Andre Costello and the Cool Minors at Thunderbird; Pgh Shakespeare in the Park (Sat., 9/7/19)

1) Andre Costello and the Cool Minors have been playing local dates, Pittsburgh festivals, and touring over the last several years. They are a rising band in the area. Their sound is rooted in crunchy guitar riffs, melodic keyboards, intricate drumming, melodic vocals with a touch of reverb, and some occasional ‘60s psychedelia. The group’s latest LP release is Resident Frequencies, which contains the track “Kinda (Makes You Feel Good).” 7 p.m. Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall, 4053 Butler St., Lawrenceville.

2) Seeing Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar performed by an all-female cast is a rare opportunity. The chance to see it for free (though donations are welcomed) makes it close to a can’t-miss. Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks does the honors, in an outdoor production touring three City parks through September. The company is an independent nonprofit, and the casting is part of an ongoing wave of women claiming larger roles in theater, including roles written for men. Julius Caesar is an interesting choice: a play about men fighting over who will rule, and how. A notable precedent came when London’s Donmar Warehouse company produced a series of all-female Shakespeare plays, starting with Caesar in 2012, then Henry IV and The Tempest in 2014 and ’16. Perhaps you saw Pittsburgh Public Theater’s version of The Tempest done without male actors last year. Shammen McCune, Caliban in that show, now plays Brutus in Julius Caesar. Irene Alby is Caesar, Lisa Ann Goldsmith is Cassius, and Harper York is Marc Antony.

The schedule: Sept. 7-8 and 28-29 in Frick Park, near the Blue Slide Playground on Beechwood Blvd. Sept. 14-15 in Highland Park, across from the Super Playground on Reservoir Dr. And Sept. 21-22 in Arsenal Park, 40th St. between Penn Ave. and Butler St., Lawrenceville. All shows are at 2 p.m., preceded by an “about the play” talk at 1:30 p.m.

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