Lotus in Night One at Stage AE; Finster and Warhola in Second of Eight Iconic Art Shows by Pat McArdle at John A. Herman Gallery (Sat., 1/13/24)

1) Lotus has a history of playing shows on or around New Year’s Eve in Pittsburgh. For example, the jam band performed at Stage AE on December 27, 2019. We all know how 2020 went, so no Lotus show that year. They were supposed to play concerts on December 30, 2021 and December 31, 2021 at Mr. Smalls,, but with Covid still very present in the nation they rescheduled the date for that March. The band, originally from Indiana, is known for incorporating electronic elements into its music. On 2016’s Eat the Light, the group tried something new: vocals, with a different guest musician on every track. Concerts include elaborate lighting and occasionally themed shows. One 2009 concert saw David Bowie costumes. The band members play covers as well as originals during themed shows. 2022’s Bloom & Recede is Lotus’s latest album. In 2023 they recorded a live album in Pittsburgh, Live from Steel City. They chose to record here as they consider Pittsburgh their second home. The album is a tribute to their late percussionist Chuck Morris, and his son Charlie. Both died while kayaking last year. It’s not New Years Eve, but you can see them at Stage AE. Lotus will perform another concert at Stage AE tomorrow night. Doors open at  7 p.m. 400 North Shore Ave., North Shore. (C.M., R.H.)

Art works by Howard Finster.

2) Art connoisseur/collector Pat McArdle  has curated eight one-night shows composed of works from his collection—some of which date back to the 1920’s. Each exhibition is uniquely themed and have over 40 original works. Tonight’s exhibition features works by the Warhola Family (Andy Warhol’s family) and the family of Howard Finster, a former Baptist teacher who turned to making sacred pop art. The Georgia artist rose to national fame after working with REM’s Michael Stipe to create a cover for their second recording, Reckoning. Paul Warhola helped pique brother Andy’s interest in art at a young age and is a talented artist in his own right. There will be a new exhibit on the next six Saturday nights. 6 to 9 p.m. John A. Hermann Memorial Art Museum, 318 Lincoln Avenue, Bellevue.

Paul Warhola art.

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