< Previous%Locally Sourced Locally Sourced 10 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2022 Coterra Energy employees and contractors collected unwrapped toys for the Marine Toys for Tots program between Dec. 1 and 16. The toys were then dropped off at the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, which served as a toy drop-off for the program, the week before Christmas. Between the donation and others dropped off at the chamber, the effort resulted in the collection of around 100 toys for the program. Toy drives are an annual holiday initiative at Coterra, which was created when Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation and Cimarex Energy merged on Oct. 1. “Community giving is at the heart of everything we do at Coterra, and it’s truly amazing to see what’s possible when our employees and contractors come together for a collective cause,” says Natalie Clarke, external affairs coordinator at Coterra. “There are many families in need during this time, and we’re glad our efforts can help make the holidays a little brighter for them.” Coterra assists with PAACC toy collection effort Natalie Clarke, external affairs coordinator at Coterra Energy, and Michelle Kreutzer, executive director at the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, pose for a picture with toys collected by Coterra for the chamber’s toy drive. CONTENT SUBMITTED Kennedy-inspired murals part of updates at Bob’s Diner Bob’s Diner in Kennedy Township will be moving one storefront over from its current location in the Kennedy Plaza this January. Over the past 15 years, the business has continued to grow to the point that it needed the larger space. While renovating, Bob’s relied on local artists and craftsmen, including Gold City Murals, which created several new paintings depicting iconic landmarks around Kennedy Township. Diners can check the artwork out next time they swing by for something to eat. CONTENT SUBMITTED Bob’s Diner in the Kennedy Plaza recently moved one storefront over into a newly renovated space. The overhaul includes new murals depicting sites around Kennedy Township, including the one at right depicting the plaza’s view of the Pittsburgh skyline. Doo Wop Doctors Oldies Party Feb. 12, 6-9 p.m. | McKees Rocks VFW Supports McKees Rocks Historical Society Purchase tickets at eventbrite.com by searching “Doo Wop Doctors” January/February 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 1112 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2022 % New in Town New in Town One of Pittsburgh’s preeminent permanent makeup artists recently took up residence in Kennedy Township. Luxe Ink, which is owned by professional permanent makeup artist Jessica Piveronas, is now operating at 1789 Pine Hollow Road in Kennedy Township. The studio, which first opened in Oakdale in 2018, is now welcoming clients for a full range of permanent makeup services at its brand new studio. Along with apprentices Bailey Duncan and Emily Zupsic, Jessica is continuing to provide her clients with crisp and professional results that allow them to look their best with minimal effort. The studio offers permanent eyebrows, eyeliner, lip tint and more. Luxe also perform laserless tattoo corrections and removals. As well, Jessica is continuing to instruct new students on permanent makeup applications at her new studio. Through her Luxe Ink Academy, students complete a three-day course on permanent lip tint, eyeliner and eyebrows. Classes are held once per month in a small-group setting. Students also get to practice on real models. An apprenticeship opportunity is available to those who complete the course and students take home a kit that includes a tattoo machine. Those interested can contact Jessica at jessica@ luxinkpmu.com. As any woman who wears makeup on a daily basis can attest, there are significant investments involved with it, both in terms of time and money. That’s why, increasingly, women have been turning to permanent forms of makeup that only require an application about once per year or less. Technically, permanent makeup is a form of tattooing, but unlike traditional, permanent tattoos, the inks used in permanent cosmetic tattoos are formulated to fade out over time. While makeup companies aren’t happy about the trend, women, and especially those who are on the go, are. Not only does it cut down on the time needed to get ready, but it’s also less maintenance to remove and healthier for the skin, since permanent makeup doesn’t clog pores or expose skin to irritants. Because the makeup sits just below the skin, permanent makeup also allows women to look their best, even in conditions that are unfriendly to most forms of makeup. “It’s my passion,” Jessica says. “I believe that everybody deserves to feel great about the way they look.” Jessica says both men and women have come to her with a wide variety of needs. Some want to strengthen their brows while many women want the look of crisp, professional makeup without the daily work. Those who get permanent makeup no longer have to fuss with eyeliner and lipstick, but can instead look their best every day with minimal hassle. Jessica got her start in the industry seven years ago after she started applying wedding makeup. She then got her esthetician license in 2015 before going on to become certified as a permanent makeup artist. Now, she holds eight certifications in the discipline and travels the country, staying up