Neil Diamond in Concert at Consol; “Dirty Dancing” Opens Tonight (CPs Tues., 4/7/15)

1) He learned his chops as a songwriter in New York’s legendary Brill Building. He’s got a voice that has landed him on various lists of “best baritones in non-classical music.” He has sold more records than Springsteen or Dylan. He is in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—and for one night only this spring, Neil Diamond is in Pittsburgh, at Consol Energy Center. Be prepared to sing along with Neil if needed, as you can bet he will do the song that’s become the unofficial anthem of sports teams from the Boston Red Sox to the Pitt football Panthers: “Sweet Caroline.” 8 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

2) Let’s correct an urban legend, please. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” the closing number from Dirty Dancing, is NOT the most popular song played at funerals in the U.K. That honor belongs to Eric Idle’s “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” But for a night at the theater, rather than a funeral, the stage version of Dirty Dancing might be your ticket. It’s a live adaptation of the 1987 film about a teenager and a dance instructor that has been variously called one of the best movies ever, and one of the cheesiest. A North American touring company brings it to Benedum Center with all of the rock-pop oldies and dramatic energy that made this story the stuff of legend. 7:30 p.m. Performances through Sunday. 237 7^th St., Cultural District.

3) Pittsburgh native Jevon Rushton headlines today’s installment of the weekly jazz series at the Backstage Bar. Rushton has been playing drums since he could hold a stick, reportedly blowing away audiences since he was six. He attended the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School, where he studied under Roger Humphries, another Pittsburgh native and jazz-drumming luminary. In his brief career Rushton has received multiple awards and performed with the likes of Kirk Franklin, Sean Jones, and Dwayne Dolphin. He will be performing at 5 p.m. at the Backstage Bar in Theater Square. Free. 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District.

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