Jason Mraz in Concert at Heinz Hall; Stage AE Hosts Nick’s Fat City Reunion; Papadosio at Mr. Smalls (Sat., 11/24/18)

1) From San Diego coffee shops to Heinz Hall, Jason Mraz is coming to Pittsburgh. Mraz’s debut album, 2002’s Waiting for My Rocket, was a hit, as was its follow-up, 2005’s Mr. A-Z, but arguably his third album, 2008’s We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things, was what cemented him as a star. “I’m Yours,” the leadoff single, certainly helped. It was nominated for two Grammys—Song of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance—at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in 2009. It didn’t win, but “Lucky,” a duet with Colbie Caillat from the same album, did in 2010. (“Lucky” was released as a single a year later and won in the Best Pop Collaboration with vocals.) Mraz is known for mixing genres while creating a sound that is remarkably accessible. His career began in San Diego, but he was born in Virginia, and he spent some time at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. Know., his sixth album, was released this year. 8 p.m. 600 Penn Ave., Cultural District. (CM)

2) Nick’s Fat City on the South Side (subsequently Diesel and Foxtail) was one of Pittsburgh’s high temples to rock and roll in the 1990s. Now DVE radio has organized a Nick’s Fat City Reunion 2.0 with several of the bands that once jammed there. Scheduled to perform are: The Clarks, Buzz Poets, Brownie Mary, Gathering Field, Grapevine, Dharma Sons, Push, and Sauce. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Sold Out. Doors open at 6 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. 

3) Asheville, North Carolina has long had a reputation as a laid-back, hippie town, a Californian city which somehow drifted to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. No surprise it produced Papadosio, who play “space rock,” an amalgamation of electronic, jazz, and rock. The band’s fall tour includes a stop at the Rex Theater. 2018’s Content Coma is the group’s latest album. (Also, the music video for “Epiphany” is very cute.) Litz opens. 8 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side. (CM)

4) The Commonheart is one of the hottest bands on the local music scene. Led by frontman Clinton Clegg and his impressive rock/soul pipes, the band delivers inspiring performances. Strong guitar, rhythm, and horn sections, along with harmonious background singers, add to the aural delight. The Commonheart released Grown in 2016. “Cannonball” is a standout track. The band will headline Do Right Pittsburgh at Mr. Smalls. A portion of all ticket sales will go to Light of Life Rescue Mission, an area charity which provides food and shelter for the homeless. 8 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (RH, CM)

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