The Black Crowes in Concert at UPMC Events Center; PNC Broadway’s ‘& Juliet’ Opens at Benedum (Tues., 10/29/24)

The Black Crowes are one of America’s top rock outfits and have the catalog to back that up. Their initial album, Shake your Money Maker, released in 1990, produced the hits “Hard to Handle,” “She Talks to Angels,” “Jealous Again” and the title track. All spent time at or near the top of the charts. The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, the band’s follow-up album paid homage to an old hymn, Southern Harmony, and was another hitmaker spinning off hot rockers like “Remedy,” “Sting Me,” “Thorn in My Pride,” and “Hotel Illness.” All reached no. 1 on the charts, an amazing feat that eclipsed Tom Petty three no. 1’s from the same album in 1989. Other interesting rockers from the Crowes catalog include “Wiser Time” and “Nebakanezer.”

The Black Crowe’s signature sound is composed of strong harmonies, top guitar playing, creative drumming/percussion, and melodic keys. They can do a tight 4 minute rock song or go on an extended jam. Although harmony is a big part of the sound, the band’s brotherhood of Chris (lead vocals) and Rich Robinson (lead guitar) has at times been less than harmonious, with several breakups and reunions. Their latest album title, Happiness Bastards, might be the “battlin’ brothers” poking a little fun at themselves. Let’s hope The Black Crowes stay together for a long time to come. Special guest is Tash Neal. 7:30 p.m. UPMC Events Center, RMU, 6001 University Blvd., Moon Township.  (R.H.)

The Black Crowes performing at the Newport Folk Festival in 2008. (photo: DickClarkMises and Wikipedia).

PNC Broadway Series’ ‘& Juliet’ takes a musical look at what Juliet’s life could be like if she hadn’t died tragically in ‘Romeo & Juliet. (Photo: Matthew Murphy)

& JULIET (jukebox musical), book by David West Read and music and lyrics by Max Martin and friends. National touring production. PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh. October 29 — November 3.

2) Clearly, the title informs us that Romeo is missing. & Juliet, the tour-de-force jukebox musical based on Shakespeare’s romantic coming-of-age character Juliet, asks the question no one has had reason to ask: What if she didn’t die in the end? Written by “Schitt’s Creek” Emmy winner David West Read, the answer gets explained by William Shakespeare himself. As the curtain rises, the famous bard attends the opening of his latest work after which his wife Anne (nee) Hathaway (also present for the new teen tragedy) has a lot to say about love and marriage. Shakespeare dutifully listens. And then, because this is all theater-within-theater anyhow, he presents the sad fate of Juliet whose parents want to whisk her off to a convent. No, suggests Anne, that can’t happen. And from there, the audience is brought into a new world of music and dance in which William and Anne set their dreams on those they would wish for Juliet. The fanciful plot is embellished with pop tunes like “I Want It That Way,” “Roar,” “I Kissed a Girl,” and “Oops!…I Did It Again,” all written and/or produced by Max Martin. Juliet, of course, would feel right at home with Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and The Backstreet Boys. If you, like Juliet, want a second chance at love, & Juliet might be the show to experience. Presented as part of the PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series at Benedum Center. 7:30 p.m. 237 7th St, Cultural District. (C.P.O.)

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