The Door’s Robbie Krieger to Jam The Palace; Jergel’s Hosts Night Ranger; Earth Week Activites (Fri., 4/21/17)

1) The Doors were a band of mythic proportions, led by Jim Morrison, who was equal parts poetic rocker and rebel. Unfortunately, Morrison flew too high and too close to the sun. He died in 1971 like many deceased rockers of that time at the age of 27. Most passed from drug or alcohol abuse. With Morrison dying so young, it left the other members of The Doors in a quandary. They continued on for a while with every member contributing vocals until breaking up in 1973. There would be offshoots and reunions throughout the years. Keyboardist Ray Manzarek died in 2013. The Doors’ guitarist, Robby Krieger, is on tour now. He wrote or co-wrote many top Doors’ songs including “Light My Fire,” “Love Me Two Times,” and “Touch Me.” He plays many Doors’ songs in his concerts. Krieger is a highly talented guitar player (no. 76 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Guitarists) and like the other Doors’ members is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. 

2) “Sister Christian” was one of Night Ranger’s biggest hits when it rose on the Billboard Hot 100 chart to No. 5 in June 1984. The San Francisco rock band has had many iterations over the years and is extremely popular in Japan. Night Ranger’s first five albums had worldwide sales of more than 10 million. They are touring in support of their latest album, Don’t Let Up, which features a classic Dodge Challenger on its cover with a large hood scoop and the words “Night Ranger” on its front license plate. Catch them on tour as they celebrate their 35th year together. 8 p.m. Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale. 

Baron Batch paints a mighty pachyderm while a DJ from the Pittsburgh collective Detour provides the beats. The painting was later auctioned to benefit Tree Pittsburgh. Earth Day 2015 photo: Martha Rial.

3) Happy birthday Mother Earth! Thank you for your beauty and for the sustenance you provide us with. On behalf of myself and fellow tree-huggers we are sorry that some not-yet-enlightened-people, especially in the current State and Federal Governments. treat you with such disrespect. In Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A. we have a full day of fun tributes to you at Pittsburgh Earth Day 2017: Steel to Sustainable. Your day starts off early at 8 p.m. with the Sustainability Business Breakfast (free, ticket required) at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center where local business and government leaders will discuss the ongoing green innovation efforts in the region and how organizations can succeed by going green.

At 11 a.m. the festivities continue with the Earth Day Solar Powered Food Truck Festival until 2 p.m. 21 food trucks will be situated near Market Square on Fourth Avenue. Several fashion trucks will be there as well. All will be run on solar power for the day. Paint the Square Green, in Market Square will feature a world market with a mix of local vendors specializing in Earth-friendly products and services, along with organic and educational vendors and live music. The following musical acts will perform: Hannah Jenkins (11 a.m.-noon), Loren (noon-1 p.m.), Rachel B (1-2 p.m.), Joel Lindsey (2-3 p.m.), Nina Sainato (3-4 p.m.), Two Tail Twins (4-5 p.m.).

4) Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District is happening tonight; it features visual arts, musical performances, and interactive exhibits. All events are free and take place at a variety of galleries, art spaces, and venues. Some galleries offer drinks and hors d’oeuvres. What a great way to sample some of Pittsburgh’s great arts and entertainment! 5:30 – 9 p.m., Cultural District.

5) You made it through winter cold and April showers, so now reward yourself with a tasty local brew. Pittsburgh Craft Beer Week 2017  begins on April 21 and continues through April 27. The week-long celebration of Western Pennsylvania’s craft brew culture features education, collaboration and cooperation, and responsible consumption of fine craft beers. The many events take place at various times and locations throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. See their website for a complete rundown.

6) It’s a testament to how far, geographically, country music has come that an Upstate New York guy like Frank Vieira is trying his hand at it. When Vieira (now headquartered in Pittsburgh) was coming of age, country acts were continually vying for the top of the Billboard album charts and any FM radio ranking. So it’s just as likely this star high school athlete in a frozen bit of the Northeast would dream of being the next Eric Church. He continues his march toward country music stardom with his latest release, Three Little Words. We love his southern accent. 8 p.m. No Cover. The Meadows Casino, 210 Racetrack Rd., Washington. (EC/RH)

7) Tonight Revel + Roost kicks off their Friday Night Live event series with Two Tall Twins. The band, composed of keyboardist, Ayesha Scott and guitarist Alex Jeffe, plays a wide variety of music. The festivities will also include artwork by Sarah Zeffiro as part of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Gallery Crawl. Revel + Roost will be serving cold drinks and tasty food. 7-11 p.m. 242 Forbes Ave, just steps away from Market Square.

Artist Sarah Zeffiro with her mixed-media work “Wading” at Fieldwork Contemporary Gallery during Unblurred Gallery Crawl in 2015. photo: Martha Rial.

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