“Steady As She Goes,” Jack White Plays Stage AE; JJ Grey Headlines Blues Fest (CPs Sun., 7/27/14)

1) Jack White, one of today’s most skilled singer/songwriters and musicians, has earned accolades in several ways—as a rockin’ duo with his former wife, Meg, in The White Stripes; with his bands The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, and as a solo artist. He’s not afraid to reach across generations or genres, doing both when he produced classic country singer Loretta Lynn’s 2004 album Van Lear Rose, which peaked at #2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and featured the Grammy Award-winning song “Portland, Oregon.” Some of White’s own top songs include “Steady As She Goes” and “My Door Bell.” Lazaretto, his latest album, was released in June. Rolling Stone named him 70th on its list of “The 100 Greatest Guitarists.” White, somewhat of an eccentric genius, took his wife Meg’s last name when they married in 1996. When the Masonic Temple in his hometown of Detroit was going to be foreclosed upon in 2013 for owing $142,000 in back taxes, White stepped in and paid the bill. The Temple’s second-largest theater was renamed the Jack White Theater in his honor. Benjamin Booker opens the show. Doors open at 7 p.m. Sold out. Stage AE, 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore.

2) Catch a good case of the Sunday Blues at the Pittsburgh Blues Festival. Today’s headliners are: Nied’s Hotel Band, 2 p.m.; Eugene & the Nightcrawlers, 3 p.m.; Ben Miller Band, 4 p.m.; Jill Simmons & Friends, 5:30 p.m.; Spin Doctors, 6:45 p.m., and JJ Grey & Mofro, 8:45 p.m. Enjoy fun for the whole family with games, crafts, hot air balloon rides (tethered), and food. The Pittsburgh Blues Festival benefits the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. Great music in a beautiful sylvan setting. Hartwood Acres. 200 Hartwood Acres, Hampton and Indiana Townships.

3) The City of Pittsburgh’s Bach, Beethoven and Brunch Classical Music Series offers a free concert today by The Amadeus Trio, whom the Los Angeles Times has called “a world-class ensemble.” The group is composed of David Teie (cello), Hiroko Sasaki (piano), and Timothy Baker (violin). This concert series runs every Sunday through Aug. 10 in Mellon Park from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Pack your own brunch basket or buy food at the park. Fifth and Shady Aves., Point Breeze/Squirrel Hill.

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