John Mayall Brings Blues Rock to Jergel’s; Stage AE Hosts Ryan Bingham and Brian Fallon (Wed., 9/21/16)

1)  John Mayall, who grew up outside Manchester, England, liked the blues before it was cool there. In 1962, when a blues club finally opened in London, Mayall knew the genre was about to get its due in England. He quit his job as a graphic designer and soon formed the Bluesbreakers, whose members included, at one time or another, Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce (Cream); Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, and Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac); and Mick Taylor (the Rolling Stones). Taylor appeared on 1968’s Bare Wires, a studio album which would chart at 59 on the U.S. Billboard 200. Mayall soon retired the name “Bluesbreakers” only to resurrect it in 1984 before again retiring it in 2008. Although the Bluesbreakers are no more, Mayall didn’t retire, and at 82 (82!), he continues to record and perform music. His newest studio album is 2015’s Find a Way To Care. He recorded it with his touring band, and they will be performing at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille. 8 p.m. 103 Slade Ln., Warrendale. (CM)

2) Ryan Bingham and Brian Fallon & the Crowes co-headline Stage AE this month. Bingham co-wrote the theme for Crazy Heart, “The Weary Kind,” with music legend T Bone Burnett, and he also sang vocals on the official version for the soundtrack album. For Bingham’s work on the soundtrack, he garnered something of a musical Triple Crown. That tune went on to win a Golden Globe, a Grammy, and an Academy Award. The film, released in 2009, stars Jeff Bridges as a down-and-out country musician, a role that would earn him the 2009 Academy Award for Best Actor. Although Crazy Heart gave Bingham national exposure, it’s his acclaimed studio albums, like 2015’s Fear and Saturday Night, that have cemented him as one of today’s best Americana singer-songwriters. Not to be outdone, Brian Fallon is best known as the frontman for The Gaslight Anthem, a Springsteen-esque rock band. He and Gaslight Anthem guitar technician Ian Perkins are behind the Crowes. Their sole album, Elsie, provides a darker contrast to The Gaslight Anthem’s discography. Paul Cauthen opens. Doors open 6 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

3) Today is Day of Giving, organized by The Pittsburgh Foundation. A day when we are encouraged to donate to our favorite charity or arts and entertainment organizations. Several foundations and organizations match the donations to a certain level. For more information on which organizations are participating please visit the Day of Giving website.

Share on Social Media