Motley Crue and Alice Cooper at First Niagara; Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang in Cultural District (CPs Wed., 8/13/14)

1)  Mötley Crüe (“Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Home Sweet Home“) joins with Alice Cooper for a hot night of 80’s hair band music and classic rock. Mötley Crüe, one of the best-selling bands of all-time, was formed in Los Angles in 1981 by Tommy Lee (drummer) and Nikki Sixx (bass). The band also includes Mick Mars (lead guitar) and Vince Neil (lead vocals). Mötley Crüe is known for living the rock ‘n roll lifestyle to the extreme. Tommy Lee was even married to Pamela Anderson of “Baywatch” TV fame. Band members have signed a cessation of touring under the name Mötley Crüe after 2015, so this could be the last time to see them under that banner.

Alice Cooper rose to fame in the 1970’s with hits “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “School’s Out,” and “I’m Eighteen.” When Cooper first got on the rock radar, he shocked not only with horror imagery, but also with how hard and well the band rocked, setting the stage for many rock/metal groups to follow. Tonight’s concert is sure to feature great rock ‘n roll music and theatrics. 7 p.m. First Niagara Pavilion, 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown.

2) Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang are bringing the culture of blues rock to the Cultural District tonight. Guy, ranked 30th on Rolling Stones’ 100 Greatest Guitarists of All-Time, has influenced other great guitarists on that same list, including Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. Guy is one of the most successful artists from the Chicago Blues style and was a member of the legendary Muddy Waters band. He also frequently teamed up with noted harmonica player the late Junior Wells. Two of Guys top songs are “Stone Crazy” and “Cut You Loose.”

Singer/guitar slinger Jonny Lang is known for his scorching riffs and bluesy vocals. Lang started playing guitar at the age of 12, mainly jamming on the porch of a friend’s family lake house in his native North Dakota. He joined the blues band of his guitar teacher, and the group was subsequently renamed Kid Jonny Lang & The Big Bang. His biggest hits are “Lie to Me,” “Longtime Coming,” and “Wander This World.” After turning his life around from substance abuse through religion, he even recorded a hit song of faith, “Turnaround.” He performed in Pittsburgh earlier this year in a Jimi Hendrix tribute band called the Experience Hendrix Tour. 7:45 p.m. Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., Cultural District.

3) Check out the Bluegrass Jam at the Park House. The Shelf Life String Band hosts this weekly event where you can relax and enjoy the music or join the jam. Either way, Yuengling pints are only $2 from 9 p.m. to midnight. Jam starts at 9 p.m. 403 E. Ohio St., North Side.

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