Michael McDonald Plays Palace; Jeff Dunham and Dummies at Consol (CPs Fri., 12/6/13)

1) Soulful singer/songwriter Michael McDonald, grew up in St. Louis,  Missouri and started playing with several bands in High School. He went on to become part of Steely Dan’s studio and touring bands in the ’70s. He can be distinctly heard singing backup on the Steely Dan’s “Peg.” McDonald then sang vocals and played keyboards for the rock band the Doobie Brothers from 1976 – 1983. The band won Grammy awards  for Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal for “What a Fool Believes” in 1979. He  joined in on several reunion forays for the Doobies.

In 1986 McDonald was nominated for a Best Pop Vocal Duo or Group with singer Patty Labelle for “On My Own.” He’s had a successful solo career for over twenty years. He has even portrayed characters in FOX TV programs “Family Guy” and “The Cleveland Show.” His rich, soulful voice will keep you warm on a cold winter’s night! Michael McDonald is in concert at Greensburg’s Palace Theatre tonight with his show, This Christmas: An Evening of Holiday & Hits. 8 p.m.  21 W. Otterman St.

2) Comedian Jeff Dunham, who Pollstar recently named the top comedy tour for three years running, brings his cast of characters to the Consol Energy Center. Dunham is a ventriloquist who has conjured up memorable (and somewhat stereotypical) characters/dummies as Walter the grumpy retiree, Bubba J, Jose Jalepeno, Peanut and Achmed the Dead Terrorist. Dunham has had five Comedy Central specials and appeared on numerous talk shows. 8 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

3) Italian progressive rock band Goblin, mainly known for their soundtrack work, wrote the score for the European version of George Romero’s 1978  film Dawn of the Dead, among others. They count among their influences the bands King Crimson and Genesis. This is the second leg of their current U.S. tour, which was added after the highly successful first leg which included nine sold out shows. Special guest is Zombi. 8 p.m. Carnegie Library Music Hall, 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall.

4)  Based on the experiences of its creators, Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt, 2 Pianos, 4 Hands is about a couple of folks who attempt that most difficult but enticing of life missions: becoming wildly rich and famous from a talent. Featuring just two actors—and, yes, just two pianos—the musical play is the tale of lifelong buddies who try to inspire one another to success as concert pianists, facing all the eccentric music teachers and backstage squabbling that such a pursuit entails. Conceived in Ottawa in 1994, the play has been produced all across Canada to wide acclaim. City Theatre is bringing it to local audiences for a three-week run (through Dec. 22). 8 p.m. 1300 Bingham St., South Side.

5) Oliva, the “Mastermind of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, John Oliva’s Pain, and Savatage.” is in town with The Storytellers Tour 2013. John Oliva formerly of the  Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be performing his top songs and recounting tales from his 30 years in the music industry within the intimate setting of South Side’s Rex Theater. 8 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St.

6) Also on the South Side is Start Making Sense, a touring Talking Heads musical tribute band rolls into town for a show at Club Cafe. “This Must Be the Place” for all Talking Head fans tonight.  9 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side

7) Randall Baumann’s Ramble at the Thunderbird Cafe will be happening tonight. On the bill is the Randall Baumann Band (rock and blues) and Old E Allstars (soul and funk). Baumann’s day (early morning) job is on WDVE FM as the lead on Randy Baumann & The DVE Morning Show.  9 p.m. 4023 Butler St., Lawrenceville.

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