Jenny Lewis Opens Three Rivers Arts Festival; Aries Spears at Pittsburgh Improv (Fri., 6/5/15)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHl2rWnG1Co

Jenny Lewis performing in her “Voyager” attire.

1) After singing and performing with Rilo Kiley for 12 years, creating hits like “Silver Lining,” the band broke up and  Jenny Lewis decided to strike out on her own again. It wasn’t easy at first as her father died, she suffered from severe insomnia, and her album was overdue. As Lewis recounted in a “CBS Saturday Morning” interview, the reason for delay is that she was scared—she didn’t want the album to suck; she wanted it to be first-rate. The result of that quest is The Voyager, a top quality album that includes the hits “She’s Not Me” and “Just One of the Guys.” The album, partially produced by Ryan Adams, debuted at number 9 on the Billboard 200 chart in July 2014. Lewis’ pleasant melodic voice, ability to hold a note, nice appearance, and stage dances heighten her popularity. Her band members are all very talented musicians. Lewis is the Headliner for opening night of the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival. 7:30 p.m. Free. Dollar Bank Stage, Point State Park, Downtown.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buJ8behopQs

2) New York native Aries Spears didn’t rest on his laurels when he left FOX’s “MADtv” in 2005, though the show had been his bread and butter since 1997. He hit the ground running with a “Comedy Central Presents” special that year and did a short stint on Showtime with Damon Wayans on the short-lived “The Underground.” He has also made guest appearances on everything from “CSI: Miami” to “The Boondocks.” But the real magic happens when this natural-born comedian returns to his roots, stand-up comedy, and hits the road with his hilarious Shaq impression. He has been touring internationally, and you’ll get the chance to see him tonight at 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. at Pittsburgh Improv, with additional shows through Sunday. 166 E. Bridge St., The Waterfront, Homestead.

3) Unblurred: First Fridays on Penn features a variety of visual and performing arts at galleries, clubs, and restaurants along Penn Avenue (4800-5500) in the Garfield, Bloomfield, and Friendship neighborhoods. 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. Most events are free.

4) Pandemic will break out at brillobox tonight. Symptoms of this DJ dance party are a wide grin and the uncontrollable urge to shake your body parts. This strain of Pandemic, derived from world folk and contemporary dance music, could be studied, but it is better understood through collecting experiential evidence. juan diego and pandemic pete will be jammin’ the house. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. 4104 Penn Ave., Bloomfield.

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