Teddy Swims in Concert at Stage AE; Heinz Hall Hosts Vince Gill; Lavender House Party at Kelly Strayhorn (Sat., 7/12/25)

July 10, 2025/Rick Handler

1) The above video of “Are You Even Real” beautifully sums up the role of Teddy Swims in our music universe. It’s a song from his new album, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2). We see Teddy relaxed and comfortable, seated in an easy chair or strolling around gently as he sings—which typifies the fact that he has firmly made it big. No longer is Teddy Swims the unknown upstart, who shot from self-made online videos to a major-label recording contract in a few short years. Now he is just everyone’s Teddy bear. And as for the song itself: Hey, it’s good. A sweet old sort of romantic anthem, but done in a surprising, state-of-the-art style—in partnership with his featured guest Givēon, another genre-busting innovator. The overall message is that Swims—a.k.a. Jaten Collin Dimsdale from Conyers, Georgia—is here to stay, and he’s only 32. What more will he do next? Pittsburghers can find out by catching Teddy Swims in concert at Stage AE. His guest for the evening is Sienna Spiro, an English singer-songwriter who, like Teddy, launched her career with home videos online. Doors open 6:30 p.m. 400 N. Shore Dr., North Shore. (M.V.)

2) Longtime country music mega-star Vince Gill will perform at Heinz Hall. Gill was born and raised in Oklahoma. His first touch of national musical success came when the legendary Southern rock group Pure Prairie League, who were already well known for their big hit “Amie,” hired him in the 1970s. Gill departed Pure Prairie League in 1981 and released his first solo LP, The Things That Matter, in 1985. From there, he went on to huge commercial success with 18 studio albums and more than 40 singles on Billboard’s Hot Country charts. Gill’s a Grammy Award winner 22 times over and an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Eagles tapped him and Deacon Frey to join them following the death of Glenn Frey in 2016. When the Eagles last stopped in Pittsburgh in 2023 and Steely Dan dropped off the bill due to the illness of Donald Fagen, Vince Gill stepped into the breach with his band and performed a fantastic set. Gill is also married to Christian/pop singer Amy Grant. His latest album is 2023’s Sweet Memories (with Paul Franklin). 7:30 p.m. 600 Penn Ave., Cultural District. (R.H., C.M.)

3) The Kelly Strayhorn Theater is holding a fundraiser: House Party: Lavender Wave pays tribute to mid-20th-century LGBTQ+ trailblazers whose courage sparked a revolution that still inspires us today. IT promises to be a night of exceptional performances including a bumping dance floor, and spectacular looks. The VIP Reception, features the energy of dance artist Jasmine Hearn, the electrifying vocals of operatic sopranoZuly Inirio, and incredible visuals from media artist Scott Andrew. All proceeds support KST’s fall season of programming. For tickets and more information, visit KST on the web. VIP reception 7 p.m., Dance Party 9 p.m. 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty.