Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, and Edgar Winter Play KeyBank; The Clarks at Rib Fest (Fri., 9/1/17)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXZcJojTucg

1) Alice Cooper rose to fame in the early 1970s with the hits “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “School’s Out,” and “I’m Eighteen.” When Cooper first got on the rock radar, he shocked not only with horror imagery, but also with how hard and well he rocked, setting the stage for many rock/metal groups to follow. He blended horrific makeup and onstage props like guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, baby dolls, snakes, and dueling swords with high-quality rock and metal music. Rolling Stone called Cooper the world’s “most beloved heavy metal entertainer.” His dad was a preacher for The Church of Jesus Christ (the Bickertonites) which was headquartered in Monongahela, PA, and now in Greensburg. Cooper was raised in Detroit and then Arizona. He is a very accomplished amateur golfer. Paranormal is Cooper’s latest, and 27th, album, released in July. His concert is sure to be a music and theatrical event. Also on the bill is ‘70s English metal rockers, Deep Purple, best known for their songs “Hush” and “Smoke on the Water.” Purple has also been called one of the hardest rocking bands in the business. They have 20 albums that say so, including their latest Infinite which was released in April. Edgar Winter opens. 6:30 p.m. KeyBank Pavilion, 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (RH)

2) The Heinz Field Kick Off and Rib Festival is an end of the summer tradition. The festival features some of America’s top rib vendors reflecting the nation’s diverse barbecue tastes. Awards are given out to top vendors each year in categories according to expert judges and attendees. Adding great music to tasty ribs and cold beverages makes a perfect trifecta. Entertainment highlights include: The Clarks and Bastard Bearded Irishmen (Fri.); Pitt vs. Youngstown State football (Sat.), Drake White and The Big Fire and Midland (Sun.); Locash and Bindley Hardware Co. (Mon.)  Continues through September 4. Free admission to Rib Fest. Heinz Field, 100 Art Rooney Ave., North Shore.

3) Bill Deasy’s musical career began in earnest in a Grove City apartment when he and a few locals got together for a jam session. That band, The Gathering Field, became one of the ’90s-era regional favorites. Before that he had received some notoriety in a band called Shiloh. Since those humble beginnings, Deasy has stacked up a résumé that would help him “make it” in places like New York and L.A. He’s had a contract with Atlantic Records (The Gathering Field), opened for Springsteen and Dylan, and his “Good Things Are Happening” was a theme song for a “Good Morning America” video. He’s even published three novels. All while remaining rooted in Pittsburgh. Deasy’s having a Swings, Scamps and Valiants CD release show tonight at Club Cafe. Good things are indeed happening! 7 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side. (EC, RH)

Geoffrey Morgan and Krystyna Pawlowski practice waltzing at Los Sabrosos Dance Company. Los Sabrosos means “the flavorful.” photo: Martha Rial.

4) Unblurred: First Fridays on Penn features a variety of visual and performing arts at galleries, clubs, and restaurants along Penn Avenue (4800-5500) in the Garfield, Bloomfield, and Friendship neighborhoods. 6 – 10 p.m. Most events are free.

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