Joe Walsh and Bad Company, Dolly Parton, and Rachael Yamagata in Area Concerts (Tues., 6/28/16)

1) Joe Walsh, legendary guitar slinger, formerly of the James Gang, and a member of the classic rock group The Eagles, is teaming up with Bad Company to give The ‘Burgh a double shot of classic rock this month. Walsh is a great rocker in his own right, although he sings “I’m just an ordinary average guy” and modestly admits that “Life’s Been Good.” Bad Company, an English band, was a staple of ’70s rock radio fronted by lead vocalist Paul Rodgers. Rodgers’ resonant, crystalline voice along with top play from band members propelled their songs into the top of the record charts. “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Shooting Star,” and “Rock and Roll Fantasy” were some of the band’s numerous hits. Walsh and Bad Company are co-headliners on their One Hell of a Night tour. Opening is Steve Rodgers, who is Paul Rodgers’ son. 7 p.m. First Niagara Pavilion, 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (RH)

2) What can you say about Dolly Parton? More specifically: What can you say about Dolly Parton without mentioning the first attribute that too many people think of when they hear her name, and also without using trite-but-true phrases like “the best-loved female country star of our time” or “one of the all-time greats”? One could start, as many fans do, by talking about her childhood. Parton grew up seriously poor in rural Eastern Tennessee—and yet she was raised lovingly, and has recalled it fondly, in songs like “Coat of Many Colors” and “In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad).”

Raised musically as well, Parton headed for Nashville after high school and soon rocketed to fame. Citing highlights of her career would be difficult because it’s been nearly all highlights. A few data points: over 3,000 songs composed, many of them hits. 25 singles at #1 on the Billboard country charts. 47 solo albums (not counting 184 compilation releases) and 18 collaborative albums,13 of those with Porter Wagoner. Lead acting roles in 9 to 5 and other movies and TV, plus many cameos and specials as herself. Country Music Hall of Fame, numerous country awards, 8 Grammys including a Lifetime Achievement Award all add up to an amazing career for Parton.

Her charitable work includes backing literacy programs, economic development, wildlife preservation, and medical care. Dolly Parton was the first person (as distinct from a product) to receive the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval due to her work on her Imagination Library charity. And surely the house will be full of approving customers for her show at Consol Energy Center. 8 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (MV)

3) Singer/songwriter Rachael Yamagata has a breathy, sometimes-plaintive and sometimes-rocking style that is somewhat reminiscent of Edie Brickell … except Yamagata is younger, not married to Paul Simon, and brings distinctive touches of her own to the music she makes. Yamagata started out as a belter with the Chicago funk band Bumpus, then spun off onto a silkier tangent as a solo artist. She’s not exactly a household name but has gained quite a following. First Lady Michelle Obama had her perform at the White House; her songs are used in movies and TV shows; and on her overseas tours she is often booked into big venues like Singapore’s Esplanade Concert Hall. From there Yamagata is coming to the cozy confines of Club Cafe, where you might get an up-close preview of some songs from her upcoming album Tightrope Walker. 8 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side. (MV)

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