Rachael Yamagata in Concert at Club Cafe; Byham Hosts Hal Holbrook’s ‘Mark Twain’ Tonight’ (Thurs., 10/15/15)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuLRZD1m14w

1) Singer/songwriter Rachael Yamagata has a breathy, sometimes-plaintive and sometimes-rocking style that is somewhat reminiscent of Edie Brickell … except Yamagata is younger, is not married to Paul Simon, and brings distinctive touches of her own to the music she makes. Yamagata started out as a belter with the Chicago funk band Bumpus, then spun off onto a silkier tangent as a solo artist. She now tours internationally (September took her through the U.K. and Europe), and a number of her songs have been used in movies and TV shows. Here in Pittsburgh, the intimately progressive atmosphere of Club Cafe is an ideal setting for a performer in the sensitive/strong vein such as Yamagata, and that’s where she will be. With special guests My Name Is You. 8 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side. (MV)

“Ain’t we got all the fools in town on our side? And ain’t that a big enough majority?”—Mark Twain (in “Huckleberry Finn”).

2) The rumors that Hal Holbrook has sold his soul to the Devil are not true. Yet one must excuse the rumors, as there certainly are grounds for suspicion. Here is Holbrook at the age of 90—that’s nine-zero, ninety—still touring and performing his one-man show Mark Twain Tonight, which he originated 60 years ago to re-create Twain’s actual speaking engagements. How does he keep going?

Sources close to the situation insist that no diabolical bargain has been struck. They note that Holbrook might be following Mark Twain’s own precepts for health and longevity, such as the author’s strenuous avoidance of exercise and his famous principle of moderation: “I have made it a rule never to smoke more than one cigar at a time.” Thus we are assured the only diabolical element of Holbrook’s performance will be the humor. The show he’s bringing to Pittsburgh includes new material from the vast repertoire of Twain’s writing and speeches, so whether you have wanted to see Holbrook for the first time or see him again, the question is: Why wait? 7:30 p.m. Byham Theater, 101 6th St., Cultural District.

3) Celebrating over a year in business, Istanbul Sofra is a welcome addition to that colorful culinary corner on South Braddock and Forbes across from Frick Park. Seinfeld’s Kenny Bania would proclaim their lentil soup the best, Jerry, the best. The falafels, hummus, and kebabs are also hard to beat.  Additionally cool: BYOB; outdoor seating; and free soda, juice, or cay with lunch. That last item is pronounced “chai,” but don’t confuse it with those sugary lattés from Starbucks. A dark red tea, cay comes in tulip-shaped glasses and is a symbol of Turkish hospitality. Top it off with some Turkish coffee and baklava for dessert. 7600 Forbes Ave., Regent Square. (CM)

4) The Pens in their second home game of the season face off against the Ottawa Senators at Consol Energy Center. 7 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

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