Billy Strings in First of Two Nights at PPG Paints Arena; Stage AE Hosts The Band Camino (Fri., 11/7/25)

1) A Billy Strings concert in Pittsburgh was an early casualty when the Covid lockdown hit in March of 2020. Happily Strings has been back on the road in subsequent years and is stopping at the PPG Paints Arena for two shows this month. Strings (born William Lee Apostol) in 1992, and has overcome many obstacles in his young life. Growing up in Michigan and then Kentucky, his father died of a drug overdose when he was two and drugs continued to be a part of his family’s life and eventually his as well. His family and his stepfather Terry Barber also had a taste for bluegrass music. His stepfather introduced him to bluegrass. Luckily everyone got sober and Strings concentration on music saw him become very successful. He received the moniker Strings from his aunt who was amazed by his performance on several different traditional bluegrass instruments. His latest album, Highway Prayers, dropped in September 2024, hitting no. 22 on the Billboard 200. Strings has won two Grammys and a bevy of other awards for his music. Both night’s concerts are sold out so check your secondary sources. 7:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (R.H.)

2) While studying at the University of Memphis in 2015, four students joined together to form The Band CAMINO. They released two EPs and then were signed to Elektra Records and made a third EP. In 2021, the indie-electropop band, recorded their first LP, The Band CAMINO. The Band CAMINO, is still based in Tennessee, just a little more easterly in Nashville. In addition to releasing their debut album, 2021 was a big year for them having been handpicked by Dan + Shay to be the opening act on their tour. Plus they made an appearance on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” The group has been selling out multiple headline tours and playing the major festival circuit with performances at Lollapalooza, Forecastle, and on “Austin City Limits.” Their latest LP is NeverAlways, which dropped in July. Special guests are Almost Monday and In Color. Doors open at 6 p.m. Stage AE, 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (R.H.)

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