Noah Kahan Plays PNC Park; Pittsburgh Symphony in Concert at South Park; Unblurred on Penn Avenue (Fri., 7/3/26)

1) What makes Noah Kahan special is where he’s coming from. Part of that is geographic, because he’s not like country music stars who celebrate their down-home roots in the South or the West. Kahan hails from Vermont, where he grew up not on a ranch but on a tree farm. The title of his new album—this year’s The Great Divide—refers not to the famous watershed line that runs along the Rocky Mountains, but to the Vermont-New Hampshire state line. Further, though Kahan has a sizable country-music fanbase, his genre is more general and he’s also popular among college students, who say his music resonates deeply with young people’s heartfelt emotions. And that is the real key to this singer-songwriter’s appeal. More than his twangy tunes and remarkable high-pitched voice, it’s how he sings of the great divides within each of us—the feelings and forces that tug us in different directions, yet may somehow add up to make us whole. Noah Kahan’s concert at PNC Park is officially sold out, but hardcore fans will find ways to aftermarket their way in. Guest artists are Gigi Perez and Annabelle Dinda. 6:30 p.m. 115 Federal St., North Shore. (M.V.)

2) On Friday, July 3 at South Park, the symphony takes center stage with substantial works from a varied slate of composers and American patriots. Beginning with Glinka’s “Overture to Ruslan and Ludmila,” the concert includes works from Williams, Copland, Sousa, and Pittsburgh’s own Henry Mancini. PSO violinist Ilkhom Mukhiddinov will be featured on two pieces by Ponce and Sarasate. And the concert will conclude with Sousa’s rousing march, “Stars and Stripes Forever.” It’s all free to the public, but check out Allegheny County’s park rules for bringing lawn chairs, blankets, and food, then get settled by 8:15 pm. 

Unblurred: First Fridays on Penn — monthly gallery crawl and street fair.

3) Persons wishing to experience Pittsburgh’s summertime pleasures in the relative cool of the evening will do well to take part in the monthly Unblurred events along Penn Avenue in Garfield. They’re on the first Friday of each month. And what’s up is quite a lot. Many art galleries along the street are open, as are other shops, eateries, and so forth. Some have music or performances. The Garfield Night Market, with stalls and vendors selling a wide spectrum of foods and crafts, operates in conjunction with Unblurred. Above all, Unblurred is a fine occasion to simply hang out, mill about, and enjoy. 3 p.m. till 11 p.m., 4800 through 5500 blocks of Penn Ave., Garfield. (M.V.)

Share on Social Media