Gymnastics Championships Spring Into Action; Skid Row Glams Out at Altar Bar (CPs Thurs., 8/21/14)

1) Today marks the first day of the 2014 USA Gymnastics Championships at CONSOL Energy Center. This isn’t just any gymnastics tournament; this is the “big one,” serving as USA Gymnastics’ national championships. The four-day event not only showcases the talent of our country’s top gymnasts—both male and female at the junior and senior levels—but it also determines the makeup of the U.S. national team. This is the first time the championships have taken place in Pennsylvania in more than a decade, only the fourth time in over 40 years, and the first time ever in Pittsburgh. Today is the first day for both the junior and senior women’s competitions. Juniors’ competition takes place at 1 p.m.; seniors’ takes place at 7:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

2) Since 1986, Skid Row has seen a lot of changes, both within and outside the band. What hasn’t changed, however, is that these guys know how to rock out. Tonight, they play a set at Altar Bar. Formed in 1986 by Rachel Bolan and Dave Sabo (a childhood friend of Jon Bon Jovi), Skid Row has a long (and at times tumultuous) history. They’re right up there with the greats of glam metal, like Mötley Crue, Quiet Riot, and, yes, Bon Jovi. Hits with that epic, arena rock sound, like “I Remember You,” stand out in Skid Row’s repertoire and serve as proof that these guys know what they’re doing. Today, the band consists of Bolan and Sabo, along with Scotti Hill, Johnny Solinger, and Rob Hammersmith. Joined by Patron Saint and Silk9. 7 p.m. 1620 Penn Ave., Strip District.

3) Fans of good old-fashioned American rock ‘n’ roll oughtn’t need an introduction to Bob Seger, one of rock’s most enduring icons—he’s in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has achieved a whopping 11 platinum records. One of the nation’s most successful Seger tribute bands, The System takes the stage tonight at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille. The band is named after one of Seger’s many bands over the years, the Bob Seger System, which he led from 1960 to 1970, before embarking on his solo career. With George Nichols at the helm, this five-piece tribute band hails from Michigan (like the subject of their imitation) and aims to recreate the concert-going experience for which Seger was so well-known in the ‘70s. And this particular tributary has clearly succeeded, drawing in audiences by the hundreds. Moreover, the band has earned that success, having studied and practiced not only studio but also live albums as well. As a result, their re-creation of the Seger experience, well, rocks. 8 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale.

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