Southern Breeze Blows in Marshall Tucker Band and Lonestar for Area Concerts (Thurs., 12/3/15)

1) The Marshall Tucker Band, who began in Spartanburg, S.C., in the early 70’s, is playing at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille this evening. Excelling mainly in southern rock, they also blend in some gospel, R&B, jazz, and country music influences. MTB’s sound is unique and catchy and has withstood the test of time. You may still hear “Heard It in a Love Song” and “Can’t You See” on the radio or in a blues bar on open mic night, but at Jergel’s, you’ll hear the original, which is always better than a remake. They are touring in support of their latest album, Live From Spartanburg, South Carolina. This is a great opportunity to hear an early and important band in southern rock history. 8 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale.

2) Persistence paid off for Lonestar. The country band played 500 shows over approximately three years before landing a record contract in 1995. Since then, they have had 10 songs go to number one on the country charts. 1999’s “Amazed” was the big crossover hit, going to number one on both the country and Billboard Hot 100 charts. The song, from the multi-platinum Lonely Grill, won the ACM Single of The Year award. The group’s weathered two significant lineup changes. In 1998, bassist John Rich was fired from the band. He and Big Kenny, a country music singer, would form Big & Rich in 2002. Then, in 2007, frontman Richie McDonald left to pursue a solo career. The group carried on with Cody Collins, of the country group McAlyster, until McDonald rejoined in 2011. With McDonald back, they recorded and released 2013’s Life as We Know It, their 11th album. Now they’re coming to Greensburg for a show at the Palace Theatre. Christian Beck Band opens. 7:30 p.m. 21 West Otterman St., Greensburg. (CM)

3) Titanic – To this day I still can’t believe I sat through this whole thing when it opened in 1997. It was three hours long … and I already knew how it ended! A big ship sets sail and a few days later hits an iceberg and sinks. It’s the in-between part that froze my brain since director/writer James Cameron sticks a soap opera in the middle of it. In performances that made them international stars, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet play passengers who meet on-board. He’s poor and she’s rich (and engaged) but they fall in love anyway. Meanwhile Billy Zane, as Kate’s fiancé, is hoppin’ mad at Leo … leading to my favorite scene in the movie: Water is gushing in through every porthole and the ship is moments away from meeting the ocean floor – but there’s Zane running around with a gun trying to shoot Leo. “Billy, chill out … the problem’s gonna take care of itself.” It’s lunacy like this scene (and many others) that’ll really have you rooting for the iceberg. 10 p.m. Row House Cinema, 4115 Butler St., Lawrenceville. (TH)

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