Pop-rocker Caroline Rose Plays TRAF; ‘Lush Life Tribute to Billy Strayhorn’ at Carnegie Stage (Sat., 6/12/21)

Caroline Rose. (photo: Cara Robbins)

1) The 10-day Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival is Pittsburgh’s largest and grandest summer celebration. After last year’s Festival had to go online-only, this year it returns as a “hybrid” affair—live and in person (with Covid precautions) for those wish to come, with some attractions also online. The ever-popular Artist Market features handmade arts, crafts, and wearables on sale in over 150 booths. An even larger selection, from more than 200 artists in all, will be viewable and buyable online.  Tonight’s mainstage headliner is the lively pop-rocker Caroline Rose. She will perform at 7:30 p.m. A varied lineup of Pittsburgh-based talent will also perform at the Allegheny Overlook Pop-Up Park, alongside the river of that name. Live performances are free at either venue, and there’s a separate slate of performers coming together for the 24/7 Virtual Stage. Last but not least, juried and invited visual arts will be displayed at various Cultural Trust galleries in the Cultural District. A number of events and attractions were still in the planning stages as opening day approached, so see the Festival website for latest updates. Festival ends tomorrow. (M.V.)

2) Noted Pittsburgh jazz cabaret singer and band leader, Phat Man Dee, has created Lush Life—A Pride Month Tribute to Billy Strayhorn. Strayhorn was a top composer and arranger who created songs for Duke Ellington for almost three decades. Top hits for Ellington, and Strayhorn, were “Take the A Train,” “Chelsea Bridge,” and “Lush Life.” Growing up in Homewood, Strayhorn went to Westinghouse High School. He also met Ellington here in Pittsburgh after a performance and that led to them working together. Featured musicians for the tribute include: Max Leake, Lars Swanson, Brian E. Edwards, Reggie Watkins, and Don Aliquo Sr. Vocalists for the event  include Patrick Arena, Fred Pugh, Windafire, Gabriella Salvucci, and Esai Aliquo-Varela. The tribute will be both live in-person and via zoom. For tickets and more information visit Phat Man Dee’s event web page. 7 p.m. Carnegie Stage, 25 W. Main St., Carnegie.

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