to date on her profession and the latest techniques. Luxe Ink sees clients by appointment. Email jessica@luxinkpmu.com or call (412) 735-2578 to make an appointment. To see more of Luxe Ink’s work, visit www.luxeinkpmu.com or find them on Instagram and Facebook: @ LuxeInkAcademy. Luxe Ink and Luxe Ink Academy move into new Kennedy location After opening Luxe Ink in Oakdale in 2018, Jessica Piveronas recently moved her studio to Kennedy Township. STORY AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED ABOVE: Luxe Ink was able to give this client crisp, sculpted brows with fusion brows using Microblading and Powder brow techniques. The picture on the left is before the application and on the right is after. A similar process was used for the client pictured below. Luxe Ink has taken up residence in a brand new studio in Kennedy Township. Students who complete Luxe Ink Academy take home this student starter kit, which includes a tattoo machine. January/February 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 13 % New in Town New in Town Over the past couple of years, COVID-19 has led to a combination of low interest rates, more people working from home and, as a result, an unprecedented surge in demand for homes. While homeowners have seen big increases in the value of their homes, home buyers are now faced with a much more competitive market than they would have encountered just a year or two ago. With housing supplies still historically low, this trend will likely continue into 2022 and beyond, though there are signs home buying could get much easier this year. The way Crystal Sickles sees it, having the right real estate agent is critical, particularly in this current housing climate. While homeowners have a golden opportunity to cash in on their home’s rising value, buyers need to make the most of their dollar when trying to choose the right home that suits their needs. “Buyers and sellers need someone they can count on and who will guide them through the process of purchasing or selling a home with professionalism, intelligence and personality,” says Sickles. “Integrity and empathy are important when working with someone to help with something as important as buying or selling a home.” Sickles has also been in the shoes of a first- time homebuyer herself, so she knows what it’s like to go through the process for the first time. She also knows what it’s like to have a pushy salesperson for a real estate agent and how it feels to be told what you want by someone who works for you. Those are experiences she doesn’t want to pass on to someone else. “I guarantee you’ll have the opposite experience with me,” she says. “I’m an active listener who is passionate about helping people achieve their goals - and I want to help you achieve yours!” She says nothing is more frustrating than putting your future in the hands of someone who doesn’t care about you and just wants to make a sale. In fact, that’s part of the reason Sickles entered the real estate profession in 2021, after spending nearly 20 years working in the nonprofit sector. When she did so, she joined Howard Hanna, one of the most reputable brokerages in the country. In addition to being backed by a goliath brokerage firm, Sickles brings her own set of powerful skills to the table. Above all, “Crystal Cares.” She has been called a “consummate professional” and “one of the most thoughtful people ever” in addition to “a joy to work with.” She is smart, relatable and ready to be at your service! She stands out in a crowd and rises above the status quo. Sickles cares about her client’s needs and wants when buying or selling a home. She knows how much is riding on selling or purchasing a home, and how the wrong agent could cost a buyer, or seller, tens of thousands of dollars. She also knows that real estate transactions are not just about dollars and cents, but rather quality of life for the next 10 to 40 years or more. Prior to joining the real estate profession, Sickles was an adjunct professor of writing for 10 years. She spent another 10 years leading communications for nonprofits, so she knows how to market a home. Her customer service skills are beyond masterful. Through her work as director of events, she developed superior organization skills. She is also attentive to detail and negotiations are one of her top skills. Recently, Sickles earned her Real Estate Negotiation Expert Certification from the National Association of Realtors. Whether you are buying a home for the first time, looking to sell your home, wanting to upgrade or right size, Sickles can help. Call her at (724) 307-5325 or email crystalsickles@howardhanna.com. A Realtor who puts people first CONTENT SUBMITTED Crystal Sickles14 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2022 y > Learning CurvesLearning Curves If you wear glasses, then you know that there are a great many options when it comes to choosing your eyewear. Just like your prescription, no one size fits all. Here are a couple of important differentiations that are important to know for anyone who wears glasses. Give us a call for more information. Progressive addition lenses: premium versus standard Progressive lenses are also called multifocal lenses, progressive edition lenses, varifocal lenses, progressive power lenses, graduated prescription lenses or progressive spectacle lenses. Most commonly, they are referred to as “no-line bifocals.” The difference between bifocals