A Convergence at PNC Park
Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan turned his August 16, 2024, “Great Divide” tour stop at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park into an unlikely crossover event. As thousands of enthusiasts descended on the city for Anthrocon—the world’s largest furry convention—Kahan made it clear that his concert was an open house for the community.
Digital Invitations and the “Squid Man”
The rapport began before Kahan even stepped onto the stage. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the artist issued a public invitation to those torn between the two major events: “Pittsburgh: if you are caught between attending the worlds largest furry convention or my show tonight then please know you are welcome to combine the two.”
When a user pressed him on what his own “fursona”—a personalized animal character—might be, Kahan didn’t hesitate. His answer: “Squid man.”
From the Stage to the “National Center for Furry Awareness”
Once the performance began, Kahan brought the convention into the spotlight. “Furries are welcome. All the animal kingdom is welcome tonight,” he told the crowd at PNC Park. Though he admitted he hadn’t yet spotted attendees in costume, he vowed to keep a lookout throughout the set.
Kahan utilized his signature prop payphone booth to stage a mock call with the “National Center For Furry Awareness.” The bit served as a vehicle to address common misconceptions about the subculture. After the simulated conversation, Kahan remarked, “The National Center For Furry Awareness? Oh, they don’t have sex… not necessarily? Okay, well that’s good to know.” He then prompted the audience: “If there are any furries in the crowd, say, ‘Hell yeah.’”
Pittsburgh’s Cultural Intersection
Anthrocon has become a staple of the Pittsburgh calendar, drawing thousands to the downtown area for workshops, performances, and art showcases featuring elaborate animal costumes. While Kahan’s playful acknowledgment served as a bridge between his tour and the local atmosphere, there was no indication of a formal partnership between the “Great Divide” tour and the convention organizers.
Event Highlights
- Event Timing: The interaction occurred on August 16, 2024, at PNC Park during the same weekend as Anthrocon in Pittsburgh.
- Social Media Engagement: Kahan invited convention attendees to his concert via X and identified his hypothetical fursona as “Squid man.”
- Onstage Dialogue: Kahan used a prop phone booth to discuss the subculture, specifically referencing misconceptions about the community.
- Audience Response: While Kahan encouraged interaction, he noted during the show that he had not yet identified a large number of costumed attendees in the crowd.