The Collection in Concert at Craft House; John McDonald and Chip Bell ‘Jake Sullivan’ Concert & Book Signing at Moondog’s (Wed., 8/21/24)

1) The Collection, an indie-pop band from Saxapahaw, North Carolina, are performing this evening at Craft House. The group is touring in support of their new album Little Deaths, which was released on August 9. The record “explores deep personal growth, discussing frontman David Wimbish’s struggle with depression, decision to become sober during the pandemic and more. The Collection’s music and breakout hit “Medication” in particular have challenged the negative stigma associated around seeking medication for mental health.” The Collection has developed a rabid fan base from playing many festivals and other shows, and are especially known for their energetic performances. Special guests are Bermuda Search Party and The Beautiful Mistakes. 8 p.m. 5024 Curry Rd., Whitehall.

The Collection. (Photo: Corey Woods)

2) Singer-songwriter John McDonald entertained Pittsburgh audiences with his brand of trop rock songs for several decades. As a solo artist, and with his backing musicians, The Mango Men, McDonald has performed at a diverse list of entertainment venues including Atria’s, Roland’s, Sandcastle, Baja Bar & Grill, and the former Boardwalk floating restaurant and club venue in the Strip District.

Trop rocker John McDonald.

Although the Boston native loves Pittsburgh, he found himself longing for a warmer clime, especially in the winter months. In 2017 he followed one of his Mango Men, Kevin Kornicki to Melbourne, Florida, where Kornicki’s wife, Cathleen, was serving in the Air Force at Patrick Air Force Base. 

McDonald has returned to Pittsburgh every year since to perform at private and corporate engagements. He now returns to celebrate another collaboration that he’s done with Pittsburgh novelist Charles “Chip” Bell. A Pittsburgh personal injury attorney, Bell is also a prolific writer with a series of tropical adventure novels featuring protagonist/hero, Jake Sullivan. All books in the 24-book series have titles from Jimmy Buffett songs. Bell will hold a book signing event at Moondog’s Pub in Blawnox this evening in support of the latest in his Jake Sullivan novel series, Southern Cross. John McDonald will also be on hand, performing songs from his new album, Everything’s Jake, that ties in with Bell’s, Southern Cross.

Novelist Charles “Chip” Bell.

McDonald won the Trop Rock Music Association Single of the Year Award for the title song of his previous album, Islandology. He has been a noted performer in the Gulf Coast genre with his unique blend of reggae, rock, island and calypso sounds. His latest album, Everything’s Jake: A Jake Sullivan Album, is “a tribute to the Jake Sullivan Series and features songs inspired by the characters and settings in Bell’s novels.”

“McDonald’s performance at Moondog’s is sure to transport the audience to a tropical paradise with fun, catchy tunes like the title cut “Everything’s Jake,” “Life Is a Shipwreck,” and “At the Soggy Dollar Bar,” an ode to the fabled Jost Van Dyke tiki bar in the British Virgin Islands that originated the Painkiller cocktail. Since Jake Sullivan is akin to a tropical James Bond, McDonald also conjures up darker, mysterious island impulses with The Dark Side of the Sunshine State and Your Jamaica Mistake.” Everything’s Jake is full of fun, adventurous trop rock tracks that will put you in a Caribbean state of mind.

Happy hour begins at 4 p.m. (although it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere), followed by a meet and greet at 5 p.m. McDonald will be performing his trop rock songs and those of others throughout the evening. For tickets and more information visit the Moondog’s website. 378 Freeport Road, Blawnox.

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