Rise Against in Concert at Stage AE; Pgh Winery Hosts Calm Before the Storm w/Mark Dignam (Fri., 3/13/26)

March 11, 2026/Rick Handler

1) If you think about it, if you get down to both the medium and the message of the music, punk has always been sorta woke. Granted, it’s hard-edged and hardcore. And yes, the anti-establishment attitude sometimes amounts to no more than angry nihilism. But punk is resolutely democratic—even socialist, counting bands like The Clash—and regardless of whether you support a people’s party, its spirit is “Hey, let’s party with the people, one and all.” Carrying that spirit forward these days is Rise Against. The Chicago-bred rockers have been at it since forming in 1999. They made their social views evident in the very title of their 2003 album Revolutions per Minute. Frontman Tim McIlrath and cofounder Joe Principe are straightedge, vegan, animal-rights advocates—a position that came through loud and clear in the band’s famous 2006 song “Ready to Fall.” And through it all, they’ve developed a melodic hardcore sound that resonates widely. The group’s 10th and latest studio album is last year’s Ricochet. Fans can join the party when Rise Against plays at Stage AE. Doors open at 6 p.m. for this Friday the 13th show with guests Destroy Boys and Koyo. 400 North Shore Dr., North Side. (M.V.)

2) If you prefer a fun, yet slightly more dignified celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, then the annual The Calm Before the Storm – A Night of Traditional and Contemporary Irish Music and Song with Mark Dignam & Friends might be the ticket for you. Mark Dignam was raised in Finglas, a North Side Dublin suburb, where he showed early aptitude as a singer. He moved to Dublin at 18 and began busking on Grafton Street. He is now a long-time Pittsburgh-based resident and performs with his band, The House of Song at Pittsburgh Winery. The tradition continues! 8 p.m. 2809 Penn Ave., Lawrenceville. (C.M., R. H.)