Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire Play PPG Paints Arena; Father’s Day Car Cruise with Airborne at Hartwood Acres (Sun., 6/16/24)

1) Lionel Richie fans will be “Dancing on the Ceiling” (figuratively) “All Night Long” (at least until 11 p.m.) to those Richie songs at PPG Paints Arena. He is appearing with another R&B group, Earth, Wind & Fire. For many years Richie was the main lead singer of the legendary group, The Commodores, known for top songs including “Brick House,” “Sail On,” “Just To Be Close to You,” and “Three Times a Lady.” He is also a judge on the hit ABC Network competition show, “American Idol.” Earth, Wind & Fire is one of the most successful soul/funk bands of the late ’70s and early to mid ’80s. There are many reasons for the band’s success, mainly the musical genius of EWF’s leader, the late Maurice White. White fused musical genres together, including soul, funk, African rhythms, gospel, rock, and jazz. He combined that with a tight band of top-notch musicians, including a horn section, mystical lyrics and staging, and the soaring voice of Philip Bailey. White and Bailey were the two lead singers with Bailey possessing a beautiful falsetto voice with a four-octave range. 1975’s That’s the Way of the World was the band’s first big album and produced the hits “That’s the Way of the World,” “Shining Star,” and “Reasons.” EWF has received 20 Grammy nominations, winning six as a group and White and Bailey garnering two individual awards. White’s brother Verdine is the longtime bassist for the band and Bailey’s son, Phillip Bailey Jr. is also in EW&F with his pop. Their joint Sing a Song All Night Long tour begins at 7:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (R.H.)

2) There’s a Father’s Day Car Cruise at Hartwood Acres today followed by a concert by Pittsburgh rock band Jeff Jimerson & Airborne. 2 to 7 p.m. Concert at 7:30 p.m. 4000 Middle Road, Allison Park

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Rick Handler

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