Jelly Roll in Concert at PPG Paints Arena; Pittsburgh Opera Opens ‘Tosca’ at Benedum; Dormont Street & Music Fest (Sat., 10/5/24)

1) “I only talk to God when I need a favor / I only pray when I ain’t got a prayer”: The lines are a clever paraphrase of the philosophy of 12-step groups. The point is that the Higher Power responds best to a steady relationship, but will—if asked sincerely—answer a crisis call. That’s what the singer known as Jelly Roll is hoping for in “Need a Favor,” the lead single on last year’s Whitsitt Chapel. Jelly Roll (born Jason DeFord) comes from a real-life background that has included jail time, lots of substance abuse, and personal tragedies. And maybe what resonates with people is that he offers no simple answers. His songs convey no pride in being a hard-knocks survivor or a recovery ninja; no assurance that his soul has been saved. As Jelly Roll sings it, life is complicated and he’s a struggling soul, often teetering between a leap forward and a backslide. (Try “Save Me.”)  If that sounds like a humbler view, and one more in line with many people’s reality—well, there you go. Jelly Roll comes to PPG Paints Arena on his Beautifully Broken Tour, named for his new album. Guest artists are Warren Zeiders and Alexandra Kay. 7 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (M.V.) 

TOSCA (opera) Music by Giacomo Puccini, and libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. Pittsburgh Opera. October 5 – 13.

Baron Scarpia (Kyle Albertson) accuses Floria Tosca (Ana María Martínez) of lying in Pittsburgh Opera’s ‘Tosca.’ (Photo: David Bachman Photography for Pittsburgh Opera)

2) Of course, she’s a diva. Loved by Rome’s audiences both public and elite, Floria Tosca is the one voice to hear, especially above the din of social upheaval as the Napoleonic wars wage on. Her lover, the respected painter Cavaradossi, is one day accosted when an escaped political prisoner begs him for refuge in a church. He obliges the man to prove he has moral character. Meanwhile, Baron Scarpia, the highly corrupt Chief of Police, is terribly in love with Tosca. When Scarpia confronts Cavaradossi with allegations that the latter has abetted the prisoner, the wicked Chief hatches a scheme whereby Tosca must submit to his love or betray her lover. The story of Puccini’s classic opera is as simple as that, yet it all comes together within a 24 hour period. One of the world’s most popular operas since it premiered in 1900, Tosca was last performed in Pittsburgh in 2017. Now’s your year to experience it. Pittsburgh Opera presents Tosca at Benedum Center. 8 p.m. 237 7th St., Cultural District.

3) The Borough of Dormont is holding its 16th Dormont Street and Music Festival. This year, the DSMF will take place today from 1 to 8 p.m. and will have three live music performance areas featuring a variety of different musical genres. The festival will occur along Potomac Avenue from West Liberty Avenue to Belrose Avenue. Highlights include live music, local food and craft vendors. The Liberty Pittsburgh Main Stage will feature a full line up of local talent including: School of Rock, Anna Eliza, Osprey, Rhythm of the Night Fusion, The Regal Street, and Bastard Bearded Irishmen. Many other talented musicians will be performing on the three stages.

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