Brad Paisley in Concert at First Niagara; Better Than Ezra and Gin Blossoms Play Regatta (Fri., 8/5/16)

1) Country musician Brad Paisley has been instrumental in leading flood relief efforts for his home state of West Virginia. Luckily for local fans, he’s also somehow finding time to play some gigs. Paisley recently dropped “Without a Fight,” a duet with Demi Lovato, this May. It will be the lead single off of Paisley’s upcoming new album. His latest release and 10^th studio album is Moonshine in the Trunk. The first single, “River Bank,” is a catchy, summery ode to the simple joys of messing about in the water with an inner tube. The album’s third single is “Crushin’ It,” which features a music video depicting country stars as superheroes. And if the animation seems a little rough around the edges, that’s because Paisley drew it himself (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t tried to draw themselves as a superhero). It’ll be interesting to see whether he brings out his alter ego, “Steel Moonshiner,” on stage at the First Niagara Pavilion. Tyler Farr and Maddie & Tae open for him on this stop of Paisley’s Life Amplified World Tour. 7:30 p.m. 665 Route 18, Burgettstown. (HM/RH)

2) This year’s EQT Three Rivers Regatta promises a variety of music in a range of places. The Main Stage at Point State Park will feature the most acts. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, shows begin at noon and continue through the afternoon and evening. Friday sees a double shot of ‘90s alternative with Better Than Ezra taking the stage at 7:15 p.m. followed by the Gin Blossoms at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, American Authors, who are arguably best known for their super-catchy single “Best Day of My Life,” play at 8 p.m. Many local artists will perform over the weekend, including, but not limited to, Beauty Slap, Good Brother Earl, and The Andy Davis Band. Lovebettie, also from Pittsburgh and a Rolling Stone “Band To Watch,” will play an acoustic duet Saturday at noon.

On the North Shore Riverwalk, local DJs begin spinning Friday and Saturday at 5 p.m. DJ Bamboo, who is the Penguins’ official pre-game DJ, opens both days followed by DJ Petey C. on Friday. Sunday sees Country-singer Rodney Atkins closing the Main Stage at 8 p.m. followed by Purple Rain Fireworks and FX, a tribute to the late musician Prince. Pyrotecnico, a fireworks company based in New Castle, will be shooting the rockets, and you can probably guess what the dominant color will be. See the Regatta’s event schedule for a full list of performances. (CM)

3) Baja Bar and Grill will be jamming tonight as the band Nightlife performs some groovalicious dance and funk hits. Songs from Earth Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, and Rick James could be played! 8 p.m. 1366 Old Freeport Rd., O’Hara Township.

4) Unblurred: First Fridays on Penn features a variety of visual and performing arts at galleries, clubs, and restaurants along Penn Avenue (4800-5500) in the Garfield, Bloomfield, and Friendship neighborhoods. 6 – 10 p.m. Most events are free.

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