Sha Na Na at Palace; “Comedy Queen” Sommore Appears at Improv (CP’s Fri. 10/4/13)

1) 1950’s style doo-wop group Sha Na Na are bringing their rock music and vocal harmonies to the Palace Theatre tonight. This good- time band has woven their music into the soundtrack of American history having played Woodstock, starred as Johnny Casino and the Gamblers in the movie Grease , and even had their own syndicated TV show. However, one of the co-founders Bowser (Jon Baumann) parted ways with the band and travels under his own banner. Put some grease in your hair, roll up a pack of cigarettes in your T-shirt sleeve, and head to Greensburg ’cause Sha Na Na is the word!  8 p.m. 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg.

2) Sommore who is billed as the “Queen of Comedy” makes a royal appearance at the Pittsburgh Improv. Known for her combination of “sass and class,” Sommore has appeared in such films such as Family Reunion (2002), Soul Plane (2004), Something New (2006), and Dirty Laundry (2007). She has also been a guest on many  television shows including, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The View,” and “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher.” She was even a “roaster” on Comedy Central’s celebrity roast of rapper Flavor Flav. 8 and 10 p.m. tonight. Sommore will make several more appearances at the Improv through Sunday. 166 Bridge St., The Waterfront, Homestead.

3) Pandemic will break out at Brillobox tonight. Symptoms of  this DJ dance party are a wide grin  and the uncontrollable urge to shake all your body parts. This strain of Pandemic is derived from world folk and contemporary dance music. This Pandemic could be studied, but is better understood through collecting experiential evidence.  There will also be live brass band music from Black Bear Combo (Chicago) and Lungs Face Feet (Pittsburgh). Doors open at 9:30 p.m. 4104 Penn Ave., Bloomfield.

4) Good Fridays at the Warhol is a weekly party at the museum, featuring art exhibits, music, and cocktails in the high temple to Andy Warhol’s numerous talents. Half-price museum admission. 5–10 p.m. 117 Sandusky St., North Shore.

5)  Unblurred: First Fridays on Penn Avenue features a variety of visual and performing arts at galleries, clubs, and restaurants. 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. along Penn Avenue (4800-5500) in the Garfield, Bloomfield, and Friendship neighborhoods. Most events are free.

6) The world-renowned Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra opens its 2013-2014 season this weekend at Heinz Hall, and you won’t want to miss it. This weekend’s performance is the unmistakable Carmina Burana composed by Carl Orff. If the title doesn’t sound familiar, you may have heard the music at PNC Park or in a TV commercial and not even realized it—Orff’s choral masterpiece has been sampled for countless uses. Based on 24 of the medieval Latin poems of the same name, Carmina Burana will be sung by three distinguished guest artists along with the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. In addition, the bill includes the premiere of composer David Stock‘s Sixth Symphony, written specifically for the PSO. Sit back, relax, and lose yourself in the music. 8 p.m. 600 Penn Ave., Cultural District.

7) Today’s Allegheny County RADical Days include free events at the Pittsburgh Glass Center and Pittsburgh Filmmakers. For more information visit the RADical Days Web site.

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