O.A.R. and Fitz and The Tantrums Play Stage AE; Picklesburgh Festival Begins (Thurs., 7/18/24)

1) What began as teenage time-passing in drummer Chris Culos’ Rockville, Md., basement soon became O.A.R.’s first album, The Wanderer—and the band’s been working ever since. With several platinum records, sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden, and ten acclaimed studio albums to date, O.A.R. shows us how to transcend the constrictions that eras and styles often bestow on contemporary music; as their acronym suggests, “Of a Revolution” does not allow the passage of time to quiet them. If you need proof, you can see them in concert at Stage AE and you’ll have a chance to see O.A.R. meld indie-alt-pop themes from the last two decades. The band’s latest album is 2022’s The Arcade. Fitz and The Tantrums first big success came in 2010 when the band broke out in 2010 when the album Pickin’ Up the Pieces reached number one on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart. The album generated several hits, including “MoneyGrabber,” “Don’t Gotta Work It Out,” and “Breakin’ the Chains of Love.” Fitz and the Tantrums followed up with 2013’s More Than Just a Dream. Its “Out of My League” also climbed the charts. Fitz and the Tantrums have grown into a more highly polished dance-pop sound and have lost some of their rawer musical power, but they are still a very interesting band to hear live. Their 2016 release, Fitz and The Tantrums, contained the hit single “HandClap.” Fitz and the Tantrums are touring in support of their latest LP, 2022’s Let Yourself Free. Doors at 6 p.m. DJ Logic opens. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (R.H.)

Picklesburgh—July 18 – 21. Boulevard of the Allies (Downtown)

What would Picklesburgh be without a pickle juice drinking contest? Whoever drinks their quart of juice the fastest is named the Mayor of Picklesburgh. (photo: Renee Rosensteel for the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership)

2) Sauerkraut. Kimchi. Dill-flavored popcorn. Deep-fried pickles. Pickle cocktails! It’s Picklesburgh. The ninth-annual, three-day, free event is now holding court in a new location on Boulevard of the Allies. If you can’t find it, look for the giant inflatable Heinz pickle (this year there are now two huge pickle inflatables), which resembles the company’s famous pickle pin. The festival recalls the city’s pickling history, which dates back to the 1800s, while also looking forward to our revitalized riverfronts and internationally recognized food scene. Enjoy free samples from area farms and restaurants, all of them offering their own take on pickled foods, before making the pickling purchase that’s right for you. Other “pickled” merchandise includes balloons and books. Chefs demonstrate how to pickle and can, and local musicians provide a pleasant soundtrack to your culinary wanderings. There’s a Lil Gherkins Activity Area for children. And, yes, the pickle juice drinking contest returns. This years there is Olympickle Games: “Watch the best and the briniest compete for a shot at gherkin glory.” Picklesburgh was three-times voted the No. 1 Best Specialty Food Festival in America in a USA Today readers choice contest. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership organizes the event with the help of numerous sponsors including Kraft Heinz. Thursday through Saturday, Noon – 10 p.m.; Sunday, Noon – 6 p.m. Downtown. (C.M., R.H.)

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