Television on at Carnegie Music Hall; Ghost, Johnny Lang, and Thrival Festival All in Action (Fri., 9/25/15)

1) Pittsburgh punk fans have The Warhol to thank for bringing New York punk legends Television to the city for a rare concert this month. The band’s show at Carnegie Music Hall of Oakland is a follow-up to last year’s solo show by guitarist and vocalist Tom Verlaine at the same venue last year, as part of Exposed: Songs for Unseen Warhol Films. The band began in the early 1970s as the Neon Boys, before adopting the name Television in 1973. Their first album, 1977’s Marquee Moon, was critically acclaimed and is seen as one of the most influential early-punk releases. But success was short-lived, with the band splitting up in 1978 after releasing one more studio album, Adventure. Verlaine went on to have a successful solo career, releasing ten studio albums. Television reunited in 1992, releasing a self-titled album to mark their return to recording after a hiatus of 14 years. The line-up to play in Pittsburgh will feature Verlaine on vocals and guitar, Jimmy Rip on guitar, Fred Smith on bass, and Billy Ficca on drums. 8 p.m. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. (HM)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYtZUK5yQz0

2) A hot Swedish band that wears innovative outfits is hitting the ‘Burgh tonight, and it isn’t ABBA, that’s for sure. Ghost is a heavy metal band with a dark message to match the musicians’ black hooded outfits, as is apparent in the song “Secular Haze.” There is an aura of secrecy about the band, whose members are not named publicly and are referred to only as nameless souls. The lead singer, Papa Emeritus, wears skull makeup  and a pope-like mitre hat. The group’s 2013 album Infestissumam was recorded in Nashville, went to number one on the Swedish charts, and received critical acclaim worldwide. Ghost’s followup album and third studio release, Meliora, was released on August 21. Special guest is Purson. Doors open at 7 p.m. Stage AE, 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore.

3) Singer/guitar slinger Jonny Lang brings his scorching riffs and bluesy vocals to the Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall. Lang started playing guitar at the age of 12, mainly jamming on the porch of a friend’s family lake house in his native North Dakota. He joined the blues band of his guitar teacher, and the group was subsequently renamed Kid Jonny Lang & The Big Bang. His biggest hits are “Lie to Me,” “Longtime Coming,” and “Wander This World.” After turning his life around from substance abuse through religion, he even recorded a hit song of faith, “Turnaround.” He was also one of the musicians in a Jimi Hendrix tribute band called the Experience Hendrix Tour. Opening is The Record Company. 8 p.m.  510 East 10th Ave., Munhall.

4) Capping off a week of talks on leadership, innovation, and technology, the musical leg of the Thrival Festival kicks off today at the Almono site in Hazelwood. The focus of the music schedule is an interesting combination of established national bands, local groups, and DJs. Today’s highlights include local band Grand Piano (3:15 p.m.) and national headliner Panic! at the Disco (9:45 p.m.) with several other bands in between. Panic! at the Disco—a rock band from Las Vegas—is touring in support of their hot new single “Hallelujah” from their upcoming fifth studio album. The name of the game at the Thrival Festival is capitalist enterprise and the festival is powered by local startup/innovation incubator Thrill Mill. Thrival is a rich brew of entrepreneurship, empowerment, and culture. Continues through tomorrow. For a full schedule of events, visit Thrival’s website. 124 Greenfield Ave., Hazelwood.

Free Allegheny County RADical Days Events from their site:

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District

Free admission 5:30pm-10pm
Galleries in the Cultural District
Art. Music. Dance. Comedy. Film. Networking. Fun. FREE! The free quarterly showcase of art and entertainment has taken place in the heart of the Cultural District for a decade. For this special anniversary Crawl, all events will take place at a variety of galleries and spaces and feature special programming and surprises.  This Crawl will kick of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s India in Focus programming featuring dance, theater, music and visual art.
Multiple locations in the Cultural District (Downtown) www.TrustArts.org/crawl

Shaler North Hills Library and Hampton Community Library:Play Ball!

Free admission 7PM
The libraries are teaming up with author Philip Beard in celebration of his new book Swing. Beer tasting, popcorn bar and baseball card evaluations!
1822 Mt. Royal Blvd. (Glenshaw) shalerlibrary.org hamptoncommunitylibrary.org

WYEP Final Fridays Concert: The Districts and Ryley Walker

Free admission 7pm
Final Fridays is a family-friendly event, free and open to the public that showcases up and coming national talent featured on WYEP. The Districts are known for their honest lyrics and punk/folk feel. Ryley Walker has drawn comparisons with Van Morrison, and is a true American guitar player whose fingerpicking style is prominently featured on this music.
Schenley Plaza 4100 Forbes Ave. (Oakland) wyep.orgpittsburghparksconservancy.org/schenleyplaza

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