Annual Visit for DMB at Star Lake, Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers Play Allegheny Overlook; Rivers Has Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors (Fri., 8/27/21)

1) It’s a sign of normalcy when Dave Matthews Band tours in the summer, and good news, the band is doing just that, including a stop at the Pavilion at Star Lake. “Ants Marching” or “Gravedigger?” “Crash Into Me” or “Crush?” So go the speculations as to what Dave and his bandmates will put on the setlist. Formed in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1991, the group soon established itself as a premier live act. Their mix of rock, jam, and jazz has moved hearts and feet across generations. They’re also exceptional in the studio with nine albums released, the last seven of which have debuted at number one. Their latest is 2018’s Come Tomorrow. One of their biggest hits, “Crash Into Me,” was the pillar of the throwback soundtrack to 2017’s critically acclaimed movie Lady Bird, Greta Gerwig’s solo directorial debut. 7:30 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (C.M.)

2) This evening’s performer at Allegheny Overlook Park is Pittsburgh rock royalty, Joe Grushecky, and The Houserockers. Grushecky and band are back in the ‘Burgh after several out of town dates. In 2020 they celebrated the anniversary and reissue of their landmark 1980 album, Have a Good Time…But Get Out Alive (see our story). Grushecky and The Houserocker’s music is the wonderfully written, true-to-life, guitar and drum driven rock that Pittsburgh has enjoyed and run on for many years. This is a great opportunity to see Grushecky and The Houserockers in a free show at the picturesque new park. The Buckledowns open.6:30 p.m. Ft. Duquesne Blvd.

Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers in Asbury Park, New Jersey for a 2018 concert. (L.to r.) Jeffrey ‘Joffo Simmons, Grushecky, Johnny Grushecky, Jeff Garrison, and Danny Gochnour. (photo: Jesse DeFlorio)

3) Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors bring their lively brand of jam rock to Rivers Casino. Donovan and the band’s latest album is 2018’s We See Through It. They describe it by saying, “It illustrates the transformational power of music. Featuring ten songs that span genres and eras ̧ the sound of the new album blends the vintage rock sound of Zeppelin with the alternative folk of Mumford & Sons propelled by barreling drums.” Several songs from the album garnered good radio airplay. The latest from from Donovan and the Sun King Warriors is an extended live track of their drumming extravaganza. For a $1 donation you get a digital download of “Elephant in the Room LIVE” and they’ll donate 100% of it to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. 9 p.m. performance time. Drum Bar, 777 Casino Dr., North Shore.

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

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