Yestival at Palace w/Yes, Todd Rundgren, and Carl Palmer; Mountain Playhouse Staging ‘Caught in the Net’ (Wed., 8/16/17)

Yes started out in 1968 performing original songs and reworked covers. Their first two albums were mostly uneventful, and they were even on the verge of being dropped by their record label. Then the band made a dramatic turn into experimental (progressive) rock. A few personnel moves were made, and guitarist Steve Howe joined the main founding members Jon Anderson and Chris Squire. Their fortunes also turned as their next album, The Yes Album, released in ’71, was a breakthrough success. The album reached no. 4 in the UK and no. 40 on the U.S. charts. “Starship Trooper” and “Yours Is No Disgrace” were top songs from the release. The band is known as one of the progressive rock pioneers. The members’ innovative vocal harmonies, guitars, rhythm section, and keyboards left a mark on the music industry despite breakups and reunions. There are currently two Yes outfits: Yes and Yes Featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman. Yes is lead by longtime band members Howe and Alan White (drums, percussion). The group’s last release was 2014’s Heaven & Earth. Yes was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this April.

Todd Rundgren jamming in concert in 2009. photo: Carl Lender.

“Can We Still Be Friends,” “Hello It’s Me,” and “I Saw the Light” were three monster hits in the ’70s for accomplished pop rocker Todd Rundgren. A musical composer, performer, and producer who plays many different instruments, Rundgren is a free spirit whose creativity is limitless and songs melodically beautiful. He’s produced top albums for many individuals and groups, including Hall & Oates, Cheap Trick, Patti Smith, and The Psychedelic Furs. Rundgren is currently touring in support of his latest release, White Knight. It is the prolific Rundgren’s 26th studio album.

Carl Palmer in action on his drum kit. photo: jomelia. Wikipedia Commons

Carl Palmer was a member of another pioneering progressive rock band, Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Spawned in the 1970s, ELP is best remembered today for an eerily mellow number, “Lucky Man.” But the boys could also do thunder and lightning—especially Palmer—and he has kept doing it with various acts including the band Asia. Palmer, noted as one of the best rock drummers of the 1960s, is touring with his group ELP Legacy. 7 p.m. This rock lineup is being billed as Yestival. The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. (RH)

2) The Mountain Playhouse performed Ray Cooney’s Run for Your Wife in 1999. Attendees looking forward to its sequel, Caught in the Net, need no longer wait. Caught in the Net comes to The Mountain Playhouse 18 years after its prequel ran. Appropriate, as the play picks up 18 years from where Run for Your Wife left off. English taxi-driver John Smith lives in two separate homes with two different wives, Barbara and Mary, each ignorant of the other. We learn in Caught in the Net that he now has a sixteen-year-old son, Gavin, with Barbara, and a fifteen-year-old daughter, Vicki, with Mary. The children meet online. Both have fathers named John Smith. Not that surprising; it’s a common name. But the similarities (both are 43, both are taxi drivers) continue, so the children decide to meet in person. That’s when the hilarity begins. 2 and 7 p.m. Performances continue through August 20. Mountain Playhouse, 7690 Somerset Pike, Jennerstown. (CM)

3) Guess what day it is today? Yes, it’s Wednesday but it’s also National Rum Day! Do you know where they have a very nice selection of rum (over 200 Brands) and are celebrating the occasion? Pirata Cusine x Rum Bar!  Today from 11 a.m. to midnight Pirata is offering $5 Appleton daiquiris, mojitos, rum and Cokes, and Wray Tings. Additionally, Kevin Salmen of Appelton Estate will treat guests to complimentary treats. Not that in to rum you say. They won’t make you walk the plank, simply choose something that floats your boat (or pirate ship) from their summer cocktail menu. There are also beer and wine selections. If you work up an appetite there’s plenty of good choices including: smoked pineapple guacamole, cerviche, Cubano sandwich, jerk chicken, grouper, Caribbean tacos, and empanadas. 274 Forbes Ave., Downtown.

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