Preservation Hall Jazz Band in Concert at Three Rivers Arts Fest; Petersen Events Center Hosts Jon Pardi; Grushecky & Houserockers (Fri., 6/6/25)

1) The history of jazz is so rich and varied, and its impacts on other kinds of music have been so far-reaching, that it’s hard to believe this musical form is only a little more than a century old. Jazz emerged during the years around 1900, in New Orleans. It was a bewitching brew from the start, created by African-American musicians who blended the sacred and the profane, drawing on sources that ranged from uplifting spirituals to naughty ragtime. And now—at a price that’s absolutely free—Pittsburghers can enjoy modern renditions of vintage New Orleans jazz. We are privileged to have the famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band performing live and in vibrant personhood at the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival. The PHJB previously visited here in 2019, on the heels of their rollicking film A Tuba to Cuba, which documented the band’s visit to Havana and Santiago to jam with Cuban musicians and singers. This time, expect to hear the Preservation Hall Jazz Band taking music into realms you might not expect. 7:30 p.m. Dollar Bank Main Stage, Waterfront Pl. between 15th and 16th Sts., Strip District. (MV) 

2) Jon Pardi rose to country music success by way of Dixon, California. While in High School there he started writing songs and formed a band. After High School he found his way to Nashville to pursue his music career. Several years after starting out he opened for the likes of Dierks Bentley. Soon he was playing for more big headliners. He’s been very successful too, becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opery and has had 11 songs that have charted on the Billboard Hot Country Chart, four of which even reached no.1 on that chart. In 2017 he won best new artist categories of the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Awards. Honkytonk Hollywood, released in April is Pardi’s fifth studio album. Pardi has said, it’s the “most grown-up record I’ve ever made.” Happily married with two young daughters will often change a man’s perspective on things. Pardi is playing the Petersen Events Center. Corey Kent and Kassi Ashton open. 7 p.m. 3719 Terrace St., Oakland. (R.H.)

Allegheny County Free Concerts — All summer, South Park and Hartwood Acres.

3) Crowds don’t lie. When people with lawn chairs start arriving in bright daylight to get prime spots for evening outdoor concerts, it’s because the music is good—and free. Allegheny County sponsors weekly concerts all summer in two locations: 7:30 p.m. on Fridays at South Park Amphitheater and 7:30 p.m. Sundays at Hartwood Acres Amphitheater. Performers are a mix of Pittsburgh-based and touring talent across a wide range of genres. Early season highlights include Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers (this evening at South Park), Pittsburgh Opera, The Skyliners, Red Baraat, Randall Baumann’s Ramble, The Vindy’s, River City Brass, and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Food trucks, Black Dog Winery, and Hop Farm Brewing will be at all concerts starting at 6:00 pm. 3700 Farmshow Dr., South Park Twp., and 4070 Middle Rd., Allison Park. (M.V., R.H.)

Share on Social Media