Steve Miller Band to Rock the ‘Burgh; Deutschtown Music Festival Highlights Hometown Talent; Silk Screen Fest Continues (Sat., 7/11/15)

1) In the 1970s the Steve Miller Band was one of the hottest acts around. Miller was born in Milwaukee and grew up in Dallas, where in high school he met friend and bandmate, rocker Boz Scaggs. He also lived in Chicago and New York before settling in San Francisco and finding his groove. His first taste of major chart success came in 1973 with The Joker, with the title single hitting number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. When the follow up album Fly Like an Eagle dropped in 1976 the title single flew up the charts—nesting at number 2. The song speaks to finding a solution for humanity’s ills.

Chronicling two young lovers—who were also bandits and wanted by the police—was another of Eagle’s hits, “Take the Money and Run.” Every time Texas is referenced in the song it’s followed by five hand claps. 1977 saw the release of Book of Dreams which generated the hits “Jungle Love” and “Jet Airliner.” With all that success, Miller’s career zenith was definitely in the 1970s, but he has released other quality material over the years. A popular draw on the concert circuit, Miller and band continue to shine. Special guest is Matthew Curry. 7 p.m. Highmark Stadium, Station Square, South Side.

2) The Deutschtown Music Festival may raise questions among those from outside the North Side, the biggest of which will arguably be: Pittsburgh has a Deutschtown? Yep, also known as East Allegheny, Deutschtown is a neighborhood in Pittsburgh’s North Side, located just east of the Children’s Museum and the Allegheny Commons Park. One of its busiest streets, East Ohio, is home to some lively bars and restaurants, many of which will serve as venues for the festival.

Now in its third year, and hosted by the East Allegheny Community Council, this all-day event showcases some top Pittsburgh bands and also some lesser known ones. A few Ohio acts and even one group from Michigan are on the bill as well for a full Rust Belt celebration. With 16 venues, 24 stages, and over 125 bands scheduled, there’s too much to list. But here’s a quick cross-section: Like country-swing and earl grey? See Slim Forsythe and his band, which includes noted drummer Brad Smith, at Arnold’s Tea (6 p.m.). Or maybe rock is more your bag, whiskey more your poison. Then check out Chet Vincent and the Big Bend play the last set (8 p.m.) at Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse and Whiskey Garden. Brazilian percussion, courtesy of Timbeleza, will ring in the start (11 a.m.) of the festival at the outdoor Park Stage, located at the Allegheny Commons East. Bluegrass, punk, rap, and other genres will also be represented throughout the day. Some of the venues, like Penn Brewery, are located just outside Deutschtown. For a complete list of venues, and the acts playing therein, be sure to check out the festival’s website. Pittsburgh food trucks will also be on scene as well as art installations, and, come nightfall, fire dancers. 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Free. Deutschtown (East Allegheny), North Side. (CM)

3) Now in it’s 10^th year, this annual festival celebrates the best of contemporary Asian film. Check Silkscreenfestival.org for a complete listing of films, venues and times. (through July 19).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X0d-2x0NAk

Man From Reno – This 2014 film directed by Dave Boyle is a quirky mystery in the Twin Peaks vein. Aki Akahori, a Japanese mystery writer, takes a vacation in San Francisco to escape the marketing blitz behind the release of her latest novel. While stateside she begins an affair with a stranger at her hotel … who vanishes one day. Meanwhile, in a rural town far away a local sheriff accidentally hits a pedestrian on the highway; when and how these two stories meet up is the real mystery at the heart of this USA/Japanese co-produced film. (In English.) 8:45 p.m. Melwood Screening Room,
477 Melwood Ave., Oakland.

4) Our battlin’ Bucs take on the St. Louis Cardinals again today in a 7:15 p.m. game. It’s also a pre-game Saturday Block Party, featuring live entertainment, food and beer options, games and more. Stop by the Leinenkugel Bar and meet former Pirates pitcher John Candelaria. PNC Park, 115 Federal St.,  North Shore.

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