Reverend Horton Heat Plays Jergel’s; ‘Carol of the King, Irish Dance Christmas Spectacular’ (Sun., 12/2/18)

1) The “Reverend” is in town. The Reverend Horton Heat, that is. The Reverend is Dallas-based musician Jim Heath. He and his band have been described as “psychobilly,” with influences of big band, punk, surf, and several other genres, making for an eclectic, energetic fusion of sound. Heath formed his band in 1985; the name “Horton” nods to country music and rockabilly singer Johnny Horton, who is known for his version of “The Battle of New Orleans.” The Reverend Horton Heat has released 12 albums since 1990, most recently this year’s Whole New Life. “Psychobilly Freakout,” from 1990’s Smoke ’Em If You Got ’Em, has been used in a variety of media, including “Beavis and Butt-Head” and in a commercial for Buell Motorcycle Company. The Reverend’s service is at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille. Assisting in the service are Big Sandy, Junior Brown, and The Blasters. 7 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale. (RH, CM)

2) CAROL OF THE KING, THE IRISH DANCE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR by Two Step Productions. This touring song-and-dance show dramatizes a mythical tale wherein the legendary King Solomon, his loving companion Brighid, and other good lads and lassies battle the grim forces of The Frost to restore the spirit of Christmas to the land. The show is led by Justin Boros, former lead dancer in Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance. The fiddle music in Carol of the King is live and guaranteed lively. Dec. 2 only, 4 p.m. at The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. (MV)

3) It’s Ray Werner time at Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater Company and that’s a really good thing. Werner, a former advertising agency owner, has become a noted Pittsburgh playwright. The world premiere plays of his being produced for The Ray Werner Play Festival are SumiSami (A Capuchin missionary rebels against celibacy), Raphael’s Angels (A teenager with Tourette Syndrome shakes things up at troubled Catholic high school), Our Lady of Drubbleduffy (a miracle of the Blessed Mother goes awry in the far West of Ireland), and An Evening of One Acts which includes “The Stuttering Pig,” and “Christmas Tassle Bell.” You can buy individual tickets or see all four with a festival pass.2 and 7 p.m. Ends today. Pittsburgh Playwrights, 937 Liberty Ave., Cultural District.

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