Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hank Williams Jr., 38 Special, and Marshall Tucker Band Play KeyBank; Arts Festival on Walnut Street Starts (Sat., 8/25/18)

1) Southern rock legend Lynyrd Skynyrd, famous for “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird”—among many other hits—is one of those classic classic rock bands, which have attained an extremely high place in the American rock canon. In 1969 they changed their name to Lynryd Skynrd in mocking tribute to their tough Jacksonville, Florida, high school gym teacher, Leonard Skinner. After much success the band tragically suffered extensive casualties including Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines who were taken too early by a plane crash in 1977. Still, in spite of losses and long hiatuses over the years, the group continues to rock arenas, amphitheaters, and ballparks nationwide. Skynyrd original member Gary Rossington leads a “new” Skynyrd, which includes Ronnie Van Zant’s younger brother Johnny, and longtime member Rickey Medlocke.

Lynyrd Skynyrd is on its Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour. This writer saw them in concert at the end of July in Cleveland and the latest iteration of Skynyrd still sounds amazing. And they do have one of the best encore songs ever. The group plays Keybank Pavilion with Hank Williams, Jr., 38 Special, and The Marshall Tucker Band opening. This show promises to be a night of southern rock for the ages. 6 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown.

Lynyrd Skynyrd at the end of a set in New Brockton, Alabama in 2008. (Photo: jayuzi and Wikipedia).

August is a great month for strolling the tree lined streets of Shadyside and enjoying the fine arts and crafts during the Art Festival on Walnut. (Photo: Rick Handler)

2) The Art Festival on Walnut Street takes over the main thoroughfare in the popular Pittsburgh neighborhood of Shadyside and is celebrating its 22nd Anniversary. Enjoy beautiful and interesting works of art created by some of the best local and national artists. While there treat yourself to a tasty meal and some beverages at a Walnut Street eatery including The Steel Cactus, Pamela’s, Cappy’s, Cafe Moulin, Mercurio’s, China Palace, Girasole, Le Madis Gras, Le Feria, Mario’s Eastside Saloon, The William Penn Tavern, The Yard, and Sushi Two.  10 a.m. – 7 p.m., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. tomorrow. Free. Walnut Street between Aiken and Negley Avenues.

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