An outsider looking in on Pittsburgh's hip-hop music scene today would find it bursting at the seams, poised to blast through Pennsylvania's borders to engulf an industry thirsty for new talent. But insiders know recent successes are partially the result of an uphill, seemingly Sisyphean struggle by local artists over the past 20 years to reach the top of the genre. (Today)

Fashion is synonymous with art, and even more so in the pop culture world that Andy Warhol inhabited. This Friday, the seventh annual Pittsburgh Fashion Story runway show and benefit will showcase collections from local retailers along with a dress from The Andy Warhol Museum's archival collection. (Today)

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will play host to its principal guest conductor for three more years. Symphony officials will announce today that American maestro Leonard Slatkin, 66, has extended his contract with the orchestra through the 2013-14 season. (Today)

There's a simple reason why poet Yusef Komunyakaa is coming to town Saturday: "I love jazz." The 63-year-old Louisiana native will find the music in abundance at the sixth annual Jazz Poetry Concert sponsored by City of Asylum/Pittsburgh. Saxophonist Oliver Lake, who has appeared at five previous concerts here, will lead a 17-piece big band than includes five other sax players. (Today)

Music preview: Broken Social Scene is a little like the Wu-Tang Clan of indie rock -- you never know who is going to be on board. The Toronto-based collective can roll with a core of six members or bulk up to an ensemble as large as 11 or 12. (Today)