Cedric to Entertain at Improv; Shrine Circus Raises Big Top at Consol (CPs Fri., 4/4/14)

Cedric the Entertainer, stylish and charming.

1) Who’s the hardest working man in show business? It could very well be Cedric the Entertainer, host of the syndicated TV show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” star of TV Land’s “Soul Man,” standup comic, voice talent, and family man. Born in Jefferson City, Mo., he worked as an insurance claims adjuster and substitute high school teacher after graduating from college with a mass communications degree, before trying his hand at comedy. His first good comedy breaks came as a contestant on “It’s Showtime at the Apollo,” HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam,” and BET’s “Comic View.” Cedric’s had many comedy roles in cinema, too, including the Barbershop, Haunted House, and Madagascar movies, and even as the iconic Ralph Kramden character in the 2005 film The Honeymooners.  Cedric’s recipe for success is simple: He has a genuine talent for humor, doesn’t take himself too seriously, and likes entertaining an audience. This is a great opportunity to see a legendary performer in an intimate setting. 8 and 10:15 p.m. Two shows tomorrow night also. Pittsburgh Improv 166 E. Bridge St., The Waterfront, Homestead. All shows are now sold out!

2) When I was a kid, my grandma Edith took me to see the Shrine Circus. It was my first opportunity to see some animal and human wonders up close. They were all there, elephants, tigers, clowns, acrobats, and the ringmaster. The Shrine Circus is a Pittsburgh Shriners’ fundraiser to support the 22 Shriner Hospitals for Children across North America. This is a great opportunity for family fun and to help out a great charity. 7 p.m. Runs through Sunday. Consol Energy Center, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

3) KDKA TV anchor Paul Martino gets raked over the coals for charity tonight in a celebrity roast. Roasters include Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, Allegheny County Chief Executive Rich Fitzgerald, and KDKA reporters Marty Griffin, Harold Hayes, Jon Burnett, and Bob Pompeani. Even though Martino seems like a nice, perfectly normal human being, just wait until investigative reporter Griffin and sports anchor Pompeani get a hold of him! This event is definitely not for general audiences! It benefits the Obediah Cole Foundation, which supports prostate cancer prevention and research. 9 p.m. Hard Rock Café, 230 W. Station Square Dr., Station Square.

4) Electronic pop rock band Phantogram, from Greenwich, N.Y., is made up of Josh Carter (vocals, guitars) and Sarah Barthel (vocals, keyboards), who perform tonight at Stage AE. The band’s name is partially inspired by a phantogram, an optical illusion that makes two-dimensional objects appear three-dimensional. Although their music is of a progressive nature, they practice in a remote and rustic barn in upstate New York called Harmony Lodge. Opening is Jagwar Ma. Doors open 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore.

5) “American Idol” Season 9 runner up Crystal Bowersox performs tonight at the South Side’s Club Café. A Chicago native, Bowersox started out singing in the city’s coffee shops and honed an emotion-laden folk-rock style that’s evident in songs like “Farmer’s Daughter.” 7 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St.

6) Good Fridays at the Warhol is a weekly party at the museum, featuring art exhibits, music, and cocktails in the high temple to Andy Warhol’s numerous talents. Half-price museum admission. 5 – 10 p.m. 117 Sandusky St., North Shore.

7)  Unblurred: First Fridays on Penn Avenue features a variety of visual and performing arts at galleries, clubs, and restaurants along Penn Avenue (4800-5500) in the Garfield, Bloomfield, and Friendship neighborhoods. 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. Most events are free.

8) Pirates take on the Cards tonight in a 7:05 p.m. game that’s also a Free Shirt Friday. 115 Federal St., North Shore.

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