Rickie Lee Jones in Concert at Hartwood; Michele Bensen Plays Reservoir of Jazz; Neighborhood Festivals (CP’s Sun. 8/25/13)

1) Singer/songwriter Rickie Lee Jones shot to fame in 1979 with the song “Chuck E’s in Love.” When listening to the song without seeing the title, many people thought Jones was referring to someone named Chuckie. She was actually referring to her friend, music producer Chuck E. Weiss, who mysteriously disappeared and then phoned later to tell her he was in love and had moved to Denver. “Chuck E.’s in Love” rose to No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. Catch Jones in concert at Hartwood Acres as part of Allegheny County Summer Concert Series at Hartwood Acres Amphitheater. 7:30 p.m. Free. Hampton and Indiana townships.

2) Noted award-winning vocalist Michele Bensen is the featured entertainer for the finale of the Citiparks Reservoir of Jazz concert series at Highland Park. Bensen is backed by the Bensen Burner Band composed of stellar musicians Max Leake (piano), Mike Houlis (bass), Steve Trettel (drums), Mark Strickland (guitar), and Tony Campbell (saxophone). 5-7 p.m. Free. Highland Avenue and Reservoir Drive.

3) The Art Festival on Walnut Street takes over the main thoroughfare in the popular Pittsburgh neighborhood of Shadyside. Enjoy beautiful and interesting works of art created by some of  the best local and national artists. While there treat yourself to a tasty meal and some beverages at a Walnut Street eatery including Shady Grove, The Steel Cactus, The Elbow Room, Thai Place, Cappy’s, China Palace, Girasole, and The William Penn Tavern. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free. Walnut Street between Aiken and Negley avenues.

4) Isn’t it always the case that  there are several great things to do on the same day/days.  Well, there’s another great festival this weekend in a neighborhood bordering Shadyside. Bloomfield is hosting Little Italy Days. At this festival you’ll find an abundance of delicious Italian food and baked goods, music, dancing, Boccie ball, sidewalk sales, and maybe a little vino. Some of the stalwarts of the Bloomfield culinary scene are Alexander’s Bistro, The Pleasure Bar, Del’s, Lombardozzi’s, Tessaro’s, Sausalito,  and Pizza Italia  Noon – 7 p.m.  Free. Liberty Avenue, Bloomfield.

5) Pop rocker John Mayer is in concert, and like Taylor Swift, he’ll be singing songs about the people’s he’s been romantically involved with including Taylor Swift. Mayer has a few hot songs out now getting good rotation including “Paper Doll.” from his new Paradise Valley album. Opening is Phillip Phillips. 7:30 p.m. First Niagara Pavilion, 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown.

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