The Monkees Play the Palace; Butler’s Maridon Museum Known for Japanese/Chinese Art (CPs Wed., 5/28/14)

1) Hey! Hey! It’s The Monkees! And they’re coming to the Palace Theatre for a one-night-only performance by three of the band’s four original members, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork. (The fourth member, 66-year-old Davy Jones, died in 2012 of heart failure.) The pop rock band that shot to the top of the charts in the late 1960s—in part because of the popular television series of the same name that featured the rockers’ musical antics—will treat listeners to a trip down memory lane with the likes of “I’m a Believer” and “Daydream Believer.” What 60’s teen doesn’t remember swooning over one of these musical idols? (Peter was my favorite!) 8 p.m. 21 West Otterman St., Greensburg.

2) Looking for a little more culture than The Monkees? Not to worry. Just 45 minutes from Pittsburgh is the only museum in Western Pennsylvania with a specific focus on Chinese and Japanese art and culture, coupled with a spectacular collection of German Meissen porcelain. The Maridon Museum is in Butler, Pa., which, in 2012, was named one of Smithsonian Magazine’s “20 Best Small Towns in America.” So take a drive north while the weather is fair and enjoy these unusual offerings in one of America’s favorite small towns. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. 322 N. McKean St.

3) After a season of record-setting winter weather, now is a good time to take a hike. McConnells Mill State Park is the perfect place to walk off some of that winter weight while enjoying spectacular scenery. At the heart of the 2,546-acre park is Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, a natural national landmark formed by the draining of glacial lakes thousands of years ago. Also in the park are an 1854 gristmill open for tours and one of the two covered bridges in Lawrence County. Open sunrise to sunset. 2697 McConnells Mill Rd., Portersville.

4) Stage AE will be rocking with the sounds of  Steel Panther, the Los Angeles-based heavy metal band known for its humorous and sometimes profane lyrics. Formerly called Metal Skool, the band is touring in support of its new album, All You Can Eat, released in early April. Opening act is Future Villains. 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore.

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