Maren Morris in Concert at Stage AE; Picklesburgh Festival Kicks Off Downtown; Sun King Warriors at S.S. Works (Fri., 7/15/22)

1) Country singer/songwriter Maren Morris has enjoyed much success since her father bought her an acoustic guitar as a young girl growing up in Arlington, Texas. She had several small label album releases and wrote songs for recording artists including Tim McGraw and Kelly Clarkson. In 2015 her self-released and self-titled EP was a major success on Spotify and led to a contract with Columbia Nashville. Since then Morris has released three LP’s, 2017’s Hero, 2019’s Girl, and on March 25 of this year she released Humble Quest. Hero and Girl generated hit songs such as “My Church,” “The Bones,” and “Girl.” She also did a fantastic collaboration with Zedd, and Grey on the song “The Middle.” The song was nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 2019 Grammy Awards. Maren herself is already the recipient of a Grammy, CMA, and Billboard Music Award. She has been nominated for those awards and others over 50 times. Humble Quest reached no. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. Morris is married to fellow country music artist Ryan Hurd. They have one child. Morris is playing Stage AE on her Humble Quest Tour. Brent Cobb opens. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (R.H.)

Maren Morris at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in 2017. (photo: Wikipedia and Prbtsubedi12345)

What would Picklesburgh be without a pickle juice drinking contest? Whoever drinks their quart of juice the fastest is named the Mayor of Picklesburgh. (photo: Renee Rosensteel for the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership)

2) Sauerkraut. Kimchi. Dill-flavored popcorn. Deep-fried pickles. Pickle cocktails! It’s Picklesburgh. The six-annual, three-day, free event is at the Rachel Carson Bridge (9th Street) and Riverside on the 10th Street Bypass. If you can’t find it, look for the giant inflatable Heinz pickle, which resembles the company’s famous pickle pin. The festival recalls the city’s pickling history, which dates back to the 1800s, while also looking forward to our revitalized riverfronts and internationally recognized food scene. Enjoy free samples from area farms and restaurants, all of them offering their own take on pickled foods, before making the pickling purchase that’s right for you. Other “pickled” merchandise includes balloons and books. Chefs demonstrate how to pickle and can, and local musicians provide a pleasant soundtrack to your culinary wanderings. There’s a Lil Gherkins Activity Area for children. And, yes, the pickle juice drinking contest returns. Picklesburgh was twice voted the No. 1 Best Specialty Food Festival in America in a USA Today readers choice contest. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership organizes the event with the help of numerous sponsors including Kraft Heinz. Noon – 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Noon – 6 p.m. Sunday. Downtown. (C.M.)

3) Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors. Donovan is a founding member of the Pittsburgh super group, Rusted Root. Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors play a certain style of jam rock. It has been described as, “A blend of rhythm heavy roots rock, with a strong dose of big barreling drums.” Their goal is to get people on the dance floor and have a good time. The group is having a busy summer with having performed with The Clarks last month at Stage AE, and upcoming shows including at Crafthouse with Bill Deasy on July 21. Tonight they will be playing Music on the Mon. Their latest release is 2018’s We See Through It. Special guests are Sweat and The Dirty Shirts. 6- 10 p.m. p.m. No cover. South Side Works, on the North Lot.

Jim Donovan (jumping guitarist) & the Sun King Warriors. Photo: Erica Dilcer.

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