The King of Newgrass Rules at The Point; ‘Chicago’ Rumbles into The Palace Theatre (CPs Sat., 6/7/2014)

1) Sam Bush (a.k.a. the King of Newgrass) is 62 and has lifetime achievement awards from the American Music Association and the International Bluegrass Music Association, but he says he still feels like he’s 17. That’s okay, though, because newgrass isn’t exactly “new” either. The subgenre, also known as progressive bluegrass, appeared on the scene in the 1970s as electronic instruments and poppy chord progressions bled into the traditional, back-porch style of bluegrass. But no matter what you call it, Sam Bush is still a modern master of it. His skills on the mandolin are legendary, and his talents have garnered him cross-genre attention, landing him duets with everyone from Emmylou Harris to Bela Fleck to Garth Brooks. Sam Bush will provide the Saturday night entertainment at the Three Rivers Arts Festival on Dollar Bank Stage in Point State Park. 7:30 p.m. Free. 101 Commonwealth Pl., Downtown.

2) Chicago became the longest running American musical in 2011, surpassing A Chorus Line. Both shows debuted on Broadway in 1975, with A Chorus Line hogging the limelight at the Tony Awards and elsewhere due to its more traditional themes and styling. Chicago’s satirical subject matter of an entertainer-turned-criminal-turned-pop-culture-icon didn’t make as much sense in the days before 24-hour news and the Internet, but the story has proven prophetic and resonated with modern audiences, giving it true staying power. The 2002 Academy Award-winning film adaptation didn’t hurt, either. You’ll have two chances to catch “All That Jazz” and the rest of Chicago live this weekend at The Palace Theatre, in a special production that has a Saturday evening show at 8 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. 21 West Otterman St., Greensburg.

3) Jazz & Jokes, as you might expect from the title, blends two seemingly unrelated things—live jazz music and stand-up comedy—to create a unique experience that is sure to entertain. You’ll enjoy lively ensemble jazz interspersed with comedy sets that may leave you holding your sides. Tonight’s event, the late show at Club Cafe, is headlined by “One Eye” Callwood and features Miss Tanil, Kenny Champion, Jaye Cooper, and Lawrence Wright. 10:30 p.m. 56-58 South 12th St., South Side.

4) The Pirates play the middle game of a three-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers. This is a late afternoon game with the first pitch at 4:05 p.m. 115 Federal St., North Shore.

5) The Pittsburgh Power of the AFL are riding a five-game winning streak and will face the New Orleans VooDoo, whom they trounced 54-14 back in April, at CONSOL Energy Center. 5 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

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