Mariah Carey in Concert at PPG Paints Arena; Kansas in Pittsburgh at Benedum Center (Wed., 12/11/24)

1) Mariah Carey is an amazing American pop vocalist. Having been blessed with a five-octave vocal range singing voice, she has had fantastic success on the song charts. Among Carey’s many accomplishments: Her first album topped the US Billboard 200 for 11 consecutive weeks. She was the first and only artist to have their first five singles reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and her “One Sweet Day” (with Boyz II Men) became the longest-running U.S. number-one single in history. Carey has won five Grammy Awards, 10 American Music Awards, 19 World Music Awards, and a staggering 20 Billboard Music Awards. She also has overcome obstacles, including a period of emotional exhaustion from her bipolar II disorder. Nor is Carey the least bit shy about extending her legacy. Her autobiography is titled The Meaning of Mariah Carey. She’s known as a gay icon and a femininity (as distinct from feminist) icon, and in 2021 she tried (unsuccessfully) to trademark her unofficial title as the “Queen of Christmas.” Mariah Carey visits Pittsburgh on her Christmas Time Tour. 7:30 p.m. PPG Paints Arena, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (R.H., M.V.)

2) Prog-rock group Kansas, is actually from Kansas, Topeka specifically. The group has a heartland rock sound that was a sweet mix of vocal harmonies, keyboards, guitars, drums, and violin. Kansas didn’t get a really big taste of success until the albums Leftoverture (1976) and Point of Know Return (1977), with hit singles: “Carry On Wayward Son,” “Point of Know Return,” and “Dust in the Wind.” Kansas has generated three multi-platinum albums. Their latest release is 2020’s, The Absence of Presence. The band is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Several members have left the band or have passed on. Two original members remain, the group is still very popular. Expect to hear top Kansas songs and deep cuts. 7:30 p.m. Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Cultural District. (R.H.)

Kansas, the last show of the Another Fork in the Road Kansas 50th Anniversary Tour. (Photo: Courtesy of the artist)

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