Allegheny County Music Festival with Rusted Root, Beauty Slap and More; Ribfest and USS LST 325 on North Shore (Sun., 9/6/15)

1) The 16th Annual Allegheny County Music Festival promises a balanced survey of local music. Headlining are Pittsburgh world music royalty, Rusted Root. Depending on how old you are, you know their music, specifically “Send Me On My Way,” from their energetic live shows at the late Metropol, from the Matilda soundtrack, or from car rental commercials. The band still records and tours and seeing them live is a must for your Pittsburgh Bucket List. Openers include Beauty Slap. The quintet bills themselves as an “electro-brass-thunder-funk machine,” and from the sound of things, that seems about right. They’ve also been playing the local festivals as well as some out-of-state gigs. Donora are also opening. The trio’s third full-length album, Ha Ha Heart, came out December 2014, backed by the new single, “Memory.” The band gained national exposure when MTV series such as “Engaged and Underage” and “Cribs” began using their music. Finally, JD Eicher & the Goodnights will bring the pop-rock. The quartet released their third album, Into Place, in 2013, and they have opened for acts as diverse as Rod Stewart and Kelly Clarkson. This is the last concert at Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater this year, so be sure to get in as much outdoor dancing as you can before autumn arrives once more. 5 p.m. 200 Hartwood Acres, Hampton and Indiana townships. (CM)

2) The Kickoff and Rib Festival at Heinz Field continues today. The festival features some of America’s top rib vendors reflecting the nation’s diverse barbecue tastes. Adding great music to tasty ribs and cold beverages makes a perfect trifecta. Today’s entertainment features Saddle Up (7:30 p.m.) and Craig Morgan (9 p.m.) Free admission to Rib Fest. 12 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Heinz Field, 100 Art Rooney Ave., North Shore.

3) You may have noticed an unusual war ship docked on the North Shore in the last several days. What is it? It is and LST—an abbreviation for Landing Ship Tank—specifically LST Ship Memorial 325. LSTs carried tanks, soldiers and other heavy equipment ready for action. Like much smaller landing craft the front of the ship had gates that would open and a ramp would be lowered for the tanks, soldiers and equipment to quickly hit the beach. USS 325 saw action during the D-Day invasion of Normandy at Omaha Beach and later at Sicily. It is the last remaining fully operational World War II LST. An exhibit detailing the Battle of Peleliu is on display on the tank deck. Guided tours are offered from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Through Tuesday. The ship is docked on the North Shore near Heinz Field.

Editors note: The writer’s late father Richard Marshal Handler served in the Army’s Combat Engineers who used LSTs to bring on shore their heavy construction equipment and supplies during or soon after battles. His unit supported the troops in the Pacific battles of Leyte, Saipan, and Okinawa. Handler was also involved in booking entertainers for the troops.

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