Blues Rocker Joanne Shaw Taylor in Concert at The Byham; Last Day for Pittsburgh Opera’s ‘Marriage of Figaro’ (Sun., 11/13/22)

1) Discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics when she was only 16 years-old, Joanne Shaw Taylor, has learned about creating music from some of the best. Those helping with her education include Jimmy Cliff, Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Wonder, and Annie Lennox. Now at the age of 37, Taylor is one of the top blues rock artists in the U.S.. She comes doubly armed with both a deep, rich, soulful voice and a skillful hand on the frets of an electric lead guitar. Taylor released her new studio album, Nobody’s Fool, on October 28. It was produced by Joe Bonamassa. The English native’s previous two albums both reached no. 1 on the Billboard Blues Album charts. She also had a concert film special, Blues from the Heart, which ran on PBS this year. You can catch her in the ‘Burgh at the Byham Theater. 101 6th St., Cultural District. (R.H.)

Joanne Shaw Taylor. (Photo: Chris Wilson.)

Susana (Natasha Te Rupe Wilson) and Figaro (Michael Sumuel) are engaged to be married.

2) Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro is counted among the best operas of all time. The story is centered around two servants, Figaro and Susanna, and how they outwit their philandering employer Count Almaviva to achieve their goal of getting married while Almaviva has Susanna in his lecherous crosshairs. The Marriage of Figaro is a commedia per musica (opera buffa) and has many humorous touches. It premiered in Vienna in 1786 and has been popular ever since. Pittsburgh Opera is producing the opera with bass-baritone Michael Sumuel as Figaro, soprano Natasha Te Rupe Wilson as Susanna, baritone Jarrett Ott as Count Almaviva, and soprano Nicole Cabell as Countess Almaviva. Music Director Antony Walker conducts. 1 p.m. Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Cultural District. (R.H.)

Share on Social Media