Chicago and REO Speedwagon Play KeyBank; Vine Rewind Begins; Donnie Iris Plays Outdoors at Rivers (Sat., 7/28/18)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpL9ZSmG1Zo

1) Classic-rock mainstay Chicago has remained vibrant and popular throughout the decades despite lead singer Peter Cetera leaving the band for a solo career in 1985, personnel changes, and a lack of latter-day chart successes. Why has Chicago remained so popular? The answer is in the music. Every musician is highly accomplished, and the band’s big wall of sound brings it all together. Best known for its brassy horn section—which gives extra depth to hits like “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Just You ‘n’ Me” “Beginnings,” and “If You Leave Me Now“—Chicago had a longer name at its start in 1967. The rockers called themselves Chicago Transit Authority but were forced to change it … by the Chicago Transit Authority. The band’s last release was 2014’s XXXVI: Now. Also on the bill is REO Speedwagon, who first achieved success with its 1978 album You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish, which contained “Roll with the Changes” and “Time for Me to Fly.” Their ’80 release, Hi Infidelity, had four singles that went on to become major hits. 7:30 p.m. KeyBank Pavilion, 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. 

2) Pittsburgh Winery is hosting its third annual Vine Rewind. Performers over the two-day event, which takes place 3 p.m. Saturday, July 28 and noon Sunday, July 29, include The Clarks, Paul Luc, The Buckle Downs, Divinity Roxx, Buffalo Rose, Red Beans and Rice, Lyndsey Smith and The Soul Distribution, Nameless in August, and more. There will be two stages this year. Several of the food purveyors on hand will be Blowfish BBQ, Edgars Best Tacos, Backwoods BBQ, and Straub Beer. Be sure to have some of Pittsburgh Winery’s tasty wine. Vine Rewind will be held on the 28th Street block of Penn Ave. 

3) Area native Donnie Iris, aka King Cool, is performing outdoors at Rivers Casino tonight with his band, The Cruisers. Sure to be on the set list are top favorites including “Ah Leah” and “Love Is Like a Rock.” Iris was once a member of the Pittsburgh group The Jaggerz in the early ’70s who had a monster hit with the “The Rapper,” which reached no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 8 p.m. Sold out. 777 Casino Dr., North Shore.

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