Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival at Shrine Pavilion; JAMBREWZLE at Four Seasons Brewing; OpenStreetsPGH (Sat., 7/30/22)

1) The annual Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival will take place today and tomorrow at the Syria Shrine Center Pavilion in Cheswick. The strong lineup of blues musicians includes headliners Mike Zito (Saturday) and Tinsley Ellis (Sunday). Also on the bill is The Nighthawks with special guest Billy Price, Buffalo Rose, Kenny Blake and the New Hip, Norman Nardini, Miss Freddye Blues Band, The Compadres, Band Together Pittsburgh Performers, and more. 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. The nonprofit groups Band Together Pittsburgh and the Autism Society of Pittsburgh are the beneficiaries of the event. There will also be performances from musicians on the autism spectrum. The festival is produced in association with Ron Esser, owner of Moondog’s Pub and John Vento. Syria Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way, Cheswick. 

2) It’s time for JAMBREWZLE, a music and art festival today on the grounds of Four Seasons Brewing Company in Latrobe. The music component of the fest is filled with several skilled bands and performers. Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors will be in concert (7:30 p.m.) at the festival. Donovan is a founding member of the Pittsburgh super group, Rusted Root. Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors play a certain style of jam rock. It has been described as, “A blend of rhythm heavy roots rock, with a strong dose of big barreling drums.” Their goal is to get people on the dance floor and have a good time. The group is having a busy summer with many concerts. The Derek Woods Band is one of the top Americana/rock bands in the region. DWB started in Los Angeles in 2012, but Woods moved to Pittsburgh to establish a strong home base and build a band with top area talent. The Derek Woods Band tours nationally.  Their latest album, Picture Yourself, is out now on the major streaming services. DWB headlines the festival (9:30 p.m.) and are celebrating their 10 year anniversary. Accompanying them is Mike Minda of The Commonheart. Free Admission, all ages welcome. Live Music, craft brews, vendors, food trucks, fire performers and more. Noon to 11 p.m. 745 Lloyd Ave. Ext., Latrobe.

The Strip District was crowded with bikes, walkers, and shoppers during OpenStreetsPGH. (photo: Heather McCracken)

3) OpenStreetsPGH is a fun event during which neighborhood streets are closed to auto traffic in certain parts of the city, so people can roll on through, whether biking, walking, or skateboarding. Today’s event travels through the East End. The 4.4 mile loop connects Homewood, Larimer, East Liberty, Shadyside, and North Point Breeze. There will be plenty of fun activities in each neighborhood. For more info, check out the OpenStreetsPGH website. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (R.H.)

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