Judy Collins in Concert at Byham; Double Bill at Jergel’s: Bill Toms and Billy Price (Thurs., 1/5/22)

1) Legendary songstress Judy Collins was a piano prodigy by 13, and as she came of age, she used her music to rail against social and environmental problems. She’s known for reinterpreting traditional and contemporary folk music standards to create rich, insightful, poetic-like songs about life’s ups and downs. Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger influenced her with their use of storytelling through songs about hard-luck people. Collins, in turn, inspired others—Stephen Stills wrote the classic song, “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” while breaking up with Collins. Collins’s version of Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns” garnered her the Song of the Year Grammy Award in ’76. Collins is touring in support of her 29th studio album, Spellbound, which was released this February. 7 p.m. Byham Theater, 101 6th St., Cultural District. (R.H.)

2)There’s a wonderful double “bill” of Pittsburgh Blues rock this evening, both literally and figuratively. Bill Toms and Billy Price will both be brining their considerable musical talents to Jergel’s. Both will be performing with their respective bands, Toms with Hard Rain and the Soulville Horns; and Price with the Billy Price Band. Toms, in addition to favorites from his catalog, will be performing songs from his most recent album, Keep Movin’ On” (see our story). Pittsburgh blues/soul/rock legend Billy Price is celebrating 50+ years as a performer in the music industry. Price cut his teeth as a vocalist for the late, great guitarist Roy Buchanan. He then started Billy Price and the Keystone Rhythm Band, best known for songs like “Eldorado Cafe” and “Lickin’ Stick” and albums like Free At Last. Price has a new 3-CD compilation, 50+Years of Soul, which he released last September. 8 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale. (R.H.)

Bill Toms and Hard Rain with the Soulville Horns  performing last summer at the Shrine Center. (photo: Rick Handler)

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