Pittonkatonk is a free, outdoor, family friendly community celebration of brass music that features both local and touring musicians.
Now in its third year, the festival blurs the lines between music festival and family reunion, there’s no formal stage, no ticket prices, and no vending. Instead, bands play in the crowd with little to no amplification. The community creates a potluck table of food donations for refreshment, and folks of all ages can be seen dancing together. This day-long event features all styles of brass music including Balkan, New Orleans Jazz, Symphonic, and street/protest/punk bands.The organizers encourage attendees to participate and contribute to the Potluck. Visitors are asked to help maintain the space and keep the park clean and safe. In addition, it is recommended that attendees dress appropriately, bring a refillable bottle for water, clean up their trash, and enjoy themselves. Blankets and other lawn furniture is on a BYO basis.
Pittonkatonk has grown to involve over 200 participating musicians, 6 touring bands, 6 local bands, a variety of non -profit organizations around the city and serves the entire city of Pittsburgh. In 2015 May 2nd was proclaimed “Pittonkatonk Day” in the City of Pittsburgh. This acknowledgement made by Pittsburgh City Council happened because Pittonkatonk breaks down the very idea of a music festival. Pittonkatonk is a community picnic/bbq that allows the audience to gain ownership of the event through participatory actions.
Pittonkatonk wouldn’t exist without your involvement. So bring a dish, donate time or money to the event and help make this event continue.
The Bloomfield Development Corporation is a proud sponsor of this event.