East End arts groups, restaurants will again host Hotline Ring collective fundraiser

Before the pandemic, the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty was partnering with restaurants in the neighborhood to host Neighborhood Happy Hours.

That group switched gears amid pandemic restrictions, joining with six other local arts organizations to host a virtual fundraiser, Hotline Ring, that brought in $130,000.

This year, the collective includes seven Pittsburgh organizations focused on or led by people of color or the LGBTQ+ community, and will host Hotline Ring 2021 on July 15.

“This year, we’re aiming for $180,000,” said theater spokesperson Kelsy Black. She said this year’s event will distribute funds in a unique way.

“As an explicit way to address the disproportionate ways that resources are distributed in our city, Black femme-led organizations will receive a greater portion of the funds raised,” she said.

This year’s Hotline Ring will feature a four-hour show of live musical performances, beer tastings from local breweries, interactive games, dance performances, interviews and guest appearances from community members in a variety show format.

The event will be hosted by the theater’s executive director, Joseph Hall. Special guests will include state Legislator and Pittsburgh mayoral candidate Ed Gainey, Wilkinsburg Mayor-Elect Dontae Comans, Braddock Mayor Chardae Jones, author Damon Young, Victor Muthama, JM the Poet, E. the Dragnificient, Ginger Brooks Takahashi, and others.

Funds raised during the livestream will benefit participating groups including 1Hood Media, BOOM Concepts, Braddock Carnegie Library Association, Dreams of Hope, The Legacy Arts Project, PearlArts, and the Kelly Strayhorn Theater.

Viewers can donate through the event website, Kelly-Strayhorn.org/hotlinering.

When donors contribute to the organization of their choice, 10% of their gift will automatically be added to the shared pool of contributions.

Boom Concepts co-founder D.S. Kinsel said Hotline Ring is a chance for the organizations to build, share and support one another.

“We are collectively challenging the history of inequities in the arts by operating from a place of shared power,” Kinsel said. “Our goal is to uplift each other as a way to gain collective liberation. We hope the community will join us on this journey.”

The show will air from 6 to 10 p.m. July 15.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, see Kelly-Strayhorn.org/hotlinering.