R. Kelly Performs at Benendum; PPG Hosts Chance the Rapper (Sat., 5/20/17)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFosUj6A22c

1) For those who lost count, 33 chapters exist of R. Kelly’s hip-hopera, “Trapped in the Closet.” Released from 2005 to 2012, the chapters detail a one-night stand, which quickly evolves into an epic detailing a sprawling cast, their overlapping affairs, and Rosie, the nosy neighbor. The first five chapters are the last five songs on 2005’s TP.3 Reloaded. Music videos were filmed for every chapter. “Trapped in the Closet” isn’t Kelly’s only contribution to the zeitgeist. His song “I Believe I Can Fly” won three Grammy awards and was ranked number 406 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It first appeared in Space Jam. Kelly also taught us what an echo is. His latest album is 2016’s 12 Nights of Christmas. I would write that he probably won’t sing any cuts from it for his May performance at the Benedum Center, but with this guy, you never know. Vivian Green opens. 8 p.m. 237 7th St., Cultural District. (CM)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfaKtyWlrlM

2) Chance the Rapper started this year by winning the Grammy for Best Rap Album for his 2016 mixtape, Coloring Book. That mixtape beat albums by many of his forebears including De La Soul and Kanye West. Coloring Book, besides being a perfect melding of gospel and hip-hop, achieved many firsts. It was the first streaming-only album to win a Grammy, and it was the first to chart on the Billboard 200, peaking at eight. It might be his most successful release so far, but it’s not the only one to garner acclaim. His second mixtape, 2013’s Acid Rap, caught the ears of many new listeners. Chance, a Chicago native, met Illinois governor Bruce Rauner in March to discuss funding for Chicago Public Schools. Later that month, Pitchfork reported Chance had raised $2.2 million for CPS. He began a spring tour in April, one which takes him to PPG Paints Arena. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (CM)

3) Throughout grade school and high school Marc Reisman was a clarinet player. When he entered college, he moved toward rock and roll, and the clarinet went on the shelf.  He was planning to go to law school when a somewhat fortuitous event happened. Two kids stopped him in the street and asked him if he’d like to buy a harmonica. He did, and as they say, the rest is history. He started listening to great harmonica players including Junior Wells, Paul Butterfield, and Magic Dick of J. Geils Band fame. He played in a few blues bands and then joined a rock band called Brick Alley. The band was led by a guitar player named Joe Grushecky. The band turned into the Iron City Houserockers and later Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers. Reisman played with the band on and off throughout the years. He even would eventually go to law school and became an attorney. Reisman has recorded an album with songs reflecting the various types of music he has played over the years including rock, pop, blues, reggae, and R&B. On Strong Way, his new release, he plays harmonica and is the lead vocalist. Reisman co-wrote most of the new songs with Pittsburgh musician Kurt Resch and enjoined Rick Witkowski and the Steeltown Horns with Tony Resch to play on the album and in his band for the album release party at Club Cafe. 10:30 p.m., 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side.

4) Alba Flamenca, a Pittsburgh based flamenco music group performs tonight at James Simon Studio Gallery. The group is composed of Jon Bañuelos, James Bond, Luke Savage, Barb York, and Carolina Loyola-Garcia. They will be joined by a male Cuban flamenco dancer, Hansel Correa. A fun night of music and dance. There will be an after party as well. Space is limited so an advance ticket is suggested. 7:30 pm. 305 Gist St., Uptown.

5) Our Pirates take on the Philadelphia Phillies. Hey folks you’ll probably especially want to go to this game with its super premium promotional tchotchke—a Bob Walk Chair-Tip Bobblechair! Additionally It’s a Scratch’n Win Saturday. 4:05 p.m. PNC Park, 115 Federal St., North Shore.

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