Luke Bryan in Concert at KeyBank Pavilion; Bill Toms and Hard Rain Plays Nied’s Hotel; Pgh Symphony at South Park (Sat., 6/30/18)

1) One of the biggest acts in country music, Luke Bryan, hits the region on his What Makes You Country Tour. Early in his career, Bryan earned his keep as a Nashville songwriter by penning tunes for the likes of Travis Tritt and Billy Currington. He proved to be more than capable of stepping into the spotlight himself, winning the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year award in 2015. More often seen in a baseball hat than a cowboy hat, Bryan has become a fan favorite by writing music that deals with some pretty popular themes (see tracks like “Wild Weekend,” “Cold Beer Drinker,” and “I’m Hungover”). “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)” went triple platinum and is the third-best-selling song by a male country artist. Bryan also won the Billboard Music Award for Top Country Artist in 2016, and the following year, he became a judge on “American Idol.” Bryan’s latest album is What Makes You Country, released in 2017.  He performs at Heinz Field. Sam Hunt, Jon Pardi, and Morgan Wallen open. Pittsburgh’s rising talent Gabby Barrett will also perform. 5 p.m. 100 Art Rooney Ave., North Shore. (EC, CM)

Luke Bryan accepting an award from the Academy of Country Music. photo: Keith Hinkle, w.c.c.

2) Bill Toms and Hard Rain with the Soulville Horns will be rockn’ out Nied’s Hotel tonight. Toms’s slightly raspy, deeply soulful voice and his guitar playing prowess combine with the drums, horns, and rest of the band to create a hot rock sound. Their latest release is Good For My Soul. The band also recorded a recent concert at Club Cafe, so look for a live album or some live tracks to come out sometime in the future. Music begins at 7 p.m. Toms’ next Pittsburgh gig will be at Club Cafe on July 5. 5438 Butler St., Lawrenceville.

Bill Toms plays some killer lead guitar riffs (c.) while Hard Rain and the Soulville Horns jam on at the Moondog’s Holiday Rock party.

3) The world-renowned Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will dazzle the crowd tonight with an outdoor show at South Park as part of the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series. This free concert will include orchestral and patriotic music. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a night of classical music under the stars. 8:15 p.m. 100 Farmshow Dr, South Park Township.

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