Carol Burnett Plays Heinz Hall; Jimmy Eat World at Smalls; CHMH Hosts LeAnn Rimes, Marathon Sunday (Sun., 5/6/18)

1) Many people know of Carol Burnett from her self-titled variety show that ran on CBS from 1967-78 and supporting roles in films and TV. Born to parents who were both alcoholics in San Antonio, Texas, she moved with her grandmother to Hollywood. She attended Hollywood High School and then went on to UCLA where she studied theater and musical comedy. She performed at a University party one night and after seeing her perform there a man asked her what she wanted to do. She replied she would like to work in musical comedy in New York City, but couldn’t afford to go. The man loaned her $1,000 so she could move to New York City and try her luck. He asked that the loan be repaid in five years, his name not be mentioned, and she help other break in to the business. Years later she would help Vicki Lawrence break into the business as her protégée. She worked the clubs of New York City before landing a role in Once Upon a Mattress, for which she got a Tony nomination. Next it was on to “The Gary Moore Show” for three years, where she won her first Emmy Award.

In ’67 CBS, who had Burnett on a 10 year contract wanted to put her in a TV series called “Here’s Agnes,” luckily she  remembered that her contract stipulated that she could tell CBS within five years of the start of the contract that she wanted to do her own variety show. She pushed the button just in time. CBS was lucky too, “The Carol Burnett Show” was a huge success. The show with an outstanding supporting cast, won an amazing 23 Emmy Awards. See the master comedian in person tonight at Heinz Hall. Hopefully she’ll do her Tarzan call! 7 p.m. 600 Penn Ave., Cultural District.

2) Art from adversity. Capitol Records dropped Jimmy Eat World in 1999, but the band soldiered on, self-financing their fourth record, 2001’s Bleed American (later changed to Jimmy Eat World after the 9/11 attacks). “The Middle,” the second single from the album, reflects perseverance, culminating with the last lines of its catchy chorus: “Everything will be all right.” Things weren’t all right in the country at the time of the single’s release, but the song provided some solace. As for Jimmy Eat World, they enjoyed their highest charting single yet; it became a top five hit on the Billboard Top 40, and it continues to have a long shelf-life. (“Oh, my god, I love this song,” Taylor Swift says in a 2016 Apple Music ad before lip-syncing to the lyrics.) The band followed Bleed American with 2004’s Futures and another hit, “Pain.” Jimmy Eat World formed in Mesa, Arizona, in 1993. 2016’s Integrity Blues is their latest album. Their show at Mr. Smalls Theatre is sold out. The Hotelier and Microwave open. 7:30 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (CM)

3) Fact: LeAnn Rimes is younger than several NFL quarterbacks. It only seems as if the country-and-crossover star has been around forever, in part because she started so young. Her hit debut album, Blue, was released in 1996, when Rimes was only 13. Since then she’s won multiple country music awards, acted in movies and TV, authored a few books … but let’s talk about her voice. Even ‘way back when, the title track from Blue revealed a rich, well-rounded, classic country vocal style.  She’s also done quite well in other genres, with songs like Bette Midler’s signature ballad “The Rose.” Rimes has weathered some hard times personally, and in turn has been an active philanthropist, supporting causes from disabled veterans to HIV prevention and care. Rimes is currently embarked on her Love Is Love Tour. Catch her at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall. 8 p.m. 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. (MV)

4) You don’t need to be a runner to enjoy all the festivities of the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon this weekend. The fun starts bright and early at 7:05 a.m. for the full, half, and relay marathon runners. As a spectator, though, you get your choice of entertainment, depending on where you decide to park yourself on the course. Many musicians will be projecting their pipes along the route to keep spirits high, and every neighborhood that the races passes through offers some great acts. You can check out a map of the course here, then pick your favorite spot to cheer on the runners—whether it’s in South Side, Oakland, Shadyside, Bloomfield, Homewood, or elsewhere. Downtown and surrounding communities.

5) Hip-hop recording artist Benafactor currently signed to his own label, Arucca Flyboy, and distributed by Amada Records/Capitol Music Group will be performing as part of the Pittsburgh Marathon‘s South Side celebrations right outside Mario’s. Also on the bill are Pittsburgh musical acts Bonez Da Loc, Queen D.VA,  rising talent K.Wade, and Rhyme. Additionally Ghetto Reese from Philly will be performing as well. The South Side performances are sponsored by Dicks Sporting Goods, Pittsburgh Marathon, Rel Life Records and the Steel City Yellow Jackets ABA team.  (6-11 a.m.). 1514 E. Carson St.

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