O Starry Night 3 Set to Shine w/ Rob Thomas, Elle King, George Ezra, and Nate Ruess; Todd Rundgren at CHMH (Mon., 12/7/15)

1) Now in its third year, O Starry Night 3 celebrates a particular type of celestial body—the pop star. Four of them, in fact, each bringing their own twist on popular music to the Petersen Events Center. There’s the sultry-voiced Elle King, whose single “Ex’s & Oh’s” abounds as much with hooks as it does double entendres. England’s 22-year-old George Ezra sings like Lead Belly meets British pop (for proof, see “Budapest”). Nate Ruess, meanwhile, is arguably best known as the frontman for indie-pop trio fun. His rousing vocals helped propel “We Are Young” and the rest of their sophomore album, Some Nights, to the top of the charts. The trio is on hiatus now, but fans aching for those vocals should check out his debut solo album, this year’s Grand Romantic.

Last is Rob Thomas, arguably as well known for fronting Matchbox Twenty as he is for “Smooth,” that ubiquitous Santana single which Thomas also co-wrote. Unlike Ruess, Thomas’s solo career is a little more tenured, with three solo albums to date. His latest, this year’s The Great Unknown, finds him in tip-“pop” shape, making him the perfect choice to top O Starry Night’s bill. 7 p.m. 3719 Terrace St., Oakland. (CM)

2) “Can We Still Be Friends,” “Hello It’s Me,” and “I Saw the Light” were three monster hits in the 70’s 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 and Oates, Cheap Trick, Patti Smith, and The Psychedelic Furs. Rundgren is currently touring in support of his latest release State. This is a great chance to see a top pop composer and musician. 8 p.m. Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall,  510 E 10th Ave., Munhall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFrJTbHfu8s

3) Celtic Woman are hitting Heinz Hall, accompanied by the Pittsburgh Symphony, in their Home for Christmas concert (although they don’t actually live in the ‘Burgh). The multi-platinum-selling group of angelic-voiced women rose to fame on their vocal talents and quality production values. Many people learned of the group through their popular performance specials on PBS. Sharon Browne and David Downes, a former musical director of the long running Irish stage show Riverdance, created the ensemble. Although members have changed over the years, the sound remains the same. 7:30 p.m. 600 Penn Ave., Cultural District.

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