Legendary Piano Rocker Leon Russell at Jergel’s; Corningworks presents “at ONCE there was A HOUSE” (CPs Wed., 3/25/15)

1) American blues rock icon Leon Russell, whose piano playing has threads running through the music of Elton John, Badfinger, and the George Harrison-led Concert for Bangladesh, is in concert at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille tonight. Russell first rose to solo success on the Muscle Shoals-recorded album Carney, which was released in 1972. The album reached no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 200 chart and contained the song  “Tight Rope,” which reached no. 11 on the Hot 100 chart. Carney also contained the song “This Masquerade,” which several other artists recorded, including Pittsburgh native George Benson, whose version rode the charts to no. 10 on the Hot 100 in 1976. This is a great opportunity to see a legendary American musician. 8 p.m.  285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale.

‘At Once There Was a House’—no, make that two. In Beth Corning’s piece, people have a lot on their minds. photo: Frank Walsh

2) Beth Corning, the Pittsburgh choreographer whose unusual dance-and-theater works have been performed internationally, returns to the New Hazlett with an expanded, feature-length version of a piece that has played to critical acclaim in other venues. Corning describes at ONCE there was A HOUSE as an exploration of the question “What ever happened to Dick and Jane?”—which means it’s about a lot of things. Performers (along with Corning) include Squonk Opera’s Jackie Dempsey, actor/R&B musician John Gresh, Michele de la Reza of Attack Theatre, and dancers Yoav Kaddar and Tamar Rochelle Tolentino. 7 p.m. Through Sunday. 6 Allegheny Square East, North Side.

3) Perhaps you’ve seen the line for seating stretched out the door. Nak Won Garden, located next to Giant Eagle’s Market District, is the hottest Korean restaurant in the city right now. It’s also a family affair. Chung-Chu Yi and his sister and her daughter all help to run the establishment. They promise more traditional dishes, but, no worries, they have plenty of kimchi and that Korean BBQ Americans love. Pittsburghers, meanwhile, love Nak Won Garden. As for vegetarians, the menu asks to simply “Lettuce know before ordering.” Gotta love a restaurant with a sense of humor. 5504 Centre Ave., Shadyside.

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