Pablo Cruise Plays The Palace; Old 97’s Pull Into Mr. Smalls (CPs Wed., 6/4/14)

1) When fans asked who Pablo was, members of the soft rock group Pablo Cruise would respond, “He’s the guy in the middle.” Truthfully, there was no Pablo or even a Cruise. Instead, there was David Jenkins, Cory Lerios, Steve Price, and the late bassist Bud Cockrell. The original line-up, plus Larry Antonino on bass, will bring hits such as “A Place in the Sun” and “Whatcha Gonna Do?” to The Palace Theatre. Even if you have never heard Pablo Cruise’s blend of California guitar and meditative lyrics, you have probably at least heard Lerios’s solo work. Lerios has scored several films and television shows, including NBC’s” Baywatch.” After calling it quits in 1986, Pablo Cruise returned in 2004, and the band has been touring successfully ever since. 8 p.m. 21 West Otterman St., Greensburg.

2) Critics classify the music of Old 97’s as alternative country-rock, although guitarist Rhett Miller has simply called it “loud folk.” Regardless of what to call their music, the band’s been making it for over 20 years. Throughout their career, they also have dipped into many other genres, including pop. They come to Mr. Smalls in support of their tenth studio album, Most Messed Up. The album features a more raucous sound, with guest appearances by Tommy Stinson, of the Replacements and Guns N’ Roses, and Jon Rauhouse, who has played with Neko Case. Bassist Murry Hammond reached into his childhood obsession with trains to name the band. Their name pays homage to the country ballad “Wreck of the Old 97,” a song about an infamous train derailment. Opening is Lydia Loveless. 8 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale.

3) Ceramics is one of the more expensive arts. Those who have some ceramic experience but lack the assets to buy a kiln can come to open ceramic studio hours at the Union Project, an East End arts and events center. For $10 an hour, customers can get access to tools, a kiln, and up to 12 pounds of clay. The studio has electric potter’s wheels and kick wheels for traditionalists. Typically, customers will shape their pieces and give them to the Union Project to fire, return in a week to add a glaze, and then the finished creations are theirs! They need not follow this timeline, though, and can experiment. The staff notes that the studio is ideal for those who have some knowledge of working with clay, as there are no teachers. However, a monitor is available to show customers around. Tuesday 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; Wednesday 6–9 p.m.; Saturday 12–3 p.m. 801 North Negley Ave., Highland Park.

4) At Phipps Conservatory, you can do more than just stop to smell the roses. You can buy organic and certified naturally grown produce as part of Farmers at Phipps. This vibrant farmers’ market, now in its sixth year, occurs every Wednesday afternoon from now thru October. You can find it on Phipps’ sustainably managed front lawn, along with the usual gardens and plant beds. There is no charge to patronize the market and if visitors wish, they can tour the actual conservatory at a later date. In addition to produce, the market includes items such as honey, and even more unique foodstuffs, such as maple granola. All farmers are from the region and are on hand to answer any questions about their food. 2:30–6:30 p.m. One Schenley Park, Oakland.

Share on Social Media