The Black Keys in Concert at Stage AE; The Palace Hosts Richard Marx (Sun., 8/2/26)

July 31, 2026/Rick Handler

I first became aware of The Black Keys some years back when I was driving my car and had the radio turned on, when I heard one of the crunchiest blues/rock songs I’ve ever heard. The song had killer guitar and drum work done in a tight, straight ahead, take no prisoners approach. The vocals sounded as if they were done by an old blues singer. I was loving the song and thinking to myself, “who the hell is this?” I pride myself on knowing a fair amount about music, but this song had me stumped. After hearing the song again a week later I did a search for it. The song was “Your Touch” by a group called The Black Keys. What was even more impressive was they were two young guys, Dan Auerbach (guitarist and lead singer) and Patrick Carney (drummer, vocals) from Akron, Ohio, who had produced such a rich blues/rock song. Well, The Black Keys have grown even bigger over the subsequent years. They have 14 studio albums under their belt now and have gained fame as one of the best rock bands in the U.S. Their latest album, Peaches!, was released May 1. The album reached No. 16 on the Billboard US Top Rock & Alternative Albums. And as an extra special combo, The Black Keys have been coordinating with the Georgia Peach Truck company to have peaches for sale around some of their tour dates including Pittsburgh. Catch The Black Keys on their Peaches ‘n Kream tour at Stage AE. Special guest is Eddie 9V. Doors open at 6 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (R.H.)

Richard Marx will bring his roster of classic rock hits to Greensburg’s Palace Theater including “Satisfied” and “Don’t Mean Nothing.” The music video for “Don’t Mean Nothing” starred his first wife, Cynthia Rhodes. Marx has been married since 2015 to former model and MTV host Daisy Fuentes. His 14th studio album, released this July, After Hours, has Marx singing seven jazz standards and six related songs. The LP debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Albums chart marking the first time he has charted in jazz music. Marx has also collaborated with Pittsburgh country music artist Justin Fabus in recent years on the song, “Somebody Like You.” 7 p.m. 21 W. Otterman St. (R.H.)