Tom Wendt Drums Up Great Jazz in Katz Plaza; Chevelle Sees Red at Stage AE (CPs Tues., 8/12/14)

1) Tom Wendt is part of a Pittsburgh jazz drummers tradition that owes much to the influence of Roger Humphries, a local legend. Humphries has given back to the community by teaching the next generation of great jazz drummers at The Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. Wendt, one of Humphries’ many protégés, has been drumming professionally since the age of 14. Now a 22-year veteran of the local jazz scene, Wendt has performed with many performers, from Joe Negri to Sean Jones to the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra. He has also been busy in the studio, recording with locally and nationally known musicians. Taking a cue from his mentor, he is also a long-time member of the faculty at the Afro American Music Institute in Homewood. Catch Wendt at a free performance in the Agnes Katz Plaza at 5 p.m. Penn Avenue and 7th Street, Downtown.

2) Alt-metal band Chevelle keeps it in the family. When the group formed in 1995 in Grayslake, Ill., it was made up of brothers Pete, Sam, and Joe Loeffler. After a decade with the group, bassist Joe left and Geno Lenardo did a brief stint with the band, until Loeffler brother-in-law Dean Barnardini permanently filled the hole in the lineup. Perhaps best known to mainstream audiences for its 2002 hit, “The Red,” the band has released seven albums, and they’ve only gotten better with age. Earlier this year, they released their latest, La Gárgola, which peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the U.S. Alternative, Hard Rock, and Rock charts. They’re at Stage AE tonight; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Special guest is Dayshell. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore.

3) The family run restaurant Legume originally occupied a much smaller space in Regent Square when it opened in 2007. Four years later, it had become too popular for the 34-seat capacity and moved to the current location in North Oakland. They attribute their constantly full house to a strong connection to their community, which influences their menu both as they learn more about customer preferences and utilize the meats and produce available from local growers. Their menu changes daily, but there are always several delicious choices, all of which can be complemented with a wine hand-selected by their sommelier. Legume is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. The full-service bar, Butterjoint, is open Monday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to midnight.  214 N. Craig St.

4) The Pirates wrap up the home portion of a two-and-two game series tonight against the Detroit Tigers, before heading to Michigan tomorrow to complete the series. First pitch is 7:05 p.m. 115 Federal St., North Shore.

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Daniel J. Dombrowski

Daniel J. Dombrowski is a freelance writer and editor living and working in Pittsburgh, Pa.

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