Jam on Walnut with Kelsey Friday and Dancing Queen; Bloomfield’s Little Italy Days Continue (Sat., 8/22/15)

1) Bittersweet is the moment when you realize that tonight’s Jam on Walnut is the third and final of the summer. As usual, proceeds from the block party, which stretches from S. Aiken Ave. to Ivy St., benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Western Pennsylvania Chapter. And, though we brace ourselves for the end of Pittsburgh’s warmer months, we might as well go out in style: Kelsey Friday performs for the sixth consecutive year and Dancing Queen, another multi-year performer, returns. Kelsey Friday self-identifies as a “Rocker Mom” and primarily performs with her children’s music band, aptly named the “Rest of the Week”; still, she is quite capable of performing for adult audiences as well, given her previous musical stint with her alt-rock band, Brownie Mary, in the ‘90s. In three months when we’re getting whipped around in a polar vortex or some other such wintery nonsense, you’ll be glad you took advantage of the nice weather while you could, so get out there and enjoy it. Live music from 7 – 11 p.m. Walnut St., Shadyside.

2) Isn’t it always the case that  there are several great things to do on the same day/days.  Well, there’s another great event this weekend in a neighborhood bordering Shadyside. Bloomfield is hosting Little Italy Days. At this festival you’ll find an abundance of delicious Italian food and baked goods, music, dancing, Boccie ball, sidewalk sales, and maybe a little vino. Some of the stalwarts of the Bloomfield culinary scene are Alexander’s Bistro, The Pleasure Bar, Lombardozzi’s, Tessaro’s, Sausalito, and Pizza Italia. Today, noon – 10 p.m.; and tomorrow, noon – 7 p.m.  Free. Liberty Avenue, Bloomfield.

3) Our battlin’ Bucs take on the San Francisco Giants again today in a 4:05 p.m. game. It’s also a pre-game Saturday Block Party, featuring live entertainment, food and beer options, games and more. Stop by the Leinenkugel Bar and meet former Pirates pitcher Rick Reuschel. PNC Park, 115 Federal St., North Shore.

4) American Ultra – Jesse Eisenberg is a slacker store clerk in this action comedy more interested in getting stoned than selling Slurpees. One night some men in black suits and skinny ties show up and try to murder him! Even more surprising is that using skill, speed and dexterity he never knew he had, he kills the hitmen instead. As is turns out he’s a “sleeper” government operative trained to kill with no conscious memory of his past. The government has decided he’s a liability so they want to rub him out … but he’s too well-trained, and too high, for them to handle. Also starring are Kristen Stewart, Topher Grace, Connie Britton, and John Leguizamo. Check Fandango for screens and times. (TH)

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