PSO Pays Tribute to Bee Gees in “Stayin’ Alive”; Project Pinata “Swings With a Blindfold” (CPs Thurs., 7/17/14)

1) The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra presents Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees at Heinz Hall. The Bee Gees likely don’t need much introduction—since their formation in 1958, they have achieved legendary status in the music world. Though the band—consisting primarily of brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb—was best known for a number of ubiquitous ‘70s disco hits, they also dabbled in an array of other genres, including rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, soul, and pop music. To this day, though both of his brothers are deceased, Barry Gibb (the source of the Bee Gees’ familiar falsetto sound) still actively tours the world. Tonight, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra celebrates the Bee Gees’ great legacy, performing hits like “You Should Be Dancing,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and, of course, “Stayin’ Alive.” 7:30 p.m. 600 Penn Ave., Cultural District.

2) Chamber Music Pittsburgh (formerly known as the Pittsburgh Chamber Music Society) brings David Cutler With Project Piñata to the Kelly Strayhorn Theater for “Swinging With a Blindfold.” This season marks Chamber Music Pittsburgh’s first after dropping “Society” from its name. “Swinging With a Blindfold” Features an eclectic, almost bizarre smattering of music ranging from Indian rhythms to techno grooves, from Bulgarian weddings to Radiohead, composer, pianist, and entrepreneur David Cutler brings audiences on a musical tour not only through space, but also time. Joined by violinist Erika Cutler. Each ticket includes light snacks and a free drink ticket. 7:30 p.m. 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty.

3) Stage 62 at the Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall performs Side Show. Conceived on Broadway, the musical Side Show tells the true story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, who grew to fame in the 1930s as members of a circus (you guessed it) sideshow. In the musical, vaudeville talent scout Terry Connor and musician Buddy Foster “rescue” Daisy and Violet from the sideshow and shape them into a smashingly successful vaudeville act. The twins, in spite of their physical connectedness, have disparate dreams; while one seeks wealth and recognition, the other seeks love—two problematic pursuits for women in their positions. At what cost does one with such a condition achieve fame? And on the other hand, how can one who is inextricably connected to her sibling hope to find true physical or romantic love? In our reality televised, Honey Boo Boo world, this production and its implications have never seemed more relevant. Stage 62 invites you to mull it over. Directed by Rob James. 8 p.m. Through July 27. 300 Beechwood Ave., Carnegie.

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