David Byrne Brings His Creativity to Benedum Center; The Pete Hosts Conan Gray (Tues., 9/16/25)

1) If you discover that David Byrne’s concert at Benedum Center is nearly sold out, it shouldn’t be surprising. Byrne is touring in conjunction with his first album in seven years: Who Is the Sky, recorded with Brooklyn’s Ghost Train Orchestra. And the show probably would’ve sold out regardless. He’s David Byrne. Has any musical artist of our times been so creative in so many ways? As frontman of the Talking Heads from 1975 to ‘91, Byrne combined a wow-factor singing voice with dramatic stage moves to bring a song home. He collaborated with Twyla Tharp, the groundbreaking modern-dance choreographer, to create the music for her feature-length dance The Catherine Wheel. Byrne was central to the making of two memorable movies—not only Stop Making Sense, the great Talking Heads concert film, but also the cult-favorite mockumentary True Stories, which he co-wrote, directed, and co-starred in. Then later, as an encore, he shared an Oscar for his part in composing the score of Bernardo Bertolucci’s epic The Last Emperor. We could go on and on if space permitted. These days, Byrne doesn’t leap about the stage like he used to. But his voice, if anything, seems to have acquired a richer timbre. And he still composes wonderfully and still engages in fascinating collaborations. So check the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust site and/or the resale market for tickets to his show here in Pittsburgh. 8 p.m. 237 7th St., Cultural District. (M.V.)

2) Conan Gray is continuing his meteoric rise with a concert this month at the Petersen Events Center. The singer/songwriter, who first appeared on people’s radars on YouTube, had his latest album, Wishbone, reach No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on its Top Album Chart. This is the third album of Gray’s to reach the top 10 and his highest ranking to date. Gray, who was raised in Georgetown, Texas, before moving to California to briefly attend UCLA, creates smart, hooky, pop songs laced with emotional lyrics. Join Conan Gray on his Wishbone Pajama Party Tour. Special guest is Hemlock Springs. 8 p.m. 3719 Terrace St., Oakland. (R.H.)

3) Chamber Music Pittsburgh opens its 65th Anniversary MainStage Live season with Sphinx Virtuosi and Sterling Elliott. Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland. 7:30 p.m. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland.

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