and progressive lenses Bifocals correct just two types of vision, helping you to see objects that are either far away or close. The lenses have the near vision prescription at the bottom of the lens and the distance part at the top. The two prescriptions are separated by a line. Progressive lenses, on the other hand, provide multiple powers of vision correction. These lenses are true “multi-focal” lenses that provide an infinite number of lens strengths in one pair of glasses. Progressive lenses require less head movement and provide a wider channel for reading. What is the difference between standard and premium progressive lenses? Standard and premium lenses offer similar benefits for your eyes, such as clearing up your vision at three distances. Read on to learn about some of the key differences between the two. Standard progressive lenses: • Require larger frames for various focal points • Are more affordable • Are covered by most prescriptions • Are suitable for most people, including children Premium Progressive lenses, on the other hand: • Cost a little more than standard progressive lenses • Have a broader viewing area • Have less visual distortion • Are custom made for each individual • Can accommodate a smaller frame • Provide the clearest vision • Are easier to get used to • Provide the most natural vision possible Premium progressive lenses can be manufactured to individual specifications. The experience is not unlike purchasing a tailored suit versus one straight “off the rack.” BY DR. CLAUDIA WENDEL Dr. Claudia Wendel has owned and operated EyeGotcha optical center in McKees Rocks since 1986. She is accepting new patients. Call her at (412) 331-9696 and visit her practice online at eyegotcha.net. Anti-reflective treatments I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “You get what you pay for.” Well, it turns out that this also applies to the choices you make when choosing an anti-reflective treatment for your glasses. An anti-reflective treatment on eyeglasses is a treatment that is applied to reduce glare and to also help protect against scratches. The treatments on glasses are cosmetic for the lenses and, depending on your vision needs, they can potentially improve the comfort and safety of your glasses. One size, however, doesn’t fit all in this case. Some eyeglass treatments come bundled in the purchase price while others come in a range of prices. This is strictly a personal decision. Uses and needs should be discussed with your eye-care professional. Some items you may want to consider when choosing an anti-reflective treatment: • Does this treatment carry a warranty? Ours, for instance, is guaranteed for two years. • What kind of extra care does this treatment require? Advantages of an anti-reflective treatment include: 1. Clearer and sharper vision than untreated lenses 2. Improved night vision 3. Reduced glare, eye strain and fatigue when using computers, phones and tablets 4. The glasses are more resistant to scratches, water marks and dirt than untreated lenses 5. Reduces the halo effect more than regular glasses 6. Lenses look clearer Making the most of your eyewear options January/February 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 15 y > Learning Curves Learning Curves One of the first calls a family usually makes after a loved one passes is to their attorney, at which point we begin to explain the process of settling the estate. And the response is unanimous - it costs how much?!? Among the ever-increasing funeral expenses is the cost to settle the estate, which ranges from 1% to 7%, between the court costs and attorney fees. Then, you need to factor in a reasonable executor fee, which can be another 5% of the estate’s value. On top of that, depending on the beneficiary’s relationship to the decedent, Pennsylvania’s inheritance tax can be as high as 15%: Whoa … it costs a lot to die BY MICHELE P. CONTI Spouse Children/Grandchildren Siblings Everyone Else 0% 4.5% 12% 15% We also must take into consideration other possible tax consequences, such as income tax and federal estate tax, plus any debts the decedent owed upon their passing or expenses incurred because of their passing. In addition to the above-listed expenses, if the decedent received governmental benefits from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (i.e. Medicaid) they must be reimbursed for benefits paid. Pennsylvania has a priority of creditors list which the executor must be aware of so that the correct creditors get paid in the correct order. Settling an estate is time consuming and can be very complicated. The executor is a fiduciary under the law who must act in the best interest of the estate and who owes the utmost care while acting. Without a professional walking him/her through the process, there is not only the stress of missing a key step but, more importantly, paying more than what is legally required. Also, if the fiduciary breaches his/her duty, they may face personal financial liability. Add to that the complexities and sometimes strained dynamics of a blended family, second marriage and discord amongst siblings. Ornery beneficiaries don’t help matters, either. We often receive inquiries asking when they’ll receive their share. But probate can be lengthy, averaging over a year. And, if there are creditors, we must factor in an additional court process concerning the audit of the estate. If a beneficiary contests, the estate faces the time