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The war is over. After years of feuding, the two giants of Shadyside arts fests — Arts on Ellsworth and the Art Fair on Walnut — kissed and made up. The result? A Weekend in Shadyside, a potpourri of arts, crafts, antiques, entertainment and culinary treats. Peace is good.

Of course, the two happenings remain as different as night and day. Against the ever-expanding canvas of paint-by-number franchise storefronts, the Walnut party created a mellow mood. Families strolled through a towering field of metallic flowers splashed with rainbows of color. Grandparents pondered homey handmade gifts for the grandkids. And boomer couples flashed back to the street’s hippie heyday while a sitar serenely played. It’s groovy, baby!

While Walnut plays like a James Taylor concert, Arts on Ellsworth jumps like the final hour of Mardi Gras. Rock 'n’ roll blares. And everyone displays their wares.

Jump-starting the hype on Thursday night, Steve Mendelson opened his gallery doors for a special artist’s reception. The guest of honor, you ask? None other than talented localite and national celeb Burton Morris (with Julie). From his now-familiar Krispy Kreme poster and Absolut vodka ads to nifty neckties and larger-than-life Heinz ketchup bottle paintings, young Mr. Morris creates instant icons.

Always a work of art in progress, diva Phat Man Dee and new groom Tommy Amoeba crooned classic tunes and new ballads, backed by a band of gyrating German musicians in medieval garb. Spotted swaying to the lush sounds were Mayor Tom Murphy; City Councilman Bill Peduto; Guy Costa; Amy Morgan; Liz Reed; Mary Margaret Stewart with husband Robert Maiolo, daughter Iman and mom Eileen Stewart; Euro art agent Laurent Dunkel; Carnegie curator Sarah Nichols; Becky and Tony Pais; Alison Zapata and Joe Rizzi; Bruce and Roman Capristo; and Nancy Pearlstein.

Taking art to the streets is what it’s all about. And this new tag team promises to blaze new trails in all directions.

— John Altdorfer

Unsinkable

Talk about sea legs. After sailing through turbulent financial waters the past few years, the Three Rivers Regatta rode out the storm to stage a dazzling 25th anniversary party on the city’s waterways this past weekend. With more new events than ever — including classic cars, extreme sports and concerts — the wettest party around created a tsunami-sized splash during its silver celebration.

Credit Regatta manager Ida D’Errico, board chairman Ken McCrory and county Executive Jim Roddey for trimming a few sails and bailing out a sinking ship. With a supporting crew of dedicated staff, generous sponsors and hard-working volunteers, the trio steered the Regatta to a safe harbor. In fact, after nearly going under in a nasty undertow of red ink, the water fest should be debt-free by the end of next year’s event.

Of course, water is the main Regatta ingredient. But this year, the fun popped up on terra firma and in the skies, too. Thursday night’s Hot Air Balloon Rally — sponsored by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review — lifted off under picture-perfect blue skies. And when balloonmeister Denny Wesler of Heaven Bound Ascensions asked, “Wouldn’t you like to ride in my beautiful balloon?”, high-flying Trib photographer Heidi Murrin jumped in the gondola. Talk about a woman rising to the task.

Just one of three U.S. balloon launches staged at a downtown site, the hot-air display proved that the city’s waterways aren’t the only place to float.

Now, let’s cut to the chase. It takes a sea of green to keep the Regatta afloat. And corporate guardian angels provided a high tide of support this year. That’s the reason folks gathered down by the riverside Saturday night for a special sponsor thank-you party at the Carnegie Science Center.

Call it a schmooze cruise as McCrory sailed through the crowd welcoming local landlubbers such as Alan Serena of Renda Broadcasting; Roddey and wife Elin; state Rep. Harry Readshaw and Carole; Councilwoman Twanda Carlisle and Alexander; city Fire Chief Pete Micheli with daughter Suzanne Leehan and her first mate Sean and children Peter, Sean and Daniel; Port of Pittsburgh director J.D. Fogarty and Gay; Chamber of Commerce prez Barb McNees and Bill; public works boss Guy Costa and Joey; school board rep Bill Isler; state Rep. Dan Frankel and Debbie; Trib prez Ed Harrell with mom Nita Genet and Jim Hageder; and former county Commissioner Mike Dawida and Audrey.

Patriotic themes swelled at the “Celebrate Freedom” fete. Via a taped recording, Fred Rogers recited the Pledge of Allegiance while a military helicopter hovered over the Point with a gigantic flag waving gloriously from beneath a tow line. They cued the tape again for new media star and state Gov. Mark Schweiker, who read “I Am the Nation,” a heartfelt salute to American heroes both past and present.

When it came time for fireworks, the Science Center’s fifth-floor balcony provided the perfect viewing spot for the red, white and booms set off by Zambelli Internationale — the first family of skyrockets. On deck were Eve and Mark Bursic; Kathy and Shawn Dunn; Sherry and Tom Richardson; Christine Mayer; Craig Laurenson and Stephanie Santa; and Lee Hodsoll and Dave Kosy, to name a few. As the pyrotechnics extravaganza painted the night skies, the master himself, George Zambelli with Connie, quietly admired his work. Perfect.

As the rockets' red glare faded, one thing remained clear — the Three Rivers Regatta is shipshape and ready to ride this wave of success into its next quarter-century.

Bon voyage.

— J.A.

New music and wine

Like a fine wine, the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble ages well. After 26 seasons and 250 original works, the PNME premiered a soon-to-be vintage number last Wednesday — the first annual Summer Wine Tasting at the Hazlett Theatre. Mingling amidst three tasting stations and a heavenly spread of cheese wedges and wheels, guests sipped and grazed on the boards of the old Public Theater to support the PNME's goal of commissioning new music. Event chair Kendra McLaughlin and co-chairs Marilyn Caye and Michael Mingrone orchestrated the inaugural soiree.

Sampling rosé from Italia, a German Riesling, le vin blanc from France and more were PNME exec director Michelle Greenlaw and musical director Kevin Noe; board prez Bruce Wilder; Joyce and Mark Trew; Dance Alloy’s Mark Taylor; composer Roger Dannanberg and Frances; Gordon Fisher; Danielle Barozzini; Anne Fisher; Andy Ostrowski; Jay Pochapin; Tammy Douglas and Mike Bixler; Linda Korb; Michelle Yarbrough and John Korb; and Shirley and Bill Schiffhauer. After a brief talk by wine guru Joe Barsotti, the young and talented PNME players served up a treat for the ears — a special preview of the group’s final concert of the season on Saturday.

Cheers.

— J.A.

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