! Not only will you get to watch the movie, but you can catch a cartographer “draw a shire-style map of the museum.” Once you’re filled up on cookies and maps, head Downtown for the Handmade Arcade on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can pick up presents for your loved ones – or yourself – from local artists & makers, like jewelry from Frost
12/2/2016 • 21 minutes, 52 seconds
Treat Yourself: Social Club November 11th
Election Day is over and you deserve a fun weekend. How about some chocolate, drinks and shopping? WESA’s Sarah Kovash, Yelp Pittsburgh’s Rachel and Josh Raulerson are here to fill you in on the weekend activities you need to know!
11/11/2016 • 20 minutes, 35 seconds
Would You Like A Side Of Magic With Your Weekend Activities? Social Club November 4
Candy time may be over but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end! WESA’s Josh and Sarah and Yelp Pittsburgh’s Rachel are battling their post-Halloween sugar highs and are here to let you know about all the fun events going on this weekend, with a side of magic.
11/4/2016 • 22 minutes, 30 seconds
This Is Halloween: Social Club October 28
BOO! Halloween is finally here. WESA’s Josh and Sarah and Yelp Pittsburgh’s Rachel are here with all the spooky details for this weekend! We’ll tell you where to go to celebrate Halloween, plus read on for a creepy story about the Pittsburgh Community Broadcast Center.
10/28/2016 • 19 minutes, 13 seconds
The Pros And Cons Of Bobbing For Apples: Social Club October 21
We have all been there before. You are about to bob for apples when you start wondering how sanitary that water actually is. But you know what is even scarier than that water? Bad beer. WESA’s Josh and Sarah and Yelp Pittsburgh’s Rachel are here to let you know where you can get some good drinks this weekend and where you can bob for apples…if you dare!
10/21/2016 • 14 minutes, 33 seconds
Cats With Hats- And Other Thoughts From Greta: Social Club October 14
Greta, Josh’s daughter, joined WESA’s Sarah and Yelp Pittsburgh’s Rachel for Social Club. Hear about the fun events going on in Pittsburgh this weekend and learn some words of wisdom from Greta.
10/14/2016 • 16 minutes, 39 seconds
We Need To Talk About Your Halloween Costume: Social Club October 7
How is your transition to fall going? Have you fully submersed yourself in everything pumpkin? Don’t panic, but if you don’t have a costume by now (Rachel), you are running out of time! Luckily, WESA’s Josh and Sarah and Yelp Pittsburgh’s Rachel are here to tell you all the events that will distract you from your lack of costume and get you into the fall spirit!
10/7/2016 • 24 minutes, 21 seconds
'Go Shorty, It's Your Birthday': Social Club September 30
Happy Birthday Josh! It’s Josh’s birthday weekend and Social Club is ready to celebrate. WESA’s Sarah and Yelp Pittsburgh’s Rachel have put together a weekend filled with beer, brunch and tacos for Josh. Care to join?
9/30/2016 • 21 minutes, 32 seconds
Last Chance To Go Outside: Social Club September 23
Let’s face it. Winter is coming and these next few weekends could be your last chance to go outside. It’s just like Stanley Tucci said; fall is only good for about two weeks. WESA’s Josh and Sarah and Yelp Pittsburgh’s Rachel are here to make sure you are able to thoroughly enjoy the last few good-weather weekends we have.
9/23/2016 • 18 minutes, 36 seconds
Plastic Combs & Cheesy Photo Backdrops, Social Club Heads Back To School: Social Club Sept. 16
So, how does one move a large ship across land? That question has WESA’s Josh Raulerson, Sarah Kovash and Rachel Carlson of Yelp Pittsburgh stumped. Luckily, there’s plenty of stuff happening in the ‘Burgh this weekend, so you don’t have to spend all week on the couch googling the answer to that one. Friday night, you can kick off the weekend with Oktoberfest at Penn Brewery . The annual event comes back for two weekends, starting Sept. 16. Fill up on beer, pretzels and more from 5 p.m. to midnight. Be sure to check the other dates and times here! And go back to school with the Carnegie Science Center’s 21+ night . From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., take those cheesy school photos, play Oregon Trail in the “computer lab,” check out old Bill Nye the Science Guy eps and more. Or learn something new at Phipps Conservatory with a screening of The Nature of Cities . It’s free with admission and the screening starts at 7 p.m. University of Virginia professor Tim Beatley follows city planners,
9/16/2016 • 21 minutes, 46 seconds
Please, We Know Guac Is Extra: Social Club September 9
Let’s take a trip around the world. A food trip that is! This weekend is a foodie-lovers dream here in the ‘burgh and WESA’s Josh and Sarah and Yelp Pittsburgh’s Rachel are here to guide you through it.
9/9/2016 • 18 minutes, 59 seconds
Just Around The (Three) Riverbend: Social Club September 2
It is Labor Day weekend! Are you lucky enough to have a three-day weekend? If so, WESA’s Josh and Sarah and Yelp Pittsburgh’s Rachel are here to fill you in on the weekend’s fun activities, here in Pittsburgh and just around the (three) riverbend!
9/2/2016 • 20 minutes, 32 seconds
The Truth Is Out There: Social Club August 26
The truth is out there and WESA’s Josh and Sarah are putting on their Mulder and Scully hats to let you know all the weird things happening in Pittsburgh. They want you to join them in their investigations of the weird and paranormal. Do you choose to join them? They are without the help of Yelp Pittsburgh’s Rachel this week but no fears, WESA’s Megan Harris is here to join you in tracking down the strange and odd this weekend. Cue the X-Files theme music and let’s begin.