Celebrity Care Fest Weekend Begins with Pat Benatar; Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival Starts; Cultural District Gallery Crawl (Fri., 7/26/24)

Legendary rockers Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo headline the Friday night lineup.

1) Wouldn’t it be great if someone you knew had a big backyard, and they wanted to hold a charitable fundraiser with big name entertainers? And they knew legendary concert promoter Rich Engler? Well, that’s exactly what’s been happening for the last seven years at the home of Patrick and Debra Hampson in Gibsonia. Past entertainers have included Peter Frampton, Lou Gramm and Foreigner, KC and the Sunshine Band, Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire, Grand Funk Railroad, The Temptations, and The Jacksons.

The concert fun starts this evening with an optional dinner on a covered courtyard at the Hampson home. Queen V (Bill Cowher’s wife), a talented singer-songwriter who’s a mainstay on the New York City music scene and has opened for many big name entertainers including Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister, Billy Idol, and Alice in Chains, kicks off the music. Following her is the Friday night’s headliner, 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Pat Benatar, and soulmate/bandmate Neil Giraldo. Friday and Saturday nights’ proceeds benefit UPMC Children’s Hospital. The fun continues tomorrow with Smokey Robinson and a blockbuster surprise headliner.

Queen V, straight from the hot New York City music scene, opens the Friday night concert.

There are many different levels of tickets and sponsorships available. From single event tickets to options including dinner, open bar, and other VIP accouterments. Catering is provided by Walnut Grill. Businesses and individuals can also support the event through numerous branding and signage sponsorship opportunities. For tickets and more information on all these various options see the Celebrity Care Fest website. 

2) The annual Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival will take place today through Sunday at the Syria Shrine Center Pavilion in Cheswick. Getting the fest off to a great start tonight are Toronzo Cannon (7 to 8:15 p.m.) and Bill Toms and Hard Rain (8:30 to 10 a.m.). This evenings performances are free, donations only.  The strong lineup of blues musicians includes headliners Vanessa Collier (Saturday) and Bernard Allison (Sunday). Also on the bill are Black Ridge, Soulful Femme, Billy the Kid and the Regulators, Guitar Zack, The Pennsoulvanians, Band Together Pittsburgh Performers, and more. 1 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday. The nonprofit groups Band Together Pittsburgh and Autism Pittsburgh are the beneficiaries of the event. There will also be performances from musicians on the autism spectrum. The festival is produced in association with Ron Esser, owner of Moondog’s Pub and John Vento. Syria Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way, Cheswick. 

3) Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District is happening tonight; it features visual arts, musical performances, and interactive exhibits. All events are free and take place at a variety of galleries, art spaces, and venues. Some galleries offer drinks and hors d’oeuvres. What a great way to sample some of Pittsburgh’s great arts and entertainment! 5:30 – 10 p.m., Cultural District.

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