Lorde in Concert at Petersen Events Center, Live! Casino has Justin Fabus, Hiroya Tsukamoto Plays First Unitarian SongSpace (Fri., 9/3/25)

October 1, 2025/Rick Handler

1) It’s amusing to read an article about Lorde from 2014, back when her career had just taken off. A writer for The New Zealand Herald described the young singer as “acceptably, inoffensively tasteful and middle-class”—noting, for example, that Lorde had refrained from using blatant sexuality as part of her image. Well, so much for that. One can imagine prudish parents worldwide freaking out when they catch their 12-year-olds studiously examining the new Lorde video “Hammer.” However, let’s not let this aspect of the artist’s evolution distract us from the music. The song in the video is from her latest album, Virgin. Lorde has been known for deftly intricate songwriting ever since “Royals,” the breakthrough hit from her first album. She also shows a remarkable ability to connect with audiences. In her music, Lorde comes across as genuine and real-deal serious, even when she’s obviously clowning or putting on an attitude—or dancing around a stage in her signature herky-jerky style that ain’t exactly Isadora Duncan. And yet the unrefined flailing connects because it’s uninhibited. Lorde’s show at Petersen Events Center is officially sold out, but the resale market is humming. Guest artists are The Japanese House and Chanel Beads. 7 p.m. 3719 Terrace St., Oakland. (M.V.)

2) Country music performer and Pittsburgh native Justin Fabus plays Live! Casino tonight. He has had much recent success, even penning a song, “Somebody Like You” with Richard Marx. Fabus’ latest record is 2024’s EP 4×6. He has spent time in Nashville working on his recording projects. Fabus says about his most recent effort, “4×6 paints a picture. These songs are like snapshots in time. You can close your eyes and see each one play out in your head. I hope listeners can really put themselves in my shoes. The goal is to trigger a memory—whether it’s good or bad. Even if it’s not the best memory, maybe the particular song will be able to help someone through a situation.” It should be a really good situation when Fabus and his band play Live! Casino. Fabus’ latest single is “Me and Bon Jovi.” 8 p.m. 5230 US 30, Greensburg. (R.H.)

3) Hiroya Tsukamoto plays a concert at First Unitarian Church’s SongSpace series. They say, “Tsukamoto started playing bluegrass banjo in Kyoto Japan, then switched to acoustic and electric guitars, and in 2000 moved to New York City to attend the Berklee School of Music. Today, Hiroya Tsukamoto is a little bit Leo Kottke, a little bit Kaki King, a little bit Paul Winter Consort, and one of the finest fingerstyle guitarists you will hear.” 7:30 p.m. 605 Morewood Ave., Shadyside.