Michael McDonald in Concert at CHMH; Chinese Culture and Dance Spectacular Shen Yun at Benedum (Tues., 5/8/18)

1) Ever since the 1980s, when he was in his early 30s, Michael McDonald has had the stern visage and silvery-grey mane of hair that make him look like the professor you don’t mess with. He has long employed a serious tenor-baritone voice to lecture audiences on the fallacies of “What a Fool Believes,” his big 1979 hit as featured vocalist of The Doobie Brothers. Prior to his tenured position with The Doobies, McDonald performed doctorate research as a backup vocalist with Steely Dan. And since leaving The Doobies he has had a distinguished career of more than three decades as an independent scholar, singing solo as well as collaborating with many renowned colleagues. Professor McDonald’s recent publications include Wide Open, a 2017 release which features reflective essays on addiction and sobriety, set to music of course. Dr. McDonald will present a review of his most significant work in an open-to-the-public session at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall. 7:30 p.m. 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. (MV)

2) In what is becoming an annual custom, the Shen Yun Performing Arts troupe visits Pittsburgh. The company’s feature-length shows may seem, at first, like a cross between Bollywood spectacle and some odd hybrid of Western dance, but they are distinctly Chinese. The performers’ mesmerizing movements and astounding leaps are from classical Chinese dance, which evolved over the millennia to incorporate elements of martial arts, acrobatics, storytelling pantomime, and spiritual expression. Audiences will see these elements combined with modern stagecraft in ensemble pieces that evoke a wide range of emotional effects. 7:30 p.m. Continues through May 10. Benedum Center, 237 7^th St., Cultural District. (MV)

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