John Lydon and Public Image Ltd. at Altar Bar; Palace Hosts Little Anthony and The Imperials and The Skyliners (Thurs., 11/12/15)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN-GGeNPQEg

1) In 2009, Pittsburgh Public Image Ltd fans were ecstatic to learn John Lydon had resurrected “PiL.” Even better, he included the Steel City on the band’s North American tour. For Yinzers who missed that show, PiL returns this November with a concert at Altar Bar. John Lydon is perhaps best known as Johnny Rotten, frontman of the late Sex Pistols. When that group split in 1978, Rotten reverted back to his birth name and formed PiL, a seminal post-punk band. The “post” comes from the group’s incorporation of other genres, like dub. They were not only commercially successful but also influenced later bands like Pearl Jam and Yeah Yeah Yeahs with singles like “Public Image,” “This Is Not a Love Song,” and “Rise.” Rolling Stone included their sophomore album, 1979’s Metal Box, on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Fans remember the record for its heavy sound and its packaging—a metal film canister. The group went defunct in 1992 but is back, touring and releasing new music, like this year’s studio album, What the World Needs Now … 9 p.m. 1620 Penn Ave., Strip District. (CM)

2) If you haven’t heard Anthony Gourdine you must click on the video above. At a time when falsetto singers were not uncommon in pop music, Gourdine stood out nonetheless with his distinctive voice and phrasing. And today—when it’s not at all uncommon for musicians to keep rocking at an age when you’d expect them to be in rocking chairs—it’s a pleasant surprise, nonetheless, to find Little Anthony and The Imperials still doing their R&B. The group from New York City broke onto the charts in 1958 with “Tears on My Pillow” and kept turning out hits through the ‘60s, becoming a popular act on TV music and variety shows. Since then The Imperials have dissolved, re-formed, and drifted in and out of the media spotlight … but they’ve never lost the ability to light up a live audience with numbers like “Hurt So Bad.” Little Anthony and the Imperials are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their current lineup includes original members Gourdine and Ernest Wright, and they’re booked into The Palace Theatre for a show with local legends Jimmy Beaumont and The Skyliners. 7:30 p.m. 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. (MV)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ1k8zYRZwg

3) The Strip District is arguably Pittsburgh’s premier spot for one-stop shopping. 26th Street Market and Cafe, however, takes that design one step further. Where else can Pittsburghers purchase breakfast, lunch, freshly ground coffee, dessert, and the daily number? With its large dining room plus three private meeting rooms, the establishment is also friendly to professionals and occasional live music. Additionally, the space offers audio/visual equipment for rent, free wi-fi, and free parking. Breakfast includes bagels, biscotti, and muffins; lunch: flatbread pizzas, hoagies, salads, and sandwiches. Gluten-free bread is available upon request. The cactus chili, made with real cactus and vegetables, has a bit of a kick to it and is a customer favorite. Their catering menu will have you inventing events to celebrate, just so you can try some of the specialty items: buffalo wings tossed in their house buffalo sauce, butternut squash ravioli cooked in their basil cream sauce, the 26th Street Sandwich Ring, and more! 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. 2549 Penn Ave., Strip District. (CM)

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