Citizens Live at The Wylie, a new 4,000-capacity live music venue operated by Live Nation, has opened in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, bringing music back to Wylie Avenue in a neighbourhood once central to American jazz.
The Hill District was once one of America’s great centres of music, with Wylie Avenue drawing performers including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Miles Davis. Development in the 1950s displaced residents and reshaped the neighbourhood, and much of that music scene was lost.
The venue opens with a community celebration featuring an all-Pittsburgh lineup, including Donnie Iris & The Cruisers and NASH.V.ILL featuring Byron Nash, with proceeds going to the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC).
“The Hill District has always been a place of extraordinary creativity, resilience, and cultural influence. Paying sincere tribute to that history matters, and it is especially meaningful when that tribute helps create new opportunities for the community and the next generation,” says Dr Cathryn Calhoun, director of education and community engagement at AWAACC.
Citizens Live at The Wylie will host more than 100 events a year, including concerts, community gatherings and private events. Its opening season begins with Role Model on 1 October and Pittsburgh native Wiz Khalifa on 2 October, followed by Styx, Foster the People, Modest Mouse, Chance the Rapper, Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Little Big Town and others.
“We’re proud of what Citizens Live at The Wylie will add to Pittsburgh’s music scene,” says Tom Loudermilk, Pittsburgh region market president at Live Nation. “The stage will feature artists across genres and at every stage of their career, bringing national tours to the Lower Hill while giving Pittsburgh musicians real opportunities to take the stage in their own city.”
The venue has created more than 350 permanent jobs, with wages starting at $20 and many employees hired from the Hill District. For every ticket sold, Live Nation will direct $2 to the Greater Hill District Neighborhood Reinvestment Fund for 10 years and support programming at the historic New Granada Theater.
“Citizens Live at The Wylie honors the Lower Hill’s extraordinary history as a place where music, culture, and community have long come together,” says Corey O’Connor, mayor of Pittsburgh. “This venue is also an investment in Pittsburgh’s future, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and cultural institutions, and bringing new energy to a neighborhood that has given so much to our city.”
The venue was designed by Blueprint Studio, Live Nation’s design and development group. It features works by photographer Charles “Teenie” Harris, a mirrored piano inspired by the Crawford Grill and a community mural marking the neighbourhood’s creative legacy.
Other features include a terrace overlooking the Pittsburgh skyline and the Vinyl Room, a listening lounge inspired by Japanese hi-fi bars. Open before, during and after shows, it features a live DJ playing vinyl, Pittsburgh music memorabilia, chef-driven food and cocktails, and is available to premium ticket holders.
Image: Live Nation
