The Boss Is Back in Town; Mayfield Captivates at Club Cafe (CPs Tues., 4/22/14)

1) The first song that I can remember hearing by multi-Grammy-award winner Bruce Springsteen was “Born to Run.” I loved the music and the lyrics! What I especially noticed was what sounded like tiny bells playing throughout the song. Only later did I learn this was the result of a glockenspiel played by the late E Street Band member Danny Federici. Other early favorites were “Backstreets” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze Out.” I then went on to ravenously enjoy every song on Darkness on the Edge of Town, which produced songs like “Prove It All Night,” and The River, which gave us “Out in the Street” and “Hungry Heart.”

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have had continuing success over the years, despite obstacles that included the deep loss of saxophonist Clarence Clemons and Federici. However, like great champions, they moved forward and found a new way. Springsteen’s 18th studio album, High Hopes, was released in January, and it became his 11th No. 1 album. When the sum of great musical parts comes together in a positive way, magic happens. The E Street Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 10 days ago as a stand alone honoree. Tonight’s concert promises to be another impressive Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band show. 7:30 p.m. Consol Energy Center, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

2) Jessica Lea Mayfield makes a stop at Club Cafe on her latest tour. Mayfield, is a singer/songwriter whose music occupies a niche between country and rock with a slightly downbeat vocal style, which gives her a trademark sound. She’s a neighbor from our northwest, hailing from Kent, Ohio. Special guest is Gambles. 8 p.m. 56 – 58 S. 12th St., South Side.

3) The Christian McBride Trio performs at Cabaret at Theater Square. McBride is a noted bassist with an impressive musical pedigree. He’s worked with some of the top names in jazz, including Chick Corea, Freddie Hubbard, Sony Rollins, Herbie Hancock, and Pat Metheny. In the R&B genre, he’s played with James Brown, Isaac Hayes, Chaka Khan, and Natalie Cole. Sounds like it will be an interesting concert drawing from several forms of music. 8 p.m. 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District.

4) The Cincinnati Reds take on our Pirates again today in a 7:05 p.m. game at PNC Park. 115 Federal St., North Shore.

5) Lastly, and most importantly, today is Earth Day. Get out there and hug a tree, watch our beautiful three rivers flow, listen to the birds chirp. Let’s all do a better job of respecting and protecting our home, the Earth!

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