Styx, Kevin Cronin, and Don Felder at Star Lake; Hartwood Acres Has KT Tunstall (Sun., 8/10/25)

August 8, 2025/Rick Handler

1) Styx, Kevin Cronin (ex-REO Speedwagon), and Don Felder make up a triple bill at The Pavilion at Star Lake. Styx is the mythical river in Greek mythology that sets the boundary between Earth and Hades. It’s also the name of a Chicago rock band whose major success was between the chronological boundaries of 1972 and 1984. During that period, the band had four consecutive multi-platinum albums and 16 top 40 singles on the U.S. charts. The hit parade included songs like “Lady” and “Come Sail Away.” Oh, and of course Steeler fans love Styx’s “Renegade,” which is often played at home games. This year Styx released their 18th studio album, Circling from Above.

REO Speedwagon first achieved massive success with their 1978 album You Can Tune a Piano but You Can’t Tuna Fish, which contained “Roll With the Changes” and “Time for Me to Fly.” Their ’80 release Hi Infidelity had four singles that went on to become major hits. The band’s name was derived from the REO Speedwagon, a 1915 truck designed by Ransom Eli Olds, of Oldsmobile fame. REO Speedwagon may be broken up for good, but remember this is rock and roll so all things are possible, so this is a great chance to see the band’s lead vocalist, Kevin Cronin, on a solo tour. Don Felder is best remembered as being The Eagles’ longtime lead guitarist until 2001. He has also had a successful solo career. Last but not least, a very special local guest artist—Donnie Iris—is on the bill at Star Lake too. 5:45 p.m. 665 Rt. 18 Burgettstown. (R.H.)

2) As we’ve said before, crowds don’t lie. When people start bringing their lawn chairs in broad daylight to stake out spots for evening outdoor concerts, it’s because the music is free and the music is good. Such is the case with the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series, staged summer-long at two locations: Friday evenings, 7:30 p.m. at South Park Amphitheater, and Sunday evenings, 7:30 p.m. at Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater. The lineup for the second half of this summer includes big-name acts in several genres. South Park has Robert Jon & The Wreck (August 15). Highlights at Hartwood include KT Tunstall (August 10), Smash Mouth (August 17) and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (August 24) 3700 Farmshow Dr., South Park Twp., and 4070 Middle Rd., Allison Park. (R.H.)