Mary Chapin Carpenter in Concert at Byham; Dr. Dog is in at Stage AE; Swingtet 8 and Car Cruise at Hartwood (Sun., 6/17/18)

1) The music of singer/songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter comes from the heart of the country. Actually, she hails from Princeton, New Jersey, but her 2012 induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame pretty much certified her status as a heartland hero. Hits like “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her” and “Grow Old With Me” helped her become a household name in the world of country folk music. Carpenter has won five Grammy Awards. Her latest album is this year’s Sometimes Just the Sky, and she visits us to perform at the Byham Theater. 7:30 p.m. 101 6th St., Cultural District. (MV)

2) The doctor is in this month at Stage AE—Dr. Dog that is. The group hails from West Grove, Pennsylvania, and specializes in rock music with strong crystalline vocals and tight harmonies, such as those that can be heard on “Broken Heart.” 2018’s Critical Equation is their latest release. (Sandy) Alex G opens. Doors open 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (EC, CM)

3) Crowds don’t lie. When people with lawn chairs start arriving in bright daylight to get prime spots for evening outdoor concerts, it’s because the music is good—and free. Allegheny County sponsors weekly concerts all summer in two locations: 7:30 p.m. on Fridays at South Park Amphitheater, and 7:30 p.m. Sundays at Hartwood Acres Amphitheater. Performers are a mix of Pittsburgh-based and touring talent across a wide range of genres. The lineup at South Park in early-to-midsummer includes shows by Pittsburgh Opera, The Tamburitzans (international folk music and dance), pop balladeer Chris Jamison, and rockers Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors. At Hartwood Acres in June and July, featured acts include the River City Brass Band, singer/songwriter Lera Lynn, funk artists The Original Lakeside—and, on Father’s Day, an afternoon vintage “Car Cruise” followed by an evening concert with swing band Swingtet 8, joined by oldies practitioner Johhny Angel and jazz vocalist Mary Ann Mangini. 3700 Farmshow Dr., South Park Twp., and 4070 Middle Rd., Allison Park. (MV)

4) Sunday mornings in summer mean church to some Pittsburghers, sleep-ins to others … and to many who address such needs without impinging on late morning, Sundays mean Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch. This popular outdoor pleasantry is sponsored by WQED-FM. Fans congregate at the East End’s lovely Mellon Park, bringing brunch or buying bagels from the vendor in attendance. Musicians play classical airs, which may have been composed by artists other than Bach or Beethoven, but are gladly received nonetheless. The performers vary from week to week. Shadyside Brass begins the season June 17, followed by Klezlectic, and then onward into August. 10:30 a.m. to noon each Sunday. Mellon Park, 1047 Shady Ave., where Point Breeze meets Squirrel Hill. (MV)

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