Taylor Swift In Action at Heinz Field; First Niagara Hosts Dave Matthews Band (Sat., 6/6/15)

1) In case you missed it, Taylor Swift, who was already cleaning up at the pop music game, just gave a master class on how to release a music video. The epic revenge fantasy video for “Bad Blood” is studded with Swift’s celebrity girl pals, from Lena Dunham to Cindy Crawford, and after a movie-style build-up to its “world premiere” on May 17, the video broke Vevo records with 20 million views in 24 hours. Expect a similar level of showmanship from Swift’s concert at Heinz Field as part of The 1989 World Tour. Swift’s fifth studio album, 1989, which includes the number one singles “Shake It Off” and “Blank Space”, marked the point where she left her country roots entirely behind her. Swift collaborated with Jack Antonoff of the band Fun on some of the tracks, and has said 1980s electro-pop was an inspiration for her new sound. From reviews of the concert tour, fans can expect to hear most of the new album, with just a few forays into back catalog, and to see no shortage of costume changes. With special guests Vance Joy (of the hit single “Riptide”, covered by Swift) and Shawn Mendes. 7 p.m.100 Art Rooney Ave., North Shore.

2) “Ants Marching” or “Gravedigger?” “Crash Into Me” or “Crush?” So go the speculations as to what Dave Matthews Band will play live. Fans needn’t worry too much about not hearing their favorite songs. This year, DMB promise to play two full sets at each show. Unsurprising, really. Beginning in Charlottesville, Virginia, the group has become one of the world’s premier live acts for over 20 years. They’re also great in the studio, with six consecutive albums debuting at number one—a record. Their mix of rock, jam, and jazz has moved hearts and feet across generations. It’s been nearly three years since their last album (2012’s Away from the World), but Dave doesn’t need a new release to tour. Just summer weather and fans ready to cut a rug or, in the case of First Niagara Pavilion, beach towel. 7 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown.

3) Railroad Earth are bringing their bluegrass-influenced sound to Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival lineup, with a free show in Point State Park. And if the first official weekend of summer plays it by the book and puts on a warm, sun-drenched day, then Railroad Earth will be just the ticket for a chilled-out evening in the park after a hard day at the festival. The band have been playing together since 2001, blending elements of different styles including bluegrass, rock n’ roll and jazz. The six-member band, fronted by vocalist and songwriter Todd Sheaffer, features violin, accordion, mandolin, acoustic and electric guitars, banjo, penny whistle, drums, and bass. The band’s latest release was 2014’s Last of the Outlaws, featuring the five-part, 21-minute epic “All that’s Dead May Live Again/ Face with a Hole”. They also feature in a collaboration with blues guitarist Warren Haynes, Ashes and Dust, to be released in July. 7:30 p.m. Free. Dollar Bank Stage, Point State Park, Downtown.

When the women of fireWALL want “Admission” they do not ask, they howl.

4) Off the WALL Productions, one of the area’s premier alternative theater companies, has an affiliated dance company. The troupe is fireWALL Dance Theater and its new offering, Admission, is performed entirely by women.  If one should ask why no men are getting the spotlight, the answer might be “because they always do”. Admission is a pitch for entry to male-dominated circles with the proviso that once the women arrive, things will be different. Choreographed by Elisa-Marie Alaio, with original music by Ryan McMasters. 8 p.m. Ends today. 25 W. Main St., Carnegie.

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