The Chainsmokers to Spark Up PPG Paints Arena; Rock Legend Dave Mason Plays CHMH (Sat., 4/22/17)

1) As the sun set on day one of the 2016 Thrival Music Festival, the crowd was ready to party; The Chainsmokers were ready to deliver. Members Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall took the stage to pyrotechnics. Streamers burst over the crowd. Now the duo returns to Pittsburgh, this time to play the PPG Paints Arena. Not bad for a group whose debut album, Memories…Do Not Open, isn’t even a month old. Prior to that debut, The Chainsmokers’ single “Closer,” which features singer-songwriter Halsey, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2016. The duo also recorded “Don’t Let Me Down,” which features Mt. Lebanon native Daya. The single performed well commercially too, hitting No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 2016. It was The Chainsmokers’ and Daya’s first top five song on the Hot 100. The tune won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording. Kiiara and Emily Warren open. 7:30 p.m. 1001 5th Ave., Uptown. (CM)

Alex Pall (l.) and Andrew Taggart (r.) of the The Chainsmokers creating electrifying music at Thrival Festival 2016. photo: Rick Handler.

2) Dave Mason, a former member of the rock group Traffic, had his first big hit with the Traffic song “Feelin’ Alright,” which was later recorded by Joe Cocker. Mason, who was good friends with Jimi Hendrix when Hendrix was living in London, invited him to a party. That’s where Hendrix first heard Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.” Hendrix was so enthralled with the song that he and Mason went to a London studio that night and recorded it. Mason played the 12-string acoustic guitar on the song. That recording was placed on Hendrix’s Electric Ladyland album and became ingrained in rock history. Mason scored a major FM rock radio hit with “We Just Disagree” in the 1970s, on which he again used a 12-string acoustic guitar. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a founding member of Traffic in 2004. Mason and his band will be performing his hit album from 1970, Alone Together, along with other top songs from his catalog. 8 p.m. Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, 510 East 10th Ave., Munhall. 

3) Pittsburgh Dance Council brings another top-flight modern dance company to town with a visit from Montreal’s BJM Danse. Originally known as Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal, the company shifted to the abbreviated and more cross-lingual name as part of an ongoing quest to remain global and progressive. In Pittsburgh the dancers will perform an evening of three works including “Mono Lisa” (billed as “an acrobatic duet”) plus two ensemble pieces, which promise to be equally high-energy. 8 p.m. Tonight only. Byham Theater, 101 6^th St., Cultural District. (MV)

4) Spinning Jenny are celebrating a CD release show at Diesel. The band, which consists of three sisters and their dad, is from Mingo Junction, Ohio, just down the Ohio River from Steubenville. Their YouTube channel features a range of covers (Twenty One Pilots, Whitney Houston) and some rockin’ originals, such as “Hey Jenny.” A similar balance between old and new can be enjoyed at their live shows. They have already released an LP, 2014’s Outside the Lines, and an EP, 2016’s Weightless. A family reunion was their first gig, and they soon began playing shows for the public. See them at Diesel this month or else wait until June when they begin a summer tour of the tri-state area. The Brighton Boys and The Semi-Super Villains open. 7 p.m. 1601 E. Carson St., South Side. (CM)

5) Pittsburgh Earth Day/Week festivities conclude tonight in a very tasteful way with a “La Vie en Vert,” an elegant Earth to table dinner soiree. The event offers choice of VIP (6 p.m.) or regular admission (7 p.m.). VIP offerings include several dinner and dessert selections prepared by noted local caterers. an open bar, live music, and aerialists performing atop the Frick Building’s penthouse. From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. music will be provided by DJ Jess and signature cocktails made with Boyd & Blair Vodka and Blume Honey Water, a bee-friendly artisanal water beverage; and pop-up fashion offerings. A portion of the proceeds benefit Sustainable Pittsburgh and 412 Food Rescue. Coterie Company, The Frick Building Penthouse. 437 Grant., St., Downtown.

6) City Works Eatery and Pour House is a restaurant chain with only four locations across the United States. Lucky for us, one of those locations opened in Pittsburgh in March, and it has plenty of fun planned for April. City Works has 15 flatscreens, 11,200 square feet of floor space, and an outdoor patio. Whether for lunch, happy hour, or dinner, expect classic American food with brilliant twists. Of notice to beer geeks—90 craft beers. 25 percent of its tap list is reserved for local breweries; expect that number to increase April 21-30 during Pittsburgh Craft Beer Week. The restaurant will raffle off Pirate tickets during that time. City Works is also participating in a Great Lakes Brewing Sustainable Sips Pub Crawl on Earth Day (April 22, 1-5 p.m.) in Market Square. For every passport completed by participants, a tree will be planted. Enjoy either one of these events or book a private party of your own. All in scenic Market Square. Sunday – Wednesday: 11 a.m. – midnight. Thursday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. 2 PPG Place, Downtown. (CM)

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