PBDG at the Kickback Pinball Cafe

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Anna Newman

During my visit to the Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival for a screening of Pinball Donut Girl, I got to visit the newly opened Kickback PInball Cafe.

It’s in the Lawrenceville neighborhood in Pittsburgh, which seems like a pretty cool neighborhood, right by Arsenal Bowl.

The space is wonderful: giant murals with space girls and robots, including a light up floor mural that is like walking onto a playfield, tables that look like pop bumpers, and lots of games, including 3 customs!

Brian Holderman did all the art. Brian is also the graphic artist on Wade Krause: Pinball Artist and designed the DVD artwork for PBDG/WK:PA.

Two of the cafe’s custom games I had seen before at the PAPA warehouse: Luther’s Vendetta (Brian Holderman) and Freak Out (Mike Budai).

I hadn’t seen Silver Bullet in person yet. Super cool. I even bought a tee-shirt with the backglass detail.

Lots of folks visted the cafe, hung out, played the games and had (good) coffee and food. I had a great salad. I know, I know! but I’m from California, ok? and I can’t help myself. Plus I had to balance some huge meatball hoagies, etc.

So make your way to Pittsburgh and check out Kickback and Brian’s art — he has murals around town too. An arcade with more games is opening upstairs at Kickback soon.

And catch the Andy Warhol Museum while you are in town — it’s great. This was my second time and there was a ton new to see. Lurve that place.

PS: Brian and I are talking about a limited run print of the DVD art for Wade Krause: Pinball Artist. I’ll keep you posted about that project….

PBDG at Pinburgh

Posted on April 8, 2012 by Anna Newman

A few photos from the PBDG trip to Pinburgh….

photo by wade krause

click image for larger version

click image for larger version

It was great to see PAPA world headquarters and meet everyone in person. Special congratulations to the PBDG supporters who made it to final rounds of the tournament (did I miss anyone?): Julie Gray and Mark Czarnowski (C division) and Erik Holverson (B division).

Wade Krause goes to Pinburgh

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Anna Newman

Wade Krause, pinball artist and PBDG supporter, let me tag along with him in Pittsburgh as he attended PAPA’s Pinburgh tournament, checked out Dave Baach’s amazing custom games, and met with local artists.

Wade with Luther's Vendetta artist Brian Holderman

Wade and Brian Holderman

Wade collaborates with Dave, and I was able to go behind the scenes to find out what they are up to, including a chance to see the Brian Holderman custom Luther’s Vendetta and Freak Out by Mike Budai.

Dave showed us all around Pittsburgh, going above and beyond as a host. Thank you, Dave!

Another highlight was a visit to the amazing collection of Ed Beeler (more photos coming of Ed’s place). Wade and I had a great time exploring 8,000 square feet of pinball and arcade games.

No weekend in Pittsburgh is complete without a quick day trip to Philly (yes, I am crazy), where we met with wonderful PBDG supporter Rob Loring and the folks at PinRescue and Harry Snodgrass, the PBDG sound designer.

Back in Pittsburgh, Wade checked out the work of fellow screen printer Andy Warhol at the Warhol Museum.

Always ready to lend a hand, Wade helped Director/Cinematographer Don Starnes and me with PBDG filming.

Is Wade contemplating the Trinity Cathedral, or wondering how his El Dorado boards are drying back in Clovis, CA? Thank you for the great company, Wade!