and cost associated with defending the claim, too. As estate and tax professionals, we assist our clients with all the necessary administrative steps and tax returns, helping them reduce their stress and the applicable tax due with our expertise. What costs are permitted deductions? Which creditors get paid before others? Does an executor pay tax on their commission? All of these are factors in reducing the tax owed by the estate. And if we are proactive, the estate may receive an additional five percent discount if the return is filed within a timely manner. The passing of a loved one is hard enough without having to worry about the settlement of their estate. We would rather family members rejoice in the memory of their loved one than struggle with locating documents, fumbling through files or dealing with family turmoil. The proper plan can allow those family members time to grieve and reduce the likelihood that family relationships will be fractured due to procrastination. Contact us today to help you develop your estate plan or administer your loved one’s estate. Michele P. Conti is an estate planning and elder law attorney. Conti attended Allegheny College in Meadville, Oxford University and Duquesne University School of Law. She received her LL.M. in taxation from Villanova University.CAround Your Town Around Your Town 16 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2022 The spirit of Christmas came to life in Robinson Township over the holidays, lighting up Clever Park with holiday magic. Bringing the community together Dec. 3, the Robinson Township Public Works Department hosted a Light-Up Night with fireworks and a visit from Santa Claus to kick off the holidays. Drawing an impressive crowd, the night was a success for the township and saw positive feedback from visitors. The event started with a flurry of fireworks and music, opening the night’s festivities with a bang. Starting the show with “Let There be Peace on Earth,” the night sky was painted with red, green and gold explosions. The show ended with “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and the township creating a great view for visiting families. After the light show in the sky ended, the park began a countdown to turn on the park’s Christmas lights. Illuminating the giant evergreen at the front of Clever Park with a rainbow of colors, the township created an impressive and festive addition to Robinson. In addition to the oversized centerpiece, lights also formed a canopy throughout the trees and a smaller light display with reindeer was set up near the road. Inflatable holiday characters were also set up on the park’s hill, allowing families to take pictures with characters like the Grinch and Christmas-themed Minions. “Robinson Township Public Works Department, under the leadership of our Assistant Manager Dan Manius and Foreman Bill Bianco, do a wonderful job decorating the park,” said Jane Tallon, activities coordinator for the Township of Robinson. As visitors admired the lights around the park, the beginning notes of “Here Comes Santa Claus” signaled the approach of Santa and Mrs. Claus traveling down Clever Road. Rather than travelling by sleigh and reindeer, the Claus family arrived in style with support from the Forest Grove VFD. The crowd of families moved toward the front of the park as soon as they could see the fire truck’s lights peeking over the hill, hoping to be the first to greet Santa and Mrs. Claus as they arrived. “I believe the parade is the real magic of the holiday,” said Tallon. “Watching children and their families as excitement builds, with sirens and lights coming up over the hill, it just brings the happiest moments.” As COVID-19 continues to spread across Pennsylvania communities, one of Robinson Township’s goals was to limit as much direct contact as possible. Rather than the traditional visit of sitting atop Santa’s lap, kids were asked to tell him their Christmas wishes from a distance to keep Santa and themselves healthy for the holiday. “Social distancing is much easier when hosting an outdoor event, however, we felt we needed to create a safer way for children to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus,” said Tallon. “We had what we considered a fireplace buffer. It was nicely designed to simulate a fireplace wall standing just a few feet tall.” In addition to the face to face visit, kids could also leave a letter for Santa in a mailbox set up by the parks board. According to the township, Santa said he intended to respond. While Santa’s visit to Clever Park and Light-Up Night was the last event of the year planned for the township, the parks and recreation board is already looking toward warmer weather and more fun in the spring. “Robinson Parks Board is already planning events for 2022,” said Tallon. “We will have concerts in the park, the Easter Bunny will visit and next year will be the 20th Annual Autumn Festival on Sept. 17. Look for big things there.” Robinson Township Light-Up Night illuminates Clever Park with Christmas magic Robinson Township’s Light-Up Night this year included (from top) visits with Santa, a Christmas tree display, fire works, letters to Santa and more. STORY AND PHOTOS BY GARRET ROBERTSJanuary/February 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 17CAround Your Town Around Your Town 18 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2022 For much of his life, Bob McCutcheon has harbored a