Bruno Mars in Concert at PPG Paints Arena; Mr. Smalls Hosts Chris Robinson Brotherhood (Tues., 8/22/17)

1) One of the nation’s hottest and most talented pop music artists, Bruno Mars, plays the PPG Paints Arena. Mars has enjoyed success with hits like the Police-esque “Locked Out of Heaven” and the retro-funk “Treasure.” Born Peter Gene Hernandez in Honolulu, Hawaii, he got the nickname Bruno from his dad, who thought he resembled Pittsburgh-based wrestler Bruno Sammartino. Mars performed in his family’s band, The Love Notes, as a child. As an adult, he kicked around L.A. and found early success as a writer for musicians such as Adam Levine and Flo Rida. Mars is now a Grammy-award-winning solo performer, who has had 13 consecutive singles chart in the Top 10 on the American Top 40. The Super Bowl 48 and 50 halftime shows saw appearances by him, the former as a headliner, the latter as a special guest with Coldplay. Mars is traveling under the 24K Magic World Tour banner. 8 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (RH, CM)

Bruno Mars playing keyboards at a Houston concert in 2010. Photo: Brothers Le and Wikipedia.

2) Chris Robinson is best known for the long-time, highly successful, collaborative effort with his brother Rich: The Black Crowes. The Robinson brothers sometimes had differing opinions on how to do things, and this led to production and touring breaks from the band. The Crowes have been in a dormant state now for a couple of years. Chris, formerly married to actress Kate Hudson, has been rolling along with what once was his side project—The Chris Robinson Brotherhood. The band’s style is of a blues/rock nature with Robinson’s rich vocals combining with great guitar, organ, keyboard, drum work, and a touch of southern jam rock. Don’t expect to hear many Black Crowes’ tunes in the sets; Robinson and band are playing songs from their latest albums, Any Way You Love, We Know How You Feel; If You Lived Here, You Would Be Home By Now; and 2014’s Phosphorescent Harvest, plus songs from past side projects and noted covers like Carl Perkins’s “Boppin’ the Blues.”

Chris Robinson in a past website bio summed up the spirit of the Brotherhood: “We don’t make music that can sell iPads. Our music will not sell you a Prius. I like that. Writing songs has always led me to good things in my life. The songwriting saved me through the dark times, and the songwriting makes it that much sweeter when it’s good. Real success can only come in pursuit of an authentic sound. We’re all very committed to this music, beyond money and egos. That’s a unique place to be.” The group’s local visit promises to be a top concert and one that may be flying under the radar. 8 p.m. Mr. Smalls, 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. 

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