Chris Higbee Brings Country to Jam on Walnut; Second Concert for Luke Bryan at First Niagara (Sat., 7/23/16)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0WF3yiXJV8

1) For three Saturdays every summer, Walnut Street in Shadyside shifts its focus from the usual bustling bevy of bistros and boutiques to putting a bit of music in the air, courtesy of the Shadyside Chamber of Commerce. The annual Jam on Walnut series brings some big names out for free concerts that stop traffic and pack the pavement. Tonight’s edition features former Povertyneck Hillbilly Chris Higbee. Widely known as one of the best fiddle-playing frontman since Charlie Daniels, Higbee has been going it alone since the rest of the Hillbillies broke away to form The Hillbilly Way in 2012. But Higbee has proven that he has the chutzpah to pull off a solo act, releasing his self-titled solo debut album in 2013 and has toured nationally. Since then he has released two additional recordings. All three of the Jams On Walnut are free to attend, and proceeds from food and drink sales benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Spinning Jenning opens. 7 p.m. 5442 Walnut St., Shadyside. (EC, RH)

2) One of the biggest acts in country music, Luke Bryan, hits the region on his Kill the Lights tour for back-to-back concert performances. Since 2009, the native Georgian has been on a tear with 14 songs rising to number one on the U.S. Country charts. “Country Girl (Shake it for Me)” went triple platinum and is the third-best-selling song by a male country artist. Early in his career, Bryan earned his keep as a Nashville songwriter by penning tunes for the likes of Travis Tritt and Billy Currington. He has proved to be more than capable of stepping into the spotlight himself, winning the 2013 Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year award. More often seen in a baseball hat than a cowboy hat, Bryan has become a fan favorite by writing music that deals with some pretty popular themes (see tracks like “Wild Weekend,” “Cold Beer Drinker,” and “I’m Hungover”). Bryan, who won the Billboard Music Award for Top Country Artist in May, will be joined by Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch at First Niagara Pavilion. 7 p.m. Tonight is the second concert. 665 Pennsylvania 18, Burgettstown.

3) Our battlin’ Bucs take on the Philadelphia Phillies today in a 4:05 p.m. game. It’s also a pre-game Saturday Block Party, featuring live entertainment, food and beer options, games and more. Stop by the Leinenkugel Bar and meet former Pirates pitcher Kent Tekulve. Also first 20,000 fans receive a commemorative Andrew McCutchen trading card, and additionally it’s a Scratch ‘n Win Saturday. PNC Park, 115 Federal St.,  North Shore.

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