passion for music. During his teen years, he played in rock bands and developed an interest in recording. Then, while in college at Robert Morris University, he took things to the next level, convincing his mom to let him convert part of her house into a recording studio. “God bless my mother, but she let me take over the basement, the garage, built out the rooms, the windows,” he says. In college, McCutcheon didn’t study music. Instead, he majored in business and finance. After graduation, he joined the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers and went on to have a successful 25-year career with the company. Music, though, continued to be a passion for McCutcheon, even while he was raising his two sons with his wife, Dana, and rising through the ranks of his firm. Then, in 2013, he purchased a nondescript commercial building on Neville Island that had once been home to a PNC branch and a water treatment company. His goal was to convert it into what he’d always wanted: his own professional recording studio. Today, Bob can hardly believe where that decision has taken him. After hiring an architect out of Los Angeles who specializes in designing sound studios, Bob spent several years designing, gutting and building out the space. The result is a professional sound recording studio outfitted with some of the most sought- after equipment in the industry. Bob has also teamed up with six-time Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer Jimmy Hoyson - whose resume includes working with the likes of Eric Clapton, Lou Reed, Green Day, Paul McCartney and many others - to run it. Producers, engineers and artists who have worked with talent like Kiss, Guns and Roses, Bon Jovi, David Bowie and others have also found their way to the studio in the past few years. Smokey Robinson even participated in a fundraising event held there in 2019 to benefit The Rhythm 19 Fund, a nonprofit wing of the business. “It’s pretty crazy,” Bob says, looking back on the past nine years. “It’s been a blast.” These days, Bob, who is now retired from his accounting career, spends many of his days in the studio working under his label, The Vault Records. He and Hoyson just wrapped up a project with Eddie Manion, a saxophonist who has performed with the E Street Band. One of the first artists Bob signed was Chris Jamison, the Pittsburgh native who became famous after appearing on NBC’s “The Voice” in 2014. Before COVID-19 shut down the country, Bob and Dana were also working to bring students from local schools into the studio to expose them to the industry. Students from North Allegheny, Knoch Area, Moon Area, Sto-Rox, Hampton, the Neighborhood Academy, Nazareth Prep and Holy Family had all visited the studio on field trips. Bob says they’re hoping to get those schools and others back into the studio just as soon as COVID-19 allows. “We’ll bring in engineers, producers, artists, all in to spend time with the students and get them to learn a little more about this part of the business,” he says. Through The Rhythm 19 Fund, the couple has also funded music and art programs at various area schools. It’s a nonprofit Bob and Dana established in memory of their son Ryan who passed away in 2017 in a car accident. Like his dad, Ryan had been an avid musician and student at Robert Morris. Bob says Ryan was returning to campus after working with a high school drum line when he fell asleep at the wheel. He was just 19. The couple’s youngest son, Brett, is an avid musician as well and majoring in music education at Slippery Rock University. Bob says Brett produces and arranges at the studio, and uses it for his own projects. “It’s definitely a family affair,” says Bob. While Bob says the studio has been a way for he and his family to realize their passions, he says it’s also a way to raise the game of the music scene in Pittsburgh. The way he sees it, the investments they’ve made are prompting other studios in the area to invest as well, thereby helping to raise the overall profile of the industry. He compares the situation to investments made by Carnegie Mellon University, Google and others in Pittsburgh’s technology industry in recent decades. “I grew up in the consulting world, so the analogy I always use is take a look at the technology in Pittsburgh,” says Bob. “We had all this great talent but that talent didn’t feel like they could succeed here, so they went where they felt there was an ecosystem for success…My concept was if we can just play a small part and make a small investment in this city and upgrade the talent that’s here, we can also attract talent outside of the city.” In The Vault’s case, that didn’t mean just building out a studio and buying some fancy new equipment. It meant searching out some of the most sought-after pieces in the industry. For example, at the heart of The Vault’s setup is one such piece that’s a rarity outside of places like Nashville, Tennessee and Los Angeles, California: a vintage 1970s Neve console. It’s an iconic piece of equipment in the industry, the likes of which are typically only found at major studios, says Hoyson, who has worked on them throughout his career. Vintage Neves have been used to produce much of the era-defining rock music most people know today. “Early blue-faced Neves like the one at the vault are the most famous and most coveted,” says Hoyson. “It’s what you will find at places like Sunset Sound and Capital Records.” Meet the RMU alumnus who wants to up Pittsburgh’s music game STORY AND PHOTOS BY DOUG HUGHEY ABOVE: Bob McCutcheon is pictured at his Neville Island recording studio, The Vault. The studio is outfitted with some highly sought-after industry equipment, including this restored 1970s Neve 8058 console that once belonged to George Harrison. BELOW: The studio’s performance space has an excellent vibe, with blue walls, drum sets, a grand piano, high-end microphones and more. PHOTOS BY DOUG HUGHEY CAround Your Town Around Your Town January/February 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 19 The one The Vault owns, however, has a particularly famous history. Bob says he first went looking for a vintage Neve after Hoyson suggested it, though the idea had also been planted in his mind by the documentary “Sound City.” Produced by David Groll, the documentary tells the story of the studio of the same name, which is where Nirvana’s “Nevermind” was recorded, along with tracks by Tom Petty, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Red Hot Chili Peppers and others - all on a Neve 8028 console. Bob says he figured it would take years to find one, let alone one that was restored. Within weeks, however, Hoyson tracked down a 1970s Neve 8058 that had just gone through restoration at Vintage King Audio in Detroit, Michigan. He and Bob drove there to check it out and Bob acquired it. The pair then found out that Vintage King had purchased it from music producer Scott Litt, whose resume includes producing albums for REM and working with the likes of Nirvana, The Replacements and others. When Bob and Hoyson reached out to Litt, they found out that he had originally purchased the console from George Harrison of The Beatles. Harrison and Pete Drake, the famous steel pedal guitar player who invented the talk box - had both used the console before Litt acquired it. Hoyson says he only knows of one other studio in Pittsburgh that has a vintage Neve, but none like The Vault’s. “It totally changed the game,” says Bob. “It’s what producers will look for.” Bob says that after the studio acquired the Neve, they started attracting bigger names. Among them was sound engineer and producer Dave Hillis, who had settled in Pittsburgh after a career of working in places like Seattle, Washington; New York, New York; and London, England. During the 1990s in Seattle, Hillis had worked at London Bridge studios, where he recorded grunge acts like Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains and Sound Garden. That studio, too, was equipped with a vintage Neve, so when Hillis heard about a studio in Pittsburgh getting one, he was a little taken aback. “I was pretty spoiled be able to find studios that have a Neve or an SSL,” he says. “But when I moved here I couldn’t find one so I figured I wouldn’t be working in Pittsburgh.” Hillis reached out to Bob for a tour and teamed up with the studio. By chance, Hillis had also lugged some of his own equipment back from Seattle, including a Marshall half stack amp that had been used by Dave Navarro and a Studer A800 MK III two-inch, 24-track machine that had been used to record Pearl Jam’s “Ten” album. At the time, that equipment was sitting in Hillis’ garage, so he lent it to the studio. The Studer has been placed alongside the Neve console in The Vault’s control room. “It’s like they were meant to go together,” says Bob. “So, now we have George Harrison’s board and the 24-track machine used to record Pearl Jam’s ‘Ten.’” The Vault’s outfitting doesn’t stop there. It has multiple isolation booths, one of which is occupied by a Yamaha GC baby grand piano, high-end microphones, vintage Wurlitzer keyboards, guitars and even a few organs. In 2020, they continued the expansion when Rob Deaner of v6 Music + Post joined the team. He now works out of a studio upstairs. Downstairs, they’ve converted the old bank vault into an echo chamber that feeds back up into the main studio. Also downstairs is a stage and performance area. Bob says they utilized it during the fundraiser they held for Rhythm 19 and that it’s also a good warm-up space. Bob says the studio is continuing to attract professionals who have been coming out of the woodwork to check out the studio. “There’s a common theme with a lot of highly credentialed engineers, producers, artists that are actually living in Pittsburgh but you wouldn’t even know they’re living here,” he says. “But they’ve been making their way back. A lot of it is cost of living.” Where things go from here is anyone’s guess, but Bob hopes the studio will continue to be an incubator for talent and drive the music profile of the region. “I think having Smokey here made me realize that a lot of my concept here is similar to the old Motown thing,” he says. “We have a building, we have a label, we’ve got a lot of people walking around. It’s a team of people who are doing all different things. That’s what Motown was. Motown wasn’t just a record label. It was a community of artists, producers, engineers, writers.” He says the studio has become as much that, a community, as anything. “Over the past few years it’s been amazing to watch how that has grown,” he says. “It keeps attracting more people, different people into this group. But it started off with me sitting in this chair.” Bob McCutcheon and his son, Brett (far left), and wife, Dana (far right), are pictured with Smokey Robinson during a fundraiser at The Vault in 2019. PHOTO SUBMITTEDNext >