Pittsburgh Weekend Guide: Punxsutawney Phil Coming To Town

PITTSBURGH, PA - Less than two weeks before he makes national headlines with his annual prognostication on the arrival of spring, Pennsylvania’s most famous groundhog is coming to town.

Punxsutawney Phil will leave the warmth of his burrow for the comfy confines of the Penn Brewery in Troy Hill for a few hours. Phil and top-hatted gentlemen of the Groundhog Club’s Inner Circle will be on hand to promote his namesake beer- Punxsutawney Philsner.

Punxsutawney Phil will appear from 5- 9 p.m. He won’t sign autographs, but you will be able to buy his beer and get your photo taken with him. How often do you get a photo opportunity with what is indisputably America’s most famous weather predicting rodent?

Other weekend highlights:

• Cirque Du Soleil: Crystal, Jan. 19-20, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 21, 1 and 5 p.m., PPG Paints Arena.

Cirque du Soleil's first performance on ice features world-class skaters and acrobats claiming their new frozen playground with speed and fluidity as they challenge the laws of gravity with never-before-seen acrobatics. The action centers around the lead character Crystal's journey of self-discovery as she dives into a world of her own imagination.
Cirque Du Soleil: Crystal tickets start at $40.

• Second Annual Purple Party, Jan. 20, 7 p.m., Cefalo’s, Carnegie

This night of music, dancing, food and libations benefits the Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western PA. Admission includes valet parking, heavy hors d'oeuvres, desserts, a special Purple Party cocktail and dancing to live music by the band Under the Covers. Guests who wear purple will be entered into a free drawing for a special prize.
Second Annual Purple Party tickets are $60.

• Billy Price Band, Jan. 19, 9 p.m., Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Midland

Price has been thrilling audiences with his special blend of blues and soul for more than three decades. The east coast blue-eyed soul man, Price was the lead singer for legendary guitarist Roy Buchanan, has recorded six albums, led the fabled Keystone Rhythm Band, played Newport's Jazz Festival, Los Angeles's Troubadour club, and New York's Carnegie Hall.
Billy Price Band tickets start at $15.

• Duquesne Dukes vs. George Mason Patriots, Jan. 20, 4:30 p.m., A.J. Palumbo Center, Pittsburgh

Under first-year coach Keith Dambrot, the resurgent Dukes have been the surprise team of the Atlantic 10. A long-time doormat in the conference whose last NCAA tournament appearance occurred in 1977, the surprising Dukes currently occupy third place in the A-10. Something special seems to be happening on the Bluff; here’s your chance to see it.
Duquesne Dukes tickets start at $15.

Photo: Associated Press.