Luke Bryan Performs Second Concert at First Niagara; The Crane Wives Play Pittsburgh Winery (Sat., 8/1/15)

1) One of the biggest acts in country music, Luke Bryan, hits the region on his Kick the Dust Up tour for back-to-back concert performances. Since 2009, the native Georgian has been on a tear with eleven songs rising to number one on the U.S. Country charts. “Country Girl (Shake it for Me)” went triple platinum and is the third-best-selling song by a male country artist. 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 has proved to be more than capable of stepping into the spotlight himself, winning the 2013 Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year award. 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”). Luke Bryan will be joined by Randy Houser and Dustin Lynch at First Niagara Pavilion. 7 p.m.  There is a second concert on August 1. 665 Pennsylvania 18, Burgettstown.

2) Coyote Stories, the new album from indie-folk band The Crane Wives, is not out until August 29 (it’s available for pre-order), but you can listen to the first single, “Sleeping Giants,” on their website—and while you do, gaze in appreciation at the beautifully illustrated cover art by artist Rebecca Green, who also provided the covers for the band’s first two albums. “Sleeping Giants” is a foot-stomping celebration, featuring the band’s signature three-part harmonies and Celtic-influenced style, and is sure to get the crowd moving at Pittsburgh Winery. The four-piece from Grand Rapids, Michigan, have been particularly prolific this year—they’ve recorded two new full-length albums, including Coyote Stories. The second of what they’re calling “sister albums” will be released in February. The Crane Wives have been playing together since 2010, when duo Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury (both guitar and vocals) combined with college friends and bandmates Tom Gunnels (banjo) and Dan Rickabus (drums and vocals), and later adding Ben Zito (bass). Gunnels has since left, but the band continues as a four-piece. Brandon Wallace Muske opens. 9 p.m. 2815 Penn Ave., Strip District. (HM)

3) As part of her act, comedian Loni Love, who visits The Improv this week, gives dating advice. (With a name like that, how could she not?) In her book, Love Him or Leave Him, but Don’t Get Stuck With the Tab, Love takes inquiries and shoots from the hip. For example, “Getting an ‘F’ in Fun” asked how she could get out of her tiring routine as a teacher and date again. Love answered with a rambling, depressing story about the time she found herself almost buying a sex toy from a telemarketer. “[W]hen I got off the phone, I realized it was time to make some changes. I needed to make time for a social life and to meet a man with a real penis,” she writes. It’s that kind of blunt, working-class grit acquired through years of working as an engineer that Love discusses topics ranging from Brown Liquor to Barack Obama’s lack of dance skills. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Shows through Sunday. 166 E. Bridge St., Homestead.

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