“Handy Man” James Taylor to Fix Broken Hearts at Consol; AE Set to Jam with Trey Anastasio (CPs Sat., 11/29/14)

1) James Taylor—one of the best soft rock and folk artists in American music since the late ’60s—continues to enthrall live audiences with his comforting songs, accomplished acoustic guitar work, and melodic voice. Taylor’s first big hit was “Fire and Rain,” which hit no. 3 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in 1970. Many other successful songs followed including “You’ve Got a Friend” and “Handy Man.” He’s often collaborated with Carole King and they teamed up for the last concert held at the Civic Arena, which was a sellout. Taylor is a champion who’s overcome many obstacles and continues creating and performing music at a very high level. He was married to fellow singer Carly Simon for a time and they have two children from the marriage. Tonight James Taylor and his All-Star Band play a show at our new arena, CONSOL Energy Center. Let’s hope the tradition of Taylor performing concerts in Pittsburgh continues for a long time to come. 8 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

2) Jam-rocker Trey Anastasio—who still fronts the popular band Phish—brings his own band to the ‘Burgh for a stop on the Fall 2014 tour. Anastasio is touring in advance of his ’15 release Paper Wheels. Songs like “Greyhound Rising” and “Corona” continue the quality craftsmanship of past work. He’s also created and premiered this fall, on a brief three-city West Coast tour, Petrichor, a piece for guitar and orchestra. It promises to be a great night for music at Stage AE.  Doors open at 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore.

3) Pittsburgh rock royalty Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers—who have remained a constant on the Pittsburgh musical scene as the city has changed from steel mills to high-tech foundry—are playing a gig tonight at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille. Grushecky and band are playing in support of their latest release Somewhere East of Eden. 9 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale.

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