Landreth Slides Into Hartwood Acres; NHB Brings Original Tunes to Baja (CPs Sun., 6/22/14)

1) Those who attend Hartwood Acres tonight for a free show by Louisiana’s Sonny Landreth, the King of Slydeco, may not believe all the sound that will pour from Landreth’s guitar. That’s because Landreth, a master slide guitar player, keeps the slide on his left pinky finger, giving all nine other fingers room to play. He not only picks and strums the guitar with his right hand but also uses his left hand’s fingers to fret the strings above the slide. His discography includes eleven solo albums, plus many guest appearances. Elemental Journey, his newest release and an instrumental album, features classical and jazz in addition to the blues he’s known for. “Gaia Tribe” plays with the urgency of a movie soundtrack while also incorporating classical and, courtesy of Joe Satriani, Spanish influences. In past years, he has toured with Jimmy Buffett and has played with Eric Clapton. Kevin Garrett opens. 7:30 p.m. 200 Hartwood Acres, Hampton and Indiana Townships.

2) Nied’s Hotel Band is a Pittsburgh-area band reminiscent of the Jaggerz or Norm Nardini. Despite having that sound, NHB has been around for only about a decade. Lead singer John Vento didn’t begin writing or recording music until his 40th birthday. Although it might have been easier to have become a covers band at that age, NHB chose instead to release original material. The musicians have three albums and an EP under their belt with another album, One Night Stand, coming soon. The band’s name comes from the tavern of the same name, which has been in Lawrenceville since 1941 and serves a mean fish sandwich. NHB will play The Baja Bar & Grille. The Compadres will open. 2–6 p.m. 1366 Old Freeport Rd., Fox Chapel.

3) Lovers of classical music and/or quiches should check out Bach, Beethoven and Brunch. This weekly summer series occurs every Sunday morning until August 10 at Mellon Park. Viewers can either bring their own picnic baskets or buy food from a Bagel Factory vendor. They can then enjoy free classical music. The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts also hosts a Best Brunch competition. Submissions will be judged on presentation, effort, and food selection. Although Bach and Beethoven won’t be on hand this Sunday, The Pittsburgh Philharmonic will be playing the music. This premier volunteer orchestra includes members from ages 15 to 80, with all of them hailing from the tri-state area. The orchestra is known not only for its themed concerts but also for the educational programs it offers to young people. 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Mellon Park, Fifth and Shady Ave., Point Breeze and Squirrel Hill.

4) Forbes Gyro mirrors the doner kebab restaurants found in major European cities like Dublin or Florence. Like these European establishments, Forbes Gyro offers Mediterranean food that is fast, cheap, and good. The place is also open late. Like, until 3 a.m. Thursday to Saturday late. It’s the perfect grub stop after a night at Hemingway’s or Bootleggers. Forbes Gyro is owned by Turkish people, who represent a growing cultural presence in the city. The restaurant sells three gyro specials and one vegetarian special. It also offers salads and what are arguably the best grape leaves in the ‘Burgh. Catering is available as well as free delivery after 5 p.m. for orders $25 and over. Traditional American sides are served, too, so you can get fries with that falafel. 11 a.m.–12 a.m. Sunday–Wednesday and 11 a.m.–3 a.m. Thursday–Saturday. 3715 Forbes Ave., Oakland.

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