Luke Bryan in Concert at 1846 Farms; Syracuse vs. Pitt at Acrisure; Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival Begins (Thurs., 9/17/26)

THE LUKE BRYAN CONCERT FOR TONIGHT IS CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER*****

1) One of the biggest acts in country music, Luke Bryan, visits Latrobe’s 1846 Farms on his 2026 Farm Tour.. Bryan began as a Nashville songwriter for the likes of Travis Tritt and Billy Currington, then proved more than capable of stepping into the spotlight himself. Since his debut EP All My Friends Say in 2006, he has won five Entertainer of the Year Awards, from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association combined. More often seen in a baseball hat than a cowboy hat, Bryan became a fan favorite with his cheerful aura and songs about some pretty popular themes: “Wild Weekend,” “Cold Beer Drinker,” etc. “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)” went triple platinum in 2014 and he’s had a couple of dozen more singles topping the charts. Along with his music career, Bryan is a generous philanthropist and a sharp businessman—business degree from Georgia Southern, folks. His eighth studio album is 2024’s Mind of a Country Boy, and he’s also released seven compilation albums, of which the most recent (2022) is Prayin’ in a Deer Stand. Actually it’s the deer that ought to be praying, but maybe Luke puts in a good word for the creature. He is an uplifting kind of guy. The latest LP from Luke is Signs, scheduled to be released one day after his Latrobe show. Look for some brandy new songs on the set list. Also on the bill are DASHA, Kenny Whitmire, Peach Pickers, and DJ R.O.C.K. Tickets are still available. 5 p.m. 412 Bell Memorial Church Rd,. Latrobe (C.M., M.V.)

2) Look out The Pitt Panthers are now 2-0 with wins against Miami (Ohio) and UCF. Tonight they will head into ACC Conference play with a game against Syracuse at Acrisure Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Next up is another home game, against Bucknell on Saturday, September 26. 100 Art Rooney Ave., North Shore.

Thursday through Sunday, September 17 – 20

3) The time is at hand when you can hear more good jazz for less money. Most events at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival are free, and this year’s festival—the 16th—offers a wide variety of acts and styles. The theme is Our America250 and, according to the Festival, the diverse lineup explores “how jazz, blues, rock, soul, gospel, hip hop and jazz-adjacent musical styles have shaped American culture and global trends.” One headliner is vocalist Samara Joy, who performs a sold-out show in the August Wilson African American Cultural Center on Friday night. Free acts include drummer and bandleader Nate Smith, Pittsburgh’s own bassist/composer Dwayne Dolphin, longtime gospel-soul-fusion favorites Annie & the Caldwells, mystical singer-songwriter Lady Blackbird (featured in the video above), legendary DJ Kid Capri, and more. 

The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival is hosted by the August Wilson Center and co-presented by Highmark. Special ticketed events on Thursday and Friday evening typically sell out. But the big draws are the outdoor concerts on Liberty Avenue, outside the Center, and they’re all free of charge. These begin on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m. and last into the evening. Check the festival website for artist bios and schedule info, then arrive early for the artists you want to see. Folding chairs are welcome while pets, weapons, and drones are not. 980 Liberty Ave. and nearby, Cultural District. (M.V.)

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