Hollywood Casino at The Meadows Hosts Wayne Newton; Taj Mahal in Concert at CHMH; Pittsburgh Music Fest; KST House Party (Sat., 7/11/26)

1) Las Vegas now has pro football and hockey teams, and the city’s iconic entertainers always shine bright. One performer who bridges both old and new Vegas is Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton. A talent scout discovered Wayne Newton while he was playing with his brother Jerry and signed them to come play a two week stint in Vegas. That two week gig turned into a lifetime of entertaining people. Wayne Newton started to open for many top acts, including Jack Benny, and appeared on “The Jackie Gleason Show” many times. He even had a TV part for a while when he acted and sang as Andy, the young Ponderosa ranch hand on the classic western series, “Bonanza.” Newton asked for and received his own headliner in residence contract at the Flamingo Hotel in Vegas, one of the first of its kind. He scored a big hit in 1963 with “Danke Schoen” which hit No. 3 on the U.S. adult contemporary chart and No. 13 overall.  The song was even used in the classic 1986 film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, being lip-synced by Bueller.

There’s always been a little bit of mystery surrounding Newton and possible mafia ties, which Newton has always denied. Another curious happening in Newton’s life came in ’92, when his Elvis-inspired song “The Letter” went to No. 1 on the Cashbox pop and country song charts, but failed to register on the Billboard Hot 100—the first and only time this ever happened. Newton has done numerous charitable works and succeeded Bob Hope in 2002 as the chairman of the USO Celebrity Circle. He is currently touring his Wayne Newton Up Close and Personal show, in which he sings, plays the 13 instruments he has mastered, tells stories, and takes questions from the audience. This is a great opportunity to see a legendary Vegas entertainer. 8 p.m. Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, 210 Racetrack Rd., Washington. (R.H.)

2) The mystical, Grammy Award-winning bluesman known as Taj Mahal will be performing at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall this month. Mahal plays not only guitar, but also piano, banjo, harmonica, and numerous other instruments. And in addition to singing he’s also a whistler. In his lively blues music, world-music elements can be heard, in addition to soul, roots, and reggae. In the 1960s Mahal was even in the rock band Rising Sons with Ry Cooder, Jessie Lee Kincaid, and future Byrds drummer Kevin Kelley. He has collaborated with many other musical heavyweights including the Rolling Stones, Etta James, Eric Clapton, and Ziggy Marley. Mahal has been nominated for Grammy Awards 18 times, winning five. Now he’s out with his latest album, Time, on which he’s reunited with the Phantom Blues Band. A never-before-heard Bill Withers composition can be heard on the new LP. 8 p.m. 510 East 10th St., Munhall. (R.H.)

Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12

3) Pittsburgh Brewing Company is presenting one of the biggest concerts of top local bands in recent memory. The inaugural Pittsburgh Music Festival, which replaces the Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival, will happen July 11 – 12 on the Iron City Stages at the brewery in Creighton. On Saturday the all-star lineup includes Gathering Field, Norman Nardini with special guest David Granati, Sun King Warriors, Zac Keim Band, The Shiners, Band Together Pittsburgh Band, and Bill Toms & Hard Rain. Sunday’s superstar lineup features: Billy Price, Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers, Kenny Blake and The New Hip with special guests Megan Paullet and Xavier Allen, The Nied’s Hotel Band with special guests Jimmy Krenn, Joe Wodarek and Mike Filosemi, Guitar Zack, and Leonard T. Zanotti (LTZ) with special guest Nicole Belli. There will also be an acoustic stage for some softer sounds. The festival benefits Band Together and Autism Pittsburgh. Food, and of course, beverages will be available for sale. 150 Ferry St., Creighton. (R.H.)

4) The Kelly Strayhorn Theater is holding a fundraiser: House Party: Mic Drop. KST says to bring your main character energy for what promises to be a night of exceptional performances including a bumping dance floor, and spectacular looks. A highlight of this years party is your own karaoke spotlight moment. Also DJ Selecta will be spinning the tunes for the lobby dance party.  The VIP Reception, features by Treasure Treasure, DS and Anqwenique Kinsel, and Bridgette Perdue. All proceeds support KST’s fall season of programming. For tickets and more information, visit KST on the web. VIP reception 7 p.m., Dance Party 9 p.m. 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty.

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