Peter Wolf of J. Geils Band Fame at Jergel’s; Club Cafe Hosts Alejandro Escovedo (Tues., 11/22/16)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJzsGpVH-b4

1) Peter Wolf began his artistic life not in music but in painting. He was a student at Boston Museum School of Fine Arts, but attendance at a loft party would change everything. While at the party, he jumped on stage to sing with the blues band, The Hallucinations. He later convinced the group to have him as a full-time member. In 1967, he and other Boston-based musicians formed a different group: The J. Geils Band, whose name comes from guitarist J. Geils. They recorded and performed blues rock, with vocalist Wolf and keyboardist Seth Justman the principal songwriters. Shortly after a shift to new-wave and the No. 1 hit “Centerfold,” Wolf left to pursue a highly successful solo career, beginning with 1984’s Lights Out. At 70, Wolf continues to record and perform music. His newest album is this year’s A Cure for Loneliness. He and his backing band, The Midnight Travelers, come to Jergel’s Rhythm Grille. 8 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale.

2) Alejandro Escovedo’s career spans multiple genres: rock, punk, Americana, alt-country. All of it, though, is music of the heartland … and the soul. He started in The Nuns, a punk group from San Francisco. In the ‘80s, after moving back to Texas, his home state, he played in Rank and File and The True Believers, bands with more of a country sound to them. 1992’s Gravity was Escovedo’s debut solo album. Although Escovedo has skirted the mainstream, many musicians, such as Bruce Springsteen, were “Always a Friend.” Other friends (and fans) include R.E.M.’s Peter Buck and The Minus 5’s Scott McCaughey, both of whom co-wrote and produced Escovedo’s newest album, this year’s Burn Something Beautiful. His family includes niece Sheila E. (The “E” is short for “Escovedo.”) She is a noted drummer and singer and was a frequent collaborator with the late Prince. Alejandro Escovedo will perform at Club Cafe this month. Jesse Malin (Duo) opens. 8 p.m. 56 – 58 S. 12th St., South Side. (CM)

3) As a sign of Pittsburgh’s growing cultural diversification, Nepali cuisine has been cropping up around the Steel City, with the North Side’s Subba generating some serious buzz among foodies. Quick geography primer: Nepal, home of Mt. Everest, is a country bordering India to the northeast. Unsurprisingly, then, Nepali food is reminiscent of Indian food. But, if you’re a Pittsburgher looking for something more familiar, something, say, pierogi-like, try momo—Nepalese dumplings filled with chicken and spices. Get them pan-fried or steamed. Other popular favorites include mango lassi (a yogurt-based drink) and a variety of meat and vegetarian dinner plates. Subba also serves Indian and Chinese dishes. Although the restaurant’s inside decor may be bare, it’s the food that’s bursting with color. 700 Cedar Ave., North Side. (CM)

Share on Social